3 way solenoid

[XC] gomeler · 09-20-2009, 01:55 PM

Attempting to automate something and I want to divert refrigerant flow from one pipe to another occasionally. Basically I want a normally closed and a normally open solenoid setup where the flow goes from point A to B when de-energized and when energized goes from point A to C. This is what a 3 way solenoid does, correct?

If so why for the life of me can I not find any HVAC rated 3 way solenoid valves? They all are rated for air up to 150psi or water/oil up to 60psi. Going to hit up United Refrigeration tomorrow but hoping to find one online. Do they go by another name in the industry and I'm just missing it?

quintus · 09-20-2009, 02:15 PM

When is off: A->B and C->D and when is on: A->D and B->C, easier to show it in paint brush if you want

I bet there are guys with disassembled aircons that have this type of valve laying around

FUGGER · 09-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Dig through Omega
http://www.omega.com/

http://www.envirotronics.com/pdf/sporlan30-11.pdf

SexyMF · 09-20-2009, 10:24 PM

You could just use two solenoids wired in parallel. One NO one NC.

[XC] gomeler · 09-20-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SexyMF

You could just use two solenoids wired in parallel. One NO one NC.

Trying to avoid this, NO solenoids are $$$. Can't find any for less than ~$70 for just the valve. Insane when I can buy NC solenoids for $20/pop.

SexyMF · 09-20-2009, 10:33 PM

Your additional option is to use a NO solenoid with a relay in front of it to invert the voltage logic.

[XC] gomeler · 09-20-2009, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SexyMF

Your additional option is to use a NO solenoid with a relay in front of it to invert the voltage logic.

Yup thought about that also, more money and adding complexity

Thanks for thinking about the problem though. Going to talk to the United Refrigeration guys when they open this morning and see if they have a compact solution for me.

cooling storm · 10-04-2009, 06:26 PM

why are u going to use a 3 way solenoid. and for wat purpose.

[XC] gomeler · 10-04-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooling storm

why are u going to use a 3 way solenoid. and for wat purpose.

In a build I am creating I would like to temporarily divert the refrigerant flow from the evaporator and send the refrigerant to another heat exchanger. I want to use this in conjunction with a PID temperature controller to control evaporator temperatures.

cooling storm · 10-04-2009, 06:33 PM

ok i understand

chilly1 · 10-04-2009, 07:29 PM

Use a standard reversing valve,,, ranco makes them for about $100 USD you can get coils for the pilot valve in ac and dc voltages from 24 to 460V usually used in heatpumps for swiching the evaporator from inside to outside

sdumper · 10-04-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilly1

Use a standard reversing valve,,, ranco makes them for about $100 USD you can get coils for the pilot valve in ac and dc voltages from 24 to 460V usually used in heatpumps for swiching the evaporator from inside to outside

Thanks very cool!

cooling storm · 10-04-2009, 07:54 PM

that was clever

ultralo1 · 10-05-2009, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilly1

Use a standard reversing valve,,, ranco makes them for about $100 USD you can get coils for the pilot valve in ac and dc voltages from 24 to 460V usually used in heatpumps for swiching the evaporator from inside to outside

Ditto: Easiest way to do it.

[XC] gomeler · 10-05-2009, 09:21 AM

So just use the reversing valve and use the two coil ports and cap the suction port. Reading up on them it appears they are made of nylon, I hope I don't get massive leaks between the two ports when the valve is subjected to -70C or so. I'll grab one from ebay to play with, thanks guys!