What is a Solenoid – Different Types, Working Principle and Its Applications

The solenoids are simple electrical components and it has many uses in daily life. The term itself is derived from the Greek name “solen”, which illustrates a channel or a pipe. The second part of the name is taken from the Greek name “eidos”, which refers to an outline. Basically, it is a component in the form of a pipe. The solenoid is used in a variety of applications, and there are numerous types of solenoid designs available. Each of them has their own properties that make it useful in many precise applications. The various designs of these components do not change their necessary operating feature and the designing of the solenoids can be done in different ways. Generally, solenoid works on general electrical principle, but the mechanical energy of this device is distributed in a different way in different designs.

What is a Solenoid and Its Working Principle

A solenoid is a very simple component, that includes a coil of wire that is covered around a core made out of a metal. When a current is applied to the solenoid, it has the effect of assembling a consistent magnetic field. Electricity changes to magnetism then it changes to electricity and, therefore, these two forces are united into one.

An attractive thing about the uniform field in a solenoid is that, if the solenoid has an immeasurable length, the magnetic field would be the similar everywhere along the element. In a solenoid, sometimes this translates to very small electrical components being able to do a marvelous amount of work. For instance, a powerful solenoid can simply slam shut a valve that would be demanding for even the burliest plumber to close by hand.

Different Types of Solenoids

There are various Types of Solenoids are available in the market. They differ in terms of their material, design and function. But all kinds of solenoids depend on the same electrical principles.

• AC Laminated Solenoid
• DC C–Frame Solenoid
• DC D–Frame Solenoid
• Linear Solenoid
• Rotary Solenoid

AC Laminated Solenoid

An AC laminated solenoid is famous for the amount of force that can be performed in their first stroke. They can also use a longer stroke than a DC solenoid. They are obtainable in several different configurations and ranges. These types of solenoids will produce a clean buzz when they are being used.

DC C–Frame Solenoid

A DC C–Frame solenoid uses only a frame, formed like the letter C, which is covered around the coil. This kind of solenoid has an extensive range of different applications. Even though they are famous in a DC configuration, they can also be designed to be used with AC power.

DC D–Frame Solenoid

A DC D–Frame solenoid gears have a two-piece frame that is covered around the coils. These are used in several different applications like industrial applications. Like the C–Frame, these solenoids can also be designed in AC alternatives, for applications when the properties of an AC solenoid are more attractive than a DC solenoid.

Linear Solenoid

This kind of solenoids is more familiar with the most people. These are capable of using a pulling or pushing force on a mechanical device and can be utilized for a variety of metering tasks. These solenoids are used in a different applications. For instance, a solenoid on the starter device of a vehicle which includes a motor. Whenever electrical current flows through the solenoid, then it will move in a linear fashion to get two contacts together.

When the two contacts are getting together, they let power to flow from the battery supply to the different components of the automobile and the automobile to start. The best application of the solenoid is electric lock. When the lock is attached to the bolt on a door, it can immediately protect a door sufficient to hold up to a great deal of violence.

Rotary Solenoid

Rotatory solenoid is a good example of mechanical force which can be used in different methods to make easy of an automatic control process and quite easy to make life easier. In this solenoid, there is the similar coil and core design, though it is somewhat changed. In a rotary solenoid, a disc is used instead of the solenoid being a simple device with a core and coil. The body of the solenoid is lined up with the grooves and ball bearings are used to make easier motion.

Triggering the solenoid makes the core to be drawn back into the coil. This force is converted into a rotation force in the disc. Most of the devices are also inbuilt with a spring. When the power supply  is detached from the solenoid, the spring makes the core to be drawn out of the coil, releasing the disc and transferring it back to its unique position.

Similar to many electrical devices, this tool happens to have been developed as a security device. This product was first used during World War-II as a way to enhance the durability of the devices used in bombs. Nowadays, these kind of solenoids is general electrical components, which are very appropriate to utilize in trying industrial environments.

Applications of Solenoid

• A solenoid is an essential coil of wire that is used in electromagnets, inductors, antennas, valves, etc. The application of a solenoid differs in numerous types like medical, locking systems, industrial use, the bottom line and Automotive Solenoid Applications.
• A solenoid is used to control a valve electrically, for example, the solenoid core is used to apply mechanical force to the valve.
• These can also used in particular types of door locking systems, which use an electromagnet and offer a very secure closure.
• The solenoid is used in many different appliances and products like computer printers, fuel injection gear used on cars and in various industrial settings.
• The main advantage of the solenoid is, whenever an electricity is applied, the reaction of the solenoid is immediate.
• That quick response is one of the most significant factors in resolving the applications of solenoids.

Thus, this is all about different types of solenoids which includes AC Laminated Solenoid, DC C–Frame Solenoid, DC D–Frame Solenoid, Linear Solenoid, Rotary Solenoid and Tubular Solenoid. Furthermore, any queries to implement electrical projects, please give your feedback or suggestions in the comment section below. Here is a question for you, What is the function of a solenoid?

Photo Credits:

• Types of Solenoid shopify
• AC Laminated Solenoid magnetschultz
• DC C–Frame Solenoid rs-online
• Rotary Solenoid eetasia