Smart Realisation of Energy Savings During Switching Operation at Bi-stable Process Valves

Energy efficient bi-stable latching valves are well suited, for instance, for applications in which only a limited energy supply is available. Especially for those applications, the conventional control by using constant voltage pulses offers potential for further energy savings by applying only the required switching energy to the coil. For this purpose, an end stop detection by using position estimation is proposed and implemented onto cost-efficient electronics for commercial use. The approach is investigated and its functionality is successfully demonstrated in a realistic environment by using a fluid-operated valve at different ambient temperatures and supply pressures.