Simulation and experimental study of electro-pneumatic valve used in air-powered engine

To evaluate the performance of newly designed electro-pneumatic valves (EPVs) for the air-powered engine (APE) and study laws of parameters affecting them, a simulation model was established based on the thermodynamics and mechanics theories. Experiments were set up to determine the instantaneous effective orifice area of solenoid valve by the constant volume discharge method. The simulation model was also validated by comparing the measured displacement curve with the simulated displacement curve of the valve in the pressure of 0.16 and 0.49 MPa. Simulation and experimental results showed that maximum working frequency of the designed EPV could reach 30 Hz corresponding to 2000 r/rain of engine rotating speed. Based on simulation results, impacts of temperature and pressure of control air on delay time, full opening/closing time and seating velocity of EPV were analyzed. The simulation model could also act as EPV simulation prototype in designing the air exchange control system of APE.