This is my first post here, so please tell me if I should clarify anything.
I'm having the problem that my electromagnet is getting very hot and I can't figure out why. I bought the Intertec ITS-MS-2015 from Conrad.
It's a 12V 2.5W electromagnet with a force of 20N.
It's force is really nice (see some experiments). But like I said it get's very hot.
Some data:
Magnet:
R: 70 ohm
U: 21 V
Calculated I (12/70): 0.1714285714 A / 171 A
Documented I (2.5/12): 0.2083333333 A / 208 mA
Measured I: 0.17 A (in 10A mode) en 155 mA (in 200mA mode)
I use a Voltcraft USPS-600 adjustable DC adapter, put on the 12v mode, to power it. It says it can deliver 600mA. I also measured that it's giving about 12V.
When I mean hot I mean you can't hold it in your hands anymore.
Relative duty cycle (percent) 100 50 25 10
Maximum duty cycle (seconds) ? - - -
Max Power (Watts) at 20 ° C coil temperature 2.5
I also asked the questions at All about circuits.
I'm afraid the conclusion is:
It's heatsinking, lowering the duty cycle (using PWM), adding a resistor, or just making sure the surrounding parts can handle the heat.
An EP magnet vs EM requires a pulse. To make the polarity internal or external(- or +).
Just send a + pulse or - pulse to switch between magnet on and off.
EP magnets aka holding or sucking magnets do have a down fall. They usually require a capacitor as the pulse is a higher voltage.
Also They are not the best vibration magnets aka like a pager actuator.