I'm new to solenoid usage and have a question about a whether a certain type exists. I'm trying to make an automatic water valve to empty a fairly large container and solenoids appear to be the best way to do this. However, I need it to function with the absolute minimum power possible. Therefore, the constant drain of a solenoid would be pretty problematic.
Is it possible to get a solid state solenoid? As in a solenoid (or other mechanism) where a minimum voltage is provided for a short time, opening the valve, and then at the second application of that voltage it would close. I can't just use a relay connecting the solenoid and another battery for the same issue of power usage on that additional battery. My only other idea is just to attach a motor or servo to the valve and turn it manually, but that seems too fiddly.
Use the search term "bistable valve" or "latching valve".
It'll do what you described.
You may need to control it by reversing polarity, so you'd need to figure out how to do that.
I'm new to solenoid usage and have a question about a whether a certain type exists. I'm trying to make an automatic water valve to empty a fairly large container and solenoids appear to be the best way to do this. However, I need it to function with the absolute minimum power possible. Therefore, the constant drain of a solenoid would be pretty problematic.
Is it possible to get a solid state solenoid? As in a solenoid (or other mechanism) where a minimum voltage is provided for a short time, opening the valve, and then at the second application of that voltage it would close. I can't just use a relay connecting the solenoid and another battery for the same issue of power usage on that additional battery. My only other idea is just to attach a motor or servo to the valve and turn it manually, but that seems too fiddly.
Thanks!
Search for "piloted solenoid valve". I use them on my irrigation system. 2" valves operated with a tiny solenoid that pulls a tiny pin to let the water on the pressure side of the valve in to force the rubber diaphragm open and let the 2" water volume flow. Releasing the pin allows the water pressure to equalize and close the diaphragm. Mine are 120 VAC, but you can get them for any voltage.