Condition monitoring in electro-magnetic operated valves

Research Task/Objectives

The objective is to make inherent interrelation in electromagnetic transformers available to generate additional information about the valve condition. The approach is to conclude the valve spool position from magnet voltage and power. The entire potential of the sensorless position estimation for fluid power is to be shown.
The generated information is to be used for condition monitoring in the valve and hence contribute to a higher diagnosis depth. The goal is to increase the availability and safety of components and machines. A method must be developed which allows for quantifi-cation of the error detection quality.

Approach/Results

The inherent interrelations are analyzed by means of simulation models. The results serve for comparison of diverse approaches for sensorless position estimation. The systematic adjustment eliminates weaknesses. The result is an easy, practical implementation in a demonstrator.
The basis for error detection in the valve is the description of the interrelations of error location and effect under the consideration of the valve’s complex acting mechanisms. With the intelligent connection of error relevant information, it is possible to narrow down the location, size and source of the error. Depending on the error type, a specific counter measure can be initiated.

The contribution is based on the project "Condition Monitoring in electro-magnetic operated valves" initiated and financed by the Forschungsfonds Fluidtechnik within VDMA (FKM Nr. 702700).