CANopen Lift

A smarter future for elevators

by Kirsten Trout

Introduction

In the era of smart technology, the modernization of elevator systems is crucial for enhancing safety, efficiency and the user experience. A development in this realm is the integration of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) using the CIA 417 (CANopen Lift) protocol. This combination offers a multitude of benefits, marking an improvement in elevator technology.

What Is CANopen Lift? 

To understand the variety of benefits CANopen Lift has to offer, we must first understand what CANopen Lift is. CANopen Lift is a communication protocol developed by the nonprofit CAN in Automation (CiA) association that enables seamless communication among various elevator (lift) components. These components include controllers, doors, drives and indicators. Typically, several communication protocols are used to integrate each elevator component, but the utilization of CANopen Lift eliminates the need for multiple protocols. CANopen Lift shines during the integration of multiple component interfaces without a significant amount of effort, linking up to eight lift control systems and allowing for communication standardization among elevator systems. The protocol ensures interoperability, simplifies integration and enhances the reliability of elevator operations.

VFDs in Elevator Applications

VFDs are often used in elevator applications alongside the controller. VFDs act as a follower of commands given by the elevator controller to provide speed and positioning for the elevator. The addition of the VFD to the controller allows for optimal movement, reducing wear and tear on the system parts. The VFD is often mounted in the control cabinet or alongside the controller. A variety of communication protocols can be used to communicate between the VFD and the controller. These communication protocols range from serial to ethernet-based communications. However, the utilization of CANopen Lift as the standard protocol between the VFD and the controller (in addition to the entire elevator system) can further increase performance optimization.  

CANopen Lift With VFDs

An area of focus is the integration of CANopen Lift with VFDs. VFDs are essential in elevator systems by contributing to better ride quality, enhanced efficiency and overall system performance. Integrating CANopen Lift with VFDs provides a variety of benefits, driving the next generation of elevator technology. These benefits include enhanced energy efficiency, improved ride quality, increased system reliability and reduced downtime, simplified installation, enhanced safety and predictive maintenance and, finally, comprehensive data analytics. 

CANopen Lift can be implanted as the primary communication protocol for motor control and works with the parameters and settings within the VFD. The elevator controller communicates directly with the VFD through the CANopen interface. The CANopen Lift module on the VFD processes incoming messages from the controller and adjusts onboard settings and parameters within the VFD to complete the requested travel of the elevator. The VFD can be fully controlled through the CANopen Lift interface, eliminating the need for multiple communication protocols. 

Simplified Installation and Maintenance

The integration of VFDs with elevator systems using CANopen Lift enhances the overall reliability of the system. Eliminating the need for additional communication protocols allows for easier maintenance and troubleshooting. The controller and VFD pairing can be easily swapped out in the event of failure without much need for additional programming. In addition, the protocol’s ability to provide continuous real-time data allows for proactive monitoring and maintenance. Potential issues can be detected and addressed before they escalate into major failures, thus reducing downtime. This predictive-maintenance approach ensures that elevators remain operational, minimizing disruptions for users. 

Safety and Maintenance

An additional advantage to implanting CANopen Lift on your elevator system is predictive maintenance. Predictive maintenance leverages the use of communications, sensors, data analytics and machine learning to monitor equipment in real-time. The use of real-time and historical data can predict potential issues that may arise. By utilizing systems that support predictive maintenance, you prevent unwanted downtime and can fix future problems before they become larger issues. CANopen Lift can play a vital role in predictive maintenance and preventing unwanted downtime and system failures. CANopen Lift can monitor various VFD parameters and alert the system of potential future failures and maintenance needs. 

Improved Ride Quality

Smooth and quiet operation is a hallmark of modern elevators. VFDs play a crucial role in achieving this by precisely controlling the acceleration and deceleration of the elevator cab. With CANopen Lift, the synchronization between the VFD and other elevator components is flawless, resulting in smoother rides and enhanced passenger comfort. The real-time data exchange by CANopen Lift means that the VFD can make adjustments to the motor’s performance based on data received from various sensors and controllers within the system.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of VFDs is their ability to optimize energy consumption. By adjusting the motor speed to match the actual load requirements, VFDs conserve energy. When integrated via CANopen, this optimization is taken a step further. The protocol ensures that all components communicate seamlessly, allowing for real-time adjustments and fine-tuning. This leads to significant energy savings and contributes to the overall sustainability of buildings.

Data Analytics 

In the age of big data, the ability to collect and analyze operational data is invaluable. CANopen enables comprehensive data collection from all connected components, including VFDs. This data can be analyzed to gain insights into system performance, energy usage and potential issues. Such analytics can drive continuous improvements, optimizing the elevator system’s efficiency and performance over time.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the integration of CANopen Lift with VFDs marks a leap forward in elevator technology, aligning perfectly with the demands of the smart technology era. CANopen Lift provides a robust, standardized communication protocol that enhances interoperability and simplifies the integration of various elevator components, ensuring a seamless operation.

The inclusion of VFDs brings numerous benefits, such as enhanced energy efficiency, improved ride quality and increased system reliability. By allowing precise control over motor speed and torque, VFDs reduce mechanical stress and contribute to a smoother ride experience. The flawless synchronization facilitated by CANopen Lift ensures that real-time adjustments are immediate and accurate, further enhancing passenger comfort and safety.

Embracing the integration of CANopen Lift with VFDs brings smarter, more efficient and more reliable elevator systems. This combination is set to define the future of vertical transportation, ensuring that elevators are safer, more comfortable and more sustainable than ever before.

References

[1] YouTube – CiA 417 car drive unit by Patrik Masson – CANopen Lift technology day 2020

[2] CAN Open Product Guide: CiA® 417 series: Profile for lift control systems

[3] Predictive Maintenance in CANopen Lift by Oskar Kaplun CAN in Automation