Two-Staged Solenoid Valve Optimization

Our MSD team was asked to improve the efficiency of an Emerson HVAC compressor by redesigning the compressor's two-staged solenoid valve. The valve will switch the compressor between part and full load. Having a two load system increases the systems overall efficiency. The current system uses a stock solenoid intended for medical equipment which does not meet the compressor's durability requirements. In addition to durability our client would like to decrease the number of parts and manufacturing cost of the system. The team's main focus was researching, adapting the research, and testing the solenoid. A solenoid is a type of electromagnet that creates a controlled magnetic field that has a helical coil of wire that energizes a piston to move linearly to generate a desired force. Using the MSD project model we were able to plan, create, and test prototypes.