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I want to buy a linear solenoid that has the following specifications in the Datasheet:

  • 24 VDC
  • 9W 100% Duty Cycle
  • 18W 50% Duty Cycle
  • 36W 25% Duty Cycle
  • 90W 10% Duty Cycle

And the following force-stroke curves:

enter image description here

I have a power supply of 24VDC and 10A. Since I don't know the coil resistance (at 20 °C), how can I know the current that would go through the coil?

In other words, do I have to assume that at 24V the curve that represents the behaviour of the solenoid corresponds to 100% duty cycle and 9W? And the other curves are only for higher voltages than the rated voltage of 24 V?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Decent datasheets should specify the current vs actuation/field strength/something. The graph you linked doesn't tell a thing. Do you have a link to the datasheet? Though in case 24V can be regarded as 24.00V in this example, you can probably calculate the currents based on power. Just note than in a real application, voltage and resistance will vary, you should regulate it with constant current. \$\endgroup\$
    – Lundin
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:24
  • \$\begingroup\$ The link of the datasheet is link . I was aware of the varaition of resistance due to a temperature increase (which translates to a current decrease), but I thought voltage should remain constant during operation. \$\endgroup\$
    – Optical_flow_lover
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:37
  • \$\begingroup\$ Depends a lot on the application. You should also have some graph in the datasheet showing temperature curves. What you linked isn't a datasheet, it is a product brief labelled "datasheet". Don't buy crap that doesn't come with proper documentation. \$\endgroup\$
    – Lundin
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ You need to know the resistance. Ask the vendor; or find a better one. \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks for the advice! I will do that. \$\endgroup\$
    – Optical_flow_lover
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:44

1 Answer 1

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I have a power supply of 24VDC and 10A. Since I don't know the coil resistance (at 20 °C), how can I know the current that would go through the coil?

From the information you state....

  • 24 VDC
  • 9W 100% Duty Cycle

It's a fair assumption that the current from a 24 volt supply would be 375 mA or thereabouts. The solenoid would have a DC resistance of 64 Ω.

  • 90W 10% Duty Cycle

That's basically an average of 9 watts i.e. 90 watts for 10 percent of the time. That puts an upper limit on the pulsed voltage of 75.89 volts because: -

$$\text{Voltage}_{MAX} = \sqrt{Power\times Resistance}$$

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Very useful, thanks! So using my power supply (24V 10A) I guess I should expect a force-stroke curve like the green one? Anyways I will try to find a better documented product. \$\endgroup\$
    – Optical_flow_lover
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yes, the green curve applies to a constant 24 volts applied. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Commented May 2, 2023 at 14:47

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