CFD Simulation of Pneumatic Valve for Energy Efficiency Studies

Pneumatics is a technology that uses air to perform work through actuators, which perform a specific task. These systems have been increasingly and widely used in the industrial environment for process automation, as they are economically viable, robust, safe and simple. Despite the various benefits, pneumatic systems have reduced efficiency, when it comes to energy consumption, therefore, increasing the costs, because of this, this work is aimed to reduce energy losses in pneumatic circuits. The methodology used was analytical, through computational simulation of fluid dynamics, following the steps of modeling, mesh and configuration, a conventional 5/2-way directional valve geometry was used as a reference for modeling and the simulation of satisfactory results of 25% in the increased mass flow.