Rising to the Challenge

Your author discusses how advanced elevator systems can improve elevator performance.  

For a considerably long period in the past, say up to the year 1980, we were decades behind the world in terms of elevator technology. We had only a few options to choose, like single-speed or two-speed elevators. Now, we have all the latest elevator technology available in India. Thanks go to the government for favorable policy changes and to the elevator industry for taking on the challenges and making this industry so vibrant. Almost all the leading elevator manufacturers are present in our country with their latest technology.

The elevator industry is also continuously gearing up for the latest technology to meet the changing demands of increased speed, comfort, energy-saving, reliability of safety systems and good ambiance/interiors.

We have witnessed several technological changes in the elevator system in the past three decades, and these changes will only continue as we move forward. 

Highlighting a Few Important Changes

Gearless Machines 

The introduction of a synchronous motor has made the use of geared units obsolete. The gearless system has mainly resulted in energy savings of up to 50% compared to the conventional motor geared system. Space-savings and increased system efficiency are important advantages of this system.

Contactless Operations

COVID-19 has forced everyone to think of contactless systems. The introduction of a contactless call system has reduced breakdowns and resulted in less maintenance in terms of time and cost.

Serial Communications

As an alternative to multiple wires for communication between landing panels, car panels and control panels, the serial communication system has made the system easier, increased reliability, reduced cost and increased efficiency.

PU-Coated Steel Wire Ropes (Flat Wire Ropes)

Round steel wire ropes have a short life as compared to flat wire ropes, have more wear/tear of pulleys and require frequent rope balancing. PU-coated steel wire ropes are more reliable, long-lasting, efficient and environmentally friendly. 

Machine-Room-Less Systems

The introduction of synchronous motors has reduced the machine’s overall size and load and can be installed inside the elevator shaft at the top end. This has helped to avoid machine-room requirements and helped in space- and cost-savings.

Emerging Technology

There are a number of technological developments currently underway. Once they become accessible and economically feasible for the industry, they will make a revolution in the elevator business. 

Double-Decker Cabin 

As we all know, space is always a constraint for the construction industry. We need better utilization of available elevator space in a building. The double-decker cabin increases handling capacity and minimizes travel time. The cabin moves in a single shaft. The lower portion of the cabin serves odd floors and the upper portion serves even floors simultaneously.

Cable-Free Elevators (Vertical and Horizontal Travel)

Cable-free elevators are made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and powered by linear motors, which can move the cabin up/down and left/right on magnetic rails. The elevator cabin can move vertically as well as horizontally.

Regenerative System

When the lighter side of the elevator, i.e., cabin or counterweight, moves up the motor, it is in generating mode. The energy generated is fed back to the system. Higher travel and load capacity elevators provide considerable energy generation. The cost of additional equipment/changes required is tremendous compared to the cost of energy regenerated. Industry engineers are working on making this economically feasible.

AI

Cloud technology has made a way for predictive maintenance, ultimately improving elevator performance. The real-time study can help by taking several corrective steps before the occurrence of any fault, and can reduce downtime and improve reliability.

Elevator data are received and compared with standard data and past data; accordingly, pre-emptive corrective action is initiated, which helps service personnel to make timely decisions about any resetting, replacement or changes required to avoid breakdowns and reduce downtime. Based upon the data received, one can make changes in the software to meet changes in traffic requirements. Compatibility with the existing control system and cost-effectiveness are major concerns for making it more practical and useful.

Solar-Powered Elevator System 

Solar-powered elevators are already in existence. The space required on the terrace for keeping solar panels is limited. The number and size of batteries required increases with an increase in the load capacity, travel height and set of operations. Engineers must overcome certain challenges, like load, speed, travel height, number of operations per hour, space requirements, periodic battery maintenance, etc. Once these limitations are addressed, this will be in great demand.