Controlling 100+ Solenoid Valves

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Controlling 100+ Solenoid Valves

Post by emperor »

I am currently planning a big water projcet and might need to controlle more than 100+ 6V Solenoid Valves with an Arduino at the end.
I there a stackable shield like the 16-Channel 12-bit PWM/Servo Shield to do that?

Thanks for the help!

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Re: Controlling 100+ Solenoid Valves

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

A PWM/Servo shield by itself won't do it. You would still need a transistor and kickback diode for each solenoid coil. But you could use a stack of PWM/Servo shields to drive them.

Typically, it will take a lot more current to actuate the solenoid compared to the current required to hold the position. You can reduce power requirements and increase coil life by starting with 100% PWM duty cycle to actuate, then back off to 20%-30% or whatever is required to hold position.

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Re: Controlling 100+ Solenoid Valves

Post by emperor »

Thanks for the fast feedback!
Does this mean that the PWM-Channel can provied as much current as the V+?

That is a good idea! I also experienced that I need 5V to open it but just 2.3 to keep it open. I don't worry about current to much as I will never open morn then 10 valves at the same time.

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Re: Controlling 100+ Solenoid Valves

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

The PWM outputs can only supply about 25mA. That is why you need the transistors. The kickback diodes are needed to protect the transistors from the inductive kickback from the solenoid coils.

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Re: Controlling 100+ Solenoid Valves

Post by emperor »

All right, thanks!
I was hoping to skip all the soldering.
But I guess I have to do it...

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