What is a high-speed solenoid valve?
High-speed solenoid valves are electromechanical devices used to control and regulate the flow of fluids, such as water, air or other liquids, in industrial systems and specialised applications. These valves are characterised by extremely fast response times, which allows them to open and close rapidly and accurately.
The main characteristics and benefits of the use of these components in ornamental fountains are as follows:
- Fast response time: These valves can open and close in a fraction of a second, which makes them ideal for applications that require fast, accurate control of the flow of liquid.
- Accuracy and control: Thanks to their fast response capacity, high-speed solenoid valves allow precise control of the flow of liquid, which is particularly important in applications that require a high degree of precision and accuracy.
- Energy efficiency: High-speed solenoid valves have very low power consumption and a safety voltage of 24V DC.
- Reliability and durability: These valves are designed to withstand intensive work cycles and offer a long useful life, which makes them reliable in demanding environments.
Where are high-speed solenoid valves used?
In the field of ornamental fountains, OTB uses high-speed solenoid valves principally in the following three applications:
- As an important part of cybernetic fountains, allowing the creation of choreography, waves, shows and alternation with the water to create a show.
- Integrated into digital water curtains, digital water curtains are systems that use multiple jets of water controlled individually to create moving water surfaces that act as screens on which to project images and videos. These water curtains are controlled by high-speed solenoid valves that regulate the height and flow of each water jet independently. By combining the precise control of the solenoid valves with the right lighting and the projection of visual content, impressive effects can be achieved, such as light images floating in the air or animated sequences in the water.
- For individualised control of the jets in walk-through fountains.
The use of this element in ornamental fountains offers flexibility and versatility to design and programme a wide range of effects, from choreographed cascades and jets to interactive water screens. The ability to rapidly control and modulate the flow of water allows a dynamic, captivating visual experience for spectators.
How to connect solenoid valves
The connection of solenoid valves depends on the specific system and configuration in which they are being used, although it’s true that any connection requires the following components:
- Power source
- Controller
- Wiring
- Pipe connections
- Installation, testing and adjustments
In making the connections, the manufacturer’s instructions and the safety regulations must be taken into account. The documentation provided by the manufacturer must always be checked for specific instructions on the connection of those particular solenoid valves.
It is important to note that high-speed solenoid valves usually require a suitable controller for optimum functioning. This controller can provide the precise activation signal to open and close the valve at the desired time, ensuring effective control of the flow of water.
What types of solenoid valve are there?
There are various different types of solenoid valve on the market. The main types used in ornamental fountains are as follows:
- Simple solenoid valves
- Assisted solenoid valves
Each type of solenoid valve has specific characteristics and they are selected according to the requirements of the particular application. It is important to take factors like the flow, pressure, type of fluid and control requirements into account when choosing the right type of solenoid valve.
