A simulation and experimental study on the operating characteristics of a solenoid gas injector

Purpose of this study is to develop a solenoid actuator that can be used for natural gas injector. Operation of the solenoid injector is described by two mathematical models including an electrical model and a mechanical model. The solenoid injector is also modeled and simulated in Maxwell and Simplorer based on the specifications of a real solenoid injector. The operating characteristics of the solenoid injector, including the current, electromagnetic force, and displacement of the plunger, are investigated under the effects of input parameters. In addition, experimental systems are established to examine the electromagnetic force and the plunger displacement in the solenoid injector under the effects of air gap and input voltage, respectively. The simulation results show that the electromagnetic force and displacement of the plunger can be easily increased by reducing the length and increasing the width of the cross-sectional shape of the coil. In addition, the increased length and diameter of plunger also contribute to improving the electromagnetic force. The increase in plunger mass results in fluctuating plunger displacement, which can affect the quality of injection. The simulation results are validated by experimental results on the effects of air gap and input voltage.