How to approach controlling multiple sets of solenoid valves?

Question

Please excuse me for asking basic questions as I am a newbie in this field and learning as I go.

I have a project that requires simultaneous functioning of two solenoid valves. I require three sets of two solenoids. Set when one is energized it needs to open two valves and so forth.

Each set needs to be energized for a period of one hour. I have six Burkert 6281-EV-A13 - 24V - 8W Normally-closed solenoid valves. The valves will be used to control the flow of air from a vacuum pump.

I have researched quite a bit but it seems there is a lot of different ways to go about the circuit design and I have no clue which would be the best route to take. In essence, all I need to do is switch the solenoid on and off via an on/off switch or remote receiver. No PLC or signal controls are required. Any assistance will be highly appreciated.

Answer 1

Solenoid valves are basically exactly what they sound like: a solenoid which, when energised, operates a valve. (Here's a good video from Engineering Mindset explaining them.)

You have 24VDC solenoids, so you can do it as simply as this:

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

• Power: As the valves are 8W, you'd expect them to need 8 / 24 = 0.3A each, so you'll need a decent kind of power supply.
• Timer If you want to control that hour automatically, you'll want some kind of timer. (But you'll need to update your question with details of how it knows when to go on, how long exactly to stay on, etc.)
• Long cable If the cable is long, it's better to replace the switch with a relay, so that the higher current is local to the solenoids. (But you'd need to update your question with details of length to answer this.)
• Safety It can get a lot more complicated if there's anything dangerous involved, or risks associated with one valve failing, that you need to take into account. The above is the basic starting point.

Answer 2

Here's the schematic.

Y1 - Y6 are the solenoid valves.

S1 - S3 are SPST switches or RF remote controlled switches.

D1 - D3 are the flyback diodes.

With the coil consumption being 48 W, the current drawn at 24 V would be 2 A.

A 24 V DC - 3 A power supply unit would suffice.