Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• The proposed low-power-consumption miniature solenoid valve (LMSV) achieves fast switching (3 ms), low pressure loss (200 Pa at 0.92 L/min), and low energy consumption (1.55 J per cycle) through a self-retaining permanent magnet design. • A straight-through valve design with an internal electromagnetic actuator minimizes flow resistance, enhancing the efficiency of thermal management systems. • Multiphysical coupling analysis and experimental validation demonstrate the valve's robust performance across varying temperatures, ensuring reliable operation in data center cooling applications. • The LMSV addresses the critical need for active flow control in parallel branches of thermosyphon loops, offering a miniaturized solution that reduces energy consumption and improves system flexibility.
Abstract
Thermosyphon loops are widely used in cooling systems. However, such distributed thermal management systems lack the ability to actively control the coolant flow in each parallel branch. An effective method for addressing this is to control the coolant flow in each branch using a solenoid valve. However, the existing valves do not satisfy the requirements for fast switching, low power, low pressure loss, and miniaturization. Therefore, in this study, a low-power-consumption miniature solenoid valve (LMSV) is proposed for use in thermal management systems. The key novelty is that the valve is designed with a suitably sized permanent magnet (PM) to allow the spool to continue working without consuming electrical energy. To achieve low flow resistance, a straight-through design is employed in the valve with the electromagnetic actuator located inside the valve shell. Multiphysical coupling analysis is performed to investigate its performance. The influence of the PM dimensions and current on the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic force is studied. The effects of these key parameters on the flow field and pressure loss are also analyzed. Because the LMSV is sensitive to temperature, the switching time and energy consumption at different working temperatures are investigated. Experimental test platforms are constructed. A valve switching time of as short as 3 ms, pressure loss of 200 Pa at 0.92 L/min, and energy consumption of approximately 1.55 J during the opening and closing processes are achieved. The novel solenoid valve proposed in this study offers fast switching, low power consumption, low pressure loss, and miniaturization to meet the requirements of thermal management systems.
1. Introduction
Thermal management systems are commonly used in data centers to ensure the optimal performance of computers and their core components such as the central processing unit (CPU) [1, 2]. Owing to their long heat transfer distances and small heat transfer temperature differences, thermosyphon loop systems are widely used in data center cooling systems [3, 4]. However, in traditional thermosyphon loop systems, the location of the main switch at the beginning of the main cooling pipe and inadequate active distribution of the working fluid reduce cooling system performance [5, 6]. This problem can be effectively solved with high control flexibility and precision via active distribution control of the working fluid flow in each parallel branch.
In this study, a micro-solenoid valve with fast switching, low power loss, and low pressure loss is proposed for active distribution in thermal management cooling systems. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed low-power-consumption miniature solenoid valve (LMSV) is a novel design for high-performance thermal management systems.
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Jing Yao, Shuai Yang, Liu Yang, Qingxin Meng, Chao Ai, Xiangdong Kong (2025). Investigation of a Low-Power-Consumption and Self-Retaining Micro Solenoid Valve for Thermal Management Systems. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10033-025-01227-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main innovation of the proposed solenoid valve?
The main innovation is the integration of a suitably sized permanent magnet that allows the valve spool to maintain its position without continuous electrical energy, enabling self-retaining on/off states and significantly reducing power consumption.
How does the LMSV achieve low pressure loss?
The LMSV employs a straight-through design with the electromagnetic actuator located inside the valve shell, which minimizes flow resistance and results in a pressure loss of only 200 Pa at a flow rate of 0.92 L/min.
What are the key performance metrics of the LMSV?
The valve achieves a switching time as short as 3 ms, a pressure loss of 200 Pa at 0.92 L/min, and an energy consumption of approximately 1.55 J during opening and closing processes.
Why is temperature sensitivity important for the LMSV?
The LMSV's performance, including switching time and energy consumption, is affected by temperature. The study investigates these effects to ensure reliable operation across the varying thermal conditions typical in data center cooling systems.
What applications can benefit from the LMSV?
The LMSV is designed for thermal management systems, particularly in data centers, where it enables active flow control in parallel branches of thermosyphon loops, improving cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
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