Power saving circuit for solenoid driver

摘要

An electronic driver circuit for reducing power consumed by a solenoid operated device. The end of the solenoid operating stroke or the existence of suitable kinetic energy in a solenoid armature is measured by reference to current flow through the solenoid coil. Current flow through the solenoid coil is subsequently terminated so as to avoid further power waste which is not contributing to any desirable increase in armature kinetic energy. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic flux built up in the solenoid coil is applied through a suitable diode network back to the power supply, thereby reducing further the power requirements for solenoid operation.