12V Solenoid Valve with Relays vs Transistors?

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

I've read a few posts here about this subject.

Im working on a solenoid project where I need to have the 12v solenoid valve controlling water flow of my showerhead. I would like to control the solenoid with a simple button.

I have been researching on how to operate a solenoid and found a couple of ideas:

  1. This uses transistors & diodes: http://www.instructables.com/id/Controlling-solenoids-with-arduino/?ALLSTEPS

  2. And this post here which uses a relay: Q: Connect 12v solenoid valve to relay board. - #8 by Marciokoko - General Electronics - Arduino Forum

What I currently have:

  1. I do have or could make a 9V-battery-powered source (but eventually id rather use a 120V AC source and somehow convert it to DC. For now Ill stick to the 9V x 2 battery pack idea. What would I need to power it from the wall socket? Im guessing one of those cables with transformers that will step down from 120V to 12V and a max of Amps that I would have to get from my valve manufacturer.

  2. 12V solenoid valve.

  3. 1k resistor, breadboard, jumpers.

  4. TIP120 transistor - I need to get one - i only have a IRLB8721

  5. 1N4004 - I need to get one - i only have a 2N2222

I guess I could use a relay but I only have this: http://www.tinyosshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=228&filter_name=l298n

A. Could that be used as a relay? Eventually I would have to buy a 12V relay, I understand.
B. Could those transistors and diodes work? eventually I would have to buy those mentioned above.

2

9V battery is a non-starter, not enough current for any kind of motor, servo or solenoid.
12V battery with decent current capability is where to start for a 12V solenoid valve. You'll
need enough capacity too to hold the valve open for the length of time needed.

3

Ok. So maybe a wall jack would be best because I would have to be changing the battery and a 12V is pretty big!

So if I use a wall jack, I would need it with a transformer down to 12V DC...and I still havent received the tech specs from my supplier.

I also hope its a normally-valve-closed type.

4

bump :slight_smile:

A. Could that l298N board be used as a relay?

B. Could the IRLB8721 transistor and 2N2222 diode work?

5

Im working on a solenoid project where I need to have the 12v solenoid valve controlling water flow of my showerhead. I would like to control the solenoid with a simple button.

Post the electrical specs for the solenoid valve.

6

Im still waiting to receive more detailed specs with amps and stuff. All I have is this:

Technical parameter：
Body material: brass
Operating voltage: DC12V
Applicable fluid: air, water, oil
Motion pattern: directly operated type
Type: normally-closed
Flux aperture: 16mm
Tube aperture: 1/2"
Operating temperature: -5℃~ +80℃
Pressure range: 0~1.0Mpa

(1) Power specification
A. Working Voltage：
AC: 24V/36V/110V/220V/380V
DC: 12V/24V/36V
B. Working temperature: -10℃~+50℃
Coil allows the temperature: 99℃

7

So no idea of the current? You're going to have to measure the coil resistance then.

8

Hi,
Do you have a part number/ manufacturer of the solenoid please.
The spec you have been given is the generic spec sheet for the type of solenoid valve, not your specific unit.

Tom..... :slight_smile:

9

Here is the link. I'm still waiting for the tech specs from the supplier...

10

Here is the link.

There's no link.
Click on the LINK toolbutton (just to the right of the computer monitor symbol, paste the link into the FIRST box that appears, click OK,
Type in a label for the link in the SECOND box that pops up, click OK, click POST. (SAVE)

11

Here it ishttp://www.tinyosshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=552&filter_name=Solenoid

12

Based on physical size of the coil, I would estimate the current to be anywhere from 200 ma to 500 mA but not more. Can you use a DMM to measure the current ? (do you KNOW how to do that ?)

13

Here is a picture:

FullSizeRender (10).jpg
FullSizeRender (10).jpg1553×1288 354 KB

14

Ok it's a 2.5A valve

15

You can use this mosfet which can be switched by an arduino output connected directly to the gate, as long as you add a suitable flyback diode (1n4004 to 1n4007)
Optionally, you can use this to switch a relay that switches the solenoid.

mosfet switched solenoid.gif