Electrical characteristics of a solenoid coil

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    Coil Rating Voltage
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electrical characteristics of a solenoid coil used in a fuel pump, specifically focusing on determining the voltage rating of the coil without damaging it. Participants explore the implications of operating the pump at different voltages and duty cycles, as well as methods to assess the coil's specifications based on its resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports testing a fuel pump at 12V and 24V, noting changes in duty cycle and current draw.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of limiting heat generation in the coil when increasing voltage, explaining the relationship between voltage, current, and heat production.
  • Several participants question how to verify the coil's voltage rating without opening the pump or having a datasheet.
  • One participant suggests that the coil's design is specific to its application, raising concerns about the implications of using it outside its intended voltage range.
  • There is a query about determining the rated voltage of a solenoid coil using its resistance, which is met with skepticism regarding the variability in solenoid designs.
  • Another participant mentions the use of PWM from a function generator to control the duty cycle.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential dangers of overheating the fuel pump, leading to a warning about the original poster's previous inquiries regarding hazardous activities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about how to safely determine the voltage rating of the solenoid coil, with no consensus on a definitive method. There are differing views on the implications of operating the pump at higher voltages and the associated risks.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of a datasheet and the inability to open the fuel pump for inspection, which limits the discussion's scope. There is also mention of varying designs in solenoids that affect the ability to generalize voltage ratings based on resistance alone.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the electrical characteristics of solenoids, fuel pump applications, and those exploring the implications of operating components outside their specified ratings may find this discussion relevant.

core7916
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TL;DR
Electrical characteristics of a solenoid coil(voltage rating)
I have a fuel pump consisting of a solenoid coil. I have tested the fuel pump at 12V supply. The pump actuates at 20% duty cycle(200Hz frequency) and draws a current of 1.7A. When I increase the supply voltage to 24V it actuates at 7% duty cycle(200Hz Frequency), drawing a current of 0.6A. How can I verify for what voltage is the coil rated without damaging it? It is not possible to open the fuel pump and check the solenoid coil. I do not have any datasheet. Fuel pump P/N: HQ A2C16376700
 
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The pump actuates at minimum 20% duty cycle and above for 12V supply. Is there any way that I can check voltage rating(If the coil can withstand 24V?). Since at 24V the pump actuates at 7% duty cycle which is my requirement.
 
You must limit the heat generated in the coil.
Double the voltage will double the current, which will generate four times the heat per unit time. The duty cycle goes from 20% to 7%, which is one third of the time on.
On 24V, that is 1/3 * 4 = 133% of the 12V design heat.
 
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How can I verify that the coil can withstand 24V without causing any damage to it?
 
core7916 said:
How can I verify that the coil can withstand 24V without causing any damage to it?
You cannot.
The coil will have been designed for a particular application.
What is the new application ?
 
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In my application I require the pump to open at less duty cycle. While testing I observed that when the supply voltage was increased to 24V the pump actuated at lesser duty cycle.
 
Is there any method by which i can determine the rated voltage of a solenoid coil by using the coil resistance?
 
core7916 said:
In my application I require the pump to open at less duty cycle.
What is that application?

core7916 said:
While testing I observed that when the supply voltage was increased to 24V the pump actuated at lesser duty cycle.
You have not described the circuit you use to power the solenoid.
Do you control the duty cycle with a switching supply, or does the pump change duty cycle based on the continuous voltage applied?

core7916 said:
Is there any method by which i can determine the rated voltage of a solenoid coil by using the coil resistance?
No.
Different solenoids are wound with different size wire, for different magnetic field strengths.
 
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PWM is given from a function generator.
 
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It seems like an overheating fuel pump would be a really bad thing.

The OP has a history here at PF of posting questions about dangerous activities, so this thread is now done and the OP is on a temporary vacation from PF.
 
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