Design of a new actuator for actuating a linear hydraulic valve and its optimization with genetic algorithm

Today, in many industrial equipment and processes, the use of hydraulic systems for power transmission is growing. The need of improving more accurate and faster dynamic performance of hydraulic systems has increased. Hydraulic valves are key components in hydraulic systems that improving their performance causes increasing in hydraulic systems efficiency and accuracy. In this paper, a voice coil motor is designed for a hydraulic servo valve and optimized using genetic algorithm. Firstly, a preliminary design according to the size limit has been investigated using a combination of magnet Halbach array. Then optimum design is provided based on genetic algorithms to optimize the size and lack of saturation magnetic flux to achieve power needed. Finally, the achieving results of the optimization design utilizing a Halbach magnet array, is evaluated using finite element analysis. The results show the improvement in time of performance about %3/41 new actuator compared to hydraulic valve's solenoid.