Examining early steam-powered engines and their evolution There is, perhaps, nothing as antithetical to our conception of the modern electric elevator engine as the 19th-century steam engine. Our mind’s eye (and ear) imagines steam hissing, pistons clanking and oil dripping as a steam engine, located in a dirty, crowded mechanical room, drives a massive winding…
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This article provides an explanation of the effects of high dV/dt created by variable-frequency drives and offers solutions to protect elevator motors. submitted by KEB America, Inc. During the past 20 years, AC variable-frequency drives (VFDs) have gained widespread acceptance in elevator applications. Overall, AC elevator drives provide im-proved ride performance, increased system efficiency and…
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Choosing the appropriate motor for an elevator can allow more efficient energy use. by Ivo Busi and Fabio Calegari In recent years, the hydraulic lift, as an alternative to the electric traction lift, has become one of the simplest and most common elevator applications in use. Its operational principle is based on a piston driven…
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A look at how fire alarm, sprinkler and elevator controls work together in accordance with present-day fire and electrical code mandates Elevator technology has advanced over the years in the direction of greater performance and safety. Early versions were basically rope-and-basket affairs, with a loss of mechanical integrity likely resulting in user fatality. A great…
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A look at the advantages of placing intelligent building-management systems in control of car operations A Return to the Past One hundred years ago, the supervisors and attendants of elevator groups in the first tall buildings were well aware of the activities in these buildings. During periods of heavy traffic, they coordinated car operations to…
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Berchtenbreiter celebrates its 25th anniversary at the Skywalk Allgäu in Scheidegg, Germany, chosen for the panoramic views provided by an outdoor elevator. reprinted and edited with permission from Lift Report Berchtenbreiter GmbH, established in 1986, is a manufacturer of components and partner for the planning and installation of elevator systems. Headquartered in Rieblingen, Germany, near…
Read More An in-depth report on Japan’s economic trends and challenges Japan’s Economy Economic Indicators in 2010 (Estimated) Gross domestic product (GDP) adjusted for purchasing power parity: US$4.34 trillion GDP ranking: fourth by volume, 24th per capita GDP growth: 3% GDP per capita: US$33,800 GDP by sector: agriculture (1.5%), industry (22.8%), service (75.7%) Inflation: 0.3% Labor force:…
Read More Company leaders share their thoughts and tips on how to “survive the recession.” Just as many companies and organizations have done, Elevator World, Inc. recently researched the vertical-transportation industry, specifically pertaining to the global recession’s affect on a number of its segments. After briefly interviewing several industry members, company owners, presidents, directors, etc., Elevator World…
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Swiss entrepreneur Beat De Coi, leader of Cedes and Espros, pushes innovation as the key to success. Swiss entrepreneur Beat De Coi has always believed in setting the pace and pushing the boundaries. His first summer job entailed 9-hr. shifts of packing nails into delivery crates. That earned him his first five-speed bicycle. Since, he…
Read More Comments on January’s Industry Dialogue, “A Virtual Conversation with Elevator Industry Experts” Editor’s Note: January’s Industry Dialogue article “A Virtual Conversation with Elevator Industry Experts” sparked many comments and much debate. Here are two such comments that highlight varying viewpoints regarding the idea of alternative testing. PRO I would like to comment on the January…
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