Optimization of the actuation behaviour of a hybrid electromagnetic switching/holding solenoid

Despite their long existence and diverse use as electro-magneto-mechanical energy converters, electromagnets are indispensable and of paramount importance in many areas of technology, such as critical switching and positioning tasks in relay and valve technology. Due to growing requirements and technological progress, electromagnets offer further development potential. For example, conditions are placed on an adjustable force-air gap characteristic of the moving armature and, at the same time, low-noise operation and energy conservation are demanded. A hybrid switching/holding solenoid which uses magnetic shape-memory-alloys (MSM) has already been developed at IKFF [1, 2]. These MSM-alloys have been omitted in the solenoid presented in this paper by means of an appropriate design of the magnetic circuit from a commercial point of view and thus provide wide technological benefits [3, 4]