Controlling energy saving mode of elevator

Abstract

According to one aspect, a controller for controlling an energy saving mode of an elevator is provided. The controller includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: obtaining information associated with operating the elevator; dynamically determining a time period for maintaining an idle mode of the elevator based at least in part on the information; and issuing a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy saving mode after the time period expires.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various examples generally relate to the field of elevator systems. In particular, some examples relate to solutions for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. Background Art

[0002] An elevator has multiple components that consume energy during the operation of the elevator. In addition, even during intermediate periods when the elevator is idle, the energy consumption of the elevator may be relatively high. One possible solution for entering an energy-saving mode is to interrupt the power supply to a designated elevator component after a fixed time delay from a most recently observed event, such as a landing call signal or a speed signal of the elevator car. However, as described above, the energy consumption of the elevator may be relatively high during the fixed time delay. Another challenge with the fixed time delay is how to select the fixed time delay while considering the energy consumption of the elevator during the fixed time delay.

[0003] In addition, some elevator components (such as contactors) may have mechanical components that wear when opened and closed. Given their lifespan, it is desirable to limit the amount of unnecessary switching operations in order to extend the lifespan of the components. However, at the same time, if these parts are constantly kept in an idle mode, the energy consumption may still be relatively high even during the idle mode. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The scope of protection sought by the various example embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Example embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims will be construed as examples useful for understanding the various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a controller for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. The controller includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause an elevator system device to at least perform: obtaining information associated with operating the elevator; dynamically determining, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining an idle mode of the elevator; and issuing a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy-saving mode after the time period expires.

[0006] In an implementation of the first aspect, the information associated with operating the elevator includes at least one elevator event, and the at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: identifying the elevator event; and issuing a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy-saving mode after the time period expires from the last elevator event.

[0007] In an embodiment of the first aspect, dynamically determining a period for maintaining an idle mode based at least in part on information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the idle mode based at least in part on the number of recent elevator events per unit of time.

[0008] In an embodiment of the first aspect, dynamically determining a period for maintaining an idle mode based at least in part on information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the idle mode based at least in part on the time between a plurality of recent elevator events.

[0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect, dynamically determining a period for maintaining an idle mode based at least in part on information includes dynamically determining the period for maintaining the idle mode based at least in part on the statistical distribution of elevator events.

[0010] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the controller to at least: increase the period in response to an increase in the number of recent elevator events per unit of time.

[0011] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the controller to at least: decrease the period in response to a decrease in the number of recent elevator events per unit of time.

[0012] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the controller to at least: increase the period in response to a decrease in the time between recent elevator events.

[0013] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the controller to at least: decrease the time delay in response to an increase in the time between recent elevator events.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, an elevator event includes an elevator service request issued through an input device.

[0015] In an embodiment of the first aspect, an elevator event includes an elevator operation of the elevator.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the elevator includes a known and / or expected lifespan of at least one elevator component.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, information associated with operating the elevator includes the power consumption of the elevator.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, information associated with operating the elevator includes the statistical elevator traffic distribution at different times of the day.

[0019] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the information associated with operating the elevator includes the energy consumption for operating the elevator.

[0020] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the controller is an elevator control unit.

[0021] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the controller is a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoist motor.

[0022] According to a second aspect, there is provided a control arrangement for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. The control arrangement includes a controller according to the first aspect; and a power switch configured to cut off the power supply of at least one elevator component in response to a request from the controller.

[0023] In an embodiment of the second aspect, at least one elevator component includes a drive unit of an elevator hoist motor.

[0024] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. The method includes: obtaining, by the controller, information associated with operating the elevator; dynamically determining, by the controller, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining an idle mode; and issuing, by the controller, a request to enter the energy-saving mode after the expiration of the time period.

[0025] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with operating the elevator includes at least one elevator event, and the method further includes identifying the elevator event; and issuing a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy-saving mode after the expiration of the time period from the last elevator event.

[0026] In an embodiment of the third aspect, dynamically determining at least in part based on the information the time period for maintaining the idle mode includes dynamically determining at least in part based on the number of recent elevator events per unit of time the time period for maintaining the idle mode.

[0027] In an embodiment of the third aspect, dynamically determining at least in part based on the information the time period for maintaining the idle mode includes dynamically determining at least in part based on the time between a plurality of recent elevator events the time period for maintaining the idle mode.

[0028] In an embodiment of the third aspect, dynamically determining at least in part based on the information the time period for maintaining the idle mode includes dynamically determining at least in part based on the statistical distribution of elevator events the time period for maintaining the idle mode.

[0029] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes: increasing the time period in response to an increase in the number of recent elevator events per unit of time.

[0030] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes reducing the time period in response to a decrease in the number of recent elevator events per time unit.

[0031] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes increasing the time period in response to a decrease in the time between recent elevator events.

[0032] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the method further includes reducing the time delay in response to an increase in the time between recent elevator events.

[0033] In an embodiment of the third aspect, an elevator event includes an elevator service request issued through an input device.

[0034] In an embodiment of the third aspect, an elevator event includes the elevator operation of an elevator.

[0035] In an embodiment of the third aspect, an elevator includes the known and / or expected lifespan of at least one elevator component.

[0036] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with operating an elevator includes the power consumption of the elevator.

[0037] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with operating an elevator includes the statistical elevator traffic distribution at different times of the day.

[0038] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the information associated with operating an elevator includes the energy consumption for operating the elevator.

[0039] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the controller is an elevator control unit.

[0040] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the controller is a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoist motor.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to perform the method of the third or fourth aspect.

[0042] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium including a computer program, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to perform the method of the third or fourth aspect.

[0043] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a controller for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. The controller includes means for performing the following operations: obtaining information associated with operating the elevator; dynamically determining, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining an idle mode; and issuing a request to enter the energy-saving mode after the time period expires.

[0044] According to a seventh aspect, an elevator is provided that includes a control arrangement according to the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples of the invention and, together with the description, help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0047] Figure 2 A block diagram of a controller for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0048] Figure 3 A block diagram of a control arrangement for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The various examples and embodiments discussed below illustrate solutions for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. In the solutions discussed, based on information associated with operating the elevator, a period of time after the elevator is configured to enter an energy-saving mode from an idle mode is dynamically determined during the operation of the elevator. In other words, the period of time can change during the operation of the elevator rather than being a fixed period of time.

[0050] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown. The method can be implemented by an elevator system device (e.g., a controller of an elevator system). The controller can be, for example, a control unit of an elevator control unit or a drive unit of an elevator hoist motor.

[0051] At 100, information associated with operating the elevator can be obtained. The information can characterize the operation of the elevator. For example, the information associated with operating the elevator can include at least one elevator event. In an example embodiment, the elevator event can include an elevator run of the elevator. In an exemplary embodiment, the information associated with operating the elevator can include the known and / or expected lifetimes of at least one elevator component. In another exemplary embodiment, the information associated with operating the elevator can include the power consumption of the elevator. In another example embodiment, the information associated with operating the elevator can include the statistical elevator traffic distribution at different times of the day. In another example embodiment, the information associated with operating the elevator can include the energy consumption for operating the elevator.

[0052] At 102, a period of time for maintaining an idle mode of the elevator can be dynamically determined at least in part based on this information. The expression "dynamically determine" means that the period of time is not fixed or hard-coded to a certain value, but can vary according to information characterizing elevator operation. Thus, it has the same meaning as "dynamic period". The period of time can also vary according to the time of day. The idle mode of the elevator can refer to a mode in which the elevator is not in use but ready for use, i.e., the elevator is not currently serving an elevator call but is ready to serve an elevator call. In the idle mode, even if the elevator is not serving an elevator call, the energy consumption of the elevator may be relatively high.

[0053] At 104, a request to switch from the idle mode to an energy-saving mode can be issued after the expiration of the period of time. In the energy-saving mode, no power supply is applied to the elevator components under discussion. In other words, in the energy-saving mode, power can be not supplied to one or more elevator components.

[0054] In an example embodiment, the information associated with operating the elevator includes at least one elevator event. An elevator event can refer to, for example, one or more recent elevator events. For example, an elevator event can refer to one or more of the following: a landing call signal, a speed signal of the elevator car, or a signal from a light curtain, a camera, or a corresponding access detection device. The controller can be configured to identify elevator events that occur over a period of time, and issue a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy-saving mode after the expiration of the period of time starting from the last elevator event. In the example embodiment, the period of time can be specific to an elevator component or a group of elevator components. In other words, different elevator components can have different associated periods of time for maintaining the idle mode. For example, some elevator components (such as an elevator drive unit) may take longer to recover from the energy-saving mode than some other elevator components (such as a processor board). Therefore, it may be useful if the drive unit has a longer period of time to maintain the idle mode.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, dynamically determining a period of time for maintaining an idle mode of the elevator at least in part based on this information can include dynamically determining a period of time for maintaining the idle mode at least in part based on the number of recent elevator events per unit of time. For example, if the number of recent elevator events exceeds a specified first threshold, the period of time can be adjusted accordingly. Similarly, if the number of recent elevator events per unit of time exceeds a specified second threshold, the period of time can be adjusted again to a different value. The following shows a pseudo-code example for determining a period of time for maintaining an idle mode of the elevator based on the startup of the elevator.

[0056] if(starts_in_last_10min 1= previous_starts_in_last_10min {

[0057] / / increase or decrease delay based on start amount

[0058] if (starts_in_last_10min > 10)

[0059] standbydelay = standbydelay + 5s

[0060] if (starts_in_last_10min < 5)

[0061] standbydelay = standbydelay - 1s

[0062] / / limit delay

[0063] if (standbydelay < 5s)

[0064] standbydelay = 5s

[0065] if (standbydelay > 45s)

[0066] standbydelay = 55s

[0067] }

[0068] In an example embodiment, dynamically determining a time period for maintaining an idle mode of an elevator based at least in part on the information may include dynamically determining the time period for maintaining the idle mode based at least in part on the time between a number of recent elevator events (e.g., between recent landing calls or recent elevator runs). The number of recent elevator events may be set to any suitable value, such as 5, 10, 20, or any other value. In other words, when an elevator event is identified, the time difference between two subsequent elevator events may be determined, and thus the time difference associated with subsequent elevator events may be monitored. For example, if the time difference becomes longer, the time period may be dynamically determined to be longer.

[0069] In an example embodiment, dynamically determining a time period for maintaining an idle mode of an elevator based at least in part on the information may include dynamically determining the time period for maintaining the idle mode based at least in part on the statistical distribution of elevator events. For example, if the statistical distribution of elevator events shows that elevator events are identified more frequently during a first time period of a day than during a second time period of the day, the time period may be determined to be longer during the first time period of the day than during the second time period of the day.

[0070] In an example embodiment, the controller may be configured to increase the time period in response to an increase in the number of most recent elevator events per time unit. In other words, when elevator events occur more frequently, the time period may be adjusted to a larger value, so that it is not desirable to configure the elevator to enter the energy saving mode too quickly.

[0071] In an example embodiment, the controller may be configured to decrease the time period in response to a decrease in the number of most recent elevator events per time unit. In other words, when elevator events occur less frequently, the time period may be adjusted to a smaller value, so that the elevator may be configured to enter the energy saving mode to save energy.

[0072] In an example embodiment, the controller may be configured to increase the time period in response to a decrease in the time between most recent elevator events. In other words, when elevator events occur more frequently, the time period may be adjusted to a larger value, so that it is not desirable to configure the elevator to enter the energy saving mode too quickly.

[0073] In an example embodiment, the controller may be configured to decrease the time delay in response to an increase in the time between most recent elevator events. In other words, when elevator events occur less frequently, the time period may be adjusted to a smaller value, so that the elevator may be configured to enter the energy saving mode to save energy.

[0074] Figure 2 A block diagram of a controller 200 according to an example solution is shown. The controller 200 may include, for example, a control unit of an elevator control unit or a drive unit of an elevator hoist motor. The controller 200 may be configured to implement the steps discussed with respect to 1.

[0075] The controller 200 includes one or more processors 202, and one or more memories 204 including computer program code 206, and / or a communication interface 208 for wired and / or wireless communication. Although the controller 200 is depicted as including only one processor 202, the controller 200 may include more than one processor. In an example embodiment, the memory 204 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications.

[0076] In addition, the processor 202 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single-core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single-core processors. For example, the processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a dedicated computer chip, etc. In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functions. In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be embodied as an executor of software instructions, where the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed, e.g., the steps discussed in relation to Figure 1 any one of.

[0077] The memory 204 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 204 may be embodied as semiconductor memory (such as masked ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0078] At least one memory 204 may store program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 202, cause the controller 200 to perform the functions of the various embodiments discussed herein. In addition, in an embodiment, at least one of the processor 202 and the memory 204 may constitute a device for implementing the functions discussed. For example, the controller 200 may be configured to obtain a signature associated with an elevator system device that has been generated based at least in part on an elevator system device identifier and metadata at least partially associated with an elevator system component to be installed; obtain the metadata; and use an encryption key, the elevator system device identifier, and the metadata to verify the signature. A computer program may include instructions that, when the program is executed by at least one processor 202, cause the controller 200 to perform any of the above methods. In addition, a computer-readable medium may include a computer program.

[0079] Figure 3 A block diagram of a control arrangement for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator according to an example embodiment is shown. The control arrangement includes the above regarding Figure 1 and Figure 2The controller 200 discussed, and a power switch 300, which is configured to cut off the power supply of at least one elevator component in response to a request from the controller. In an example embodiment, the power switch 300 can be a contactor or a relay. In an example embodiment, the elevator can include a control arrangement.

[0080] One or more of the examples and example embodiments discussed above can implement a solution for dynamically controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator. In other words, instead of having a fixed time period for entering the energy-saving mode from the idle mode, the time period can be changed and thus adapted to the operation of the elevator. One or more of the examples and exemplary embodiments discussed above can also facilitate the optimization of energy consumption in combination with the optimization of the lifespan of specified elevator components.

[0081] The examples discussed above can be implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. Example devices can store information related to the various methods described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as hard disks, solid-state drives (SSDs), optical discs, magneto-optical discs, RAM, etc. One or more databases can store information for implementing the examples. Data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, etc.) included in one or more of the memories or storage devices listed herein can be used to organize the databases. The methods described with respect to the examples can include appropriate data structures for storing the data collected and / or generated by the methods of the devices and subsystems of the examples in one or more databases.

[0082] Components of the examples can include a computer-readable medium or memory for storing instructions programmed according to the teachings and for storing data structures, tables, records, and / or other data described herein. In an example, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, "computer-readable medium" can be any medium or component that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. Computer-readable media can include computer-readable storage media, which can be any medium or device that can contain or store instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. Computer-readable media can include any suitable medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, etc.

[0083] Although the basic novel features applied to its preferred examples have been shown and described and pointed out, it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the described devices and methods can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same result are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be recognized that the structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or example can be incorporated, as a general matter of design choice, into any other disclosed or described or proposed form. Further, in the claims, the means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only cover structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

[0084] The applicant hereby discloses each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features in isolation, provided that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out by those skilled in the art based on the present specification as a whole in accordance with common general knowledge, regardless of whether such features or combinations of features solve any of the problems disclosed herein, and without limiting the scope of the claims. The applicant states that the disclosed aspects / embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A controller for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator, the controller comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: obtain information associated with operating the elevator; dynamically determine, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining an idle mode of the elevator; and issue a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy-saving mode after the expiration of the time period.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the information associated with operating the elevator includes at least one elevator event, and wherein, The at least one memory stores instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: identify elevator events; and issue a request to switch from the idle mode to the energy-saving mode after the expiration of the time period from the last elevator event.

3. The controller according to claim 2, wherein dynamically determining, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining the idle mode includes dynamically determining, at least in part based on the number of recent elevator events per time unit, a time period for maintaining the idle mode.

4. The controller according to claim 2, wherein dynamically determining, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining the idle mode includes dynamically determining, at least in part based on the time between a plurality of recent elevator events, a time period for maintaining the idle mode.

5. The controller according to claim 2, wherein dynamically determining, at least in part based on the information, a time period for maintaining the idle mode includes dynamically determining, at least in part based on the statistical distribution of the elevator events, a time period for maintaining the idle mode.

6. The controller according to any one of claims 2-5, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: increase the time period in response to an increase in the number of recent elevator events per time unit.

7. The controller according to any one of claims 2-5, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: decrease the time period in response to a decrease in the number of recent elevator events per time unit.

8. The controller according to any one of claims 2-5, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: increase the time period in response to a decrease in the time between the recent elevator events.

9. The controller according to any one of claims 2-5, the at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to at least perform: decrease the time delay in response to an increase in the time between the recent elevator events.

10. The controller according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the elevator event includes an elevator service request issued via an input device.

11. The controller according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein the elevator event includes an elevator operation of the elevator.

12. The controller according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the information associated with operating the elevator includes one or more of the following: The known and / or expected lifespan of at least one elevator component; The power consumption of the elevator; The statistical distribution of elevator traffic at different times of the day; and The energy consumption for operating the elevator.

13. The controller according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the controller is an elevator controller or a control unit of a drive unit of an elevator hoist motor.

14. A control arrangement for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator, the control arrangement comprising: The controller according to any one of claims 1-13; and A power switch configured to cut off the power supply of at least one elevator component in response to a request from the controller.

15. A method for controlling an energy-saving mode of an elevator, the method comprising: Obtaining, by the controller, information associated with operating the elevator; Dynamically determining, by the controller, a time period for maintaining an idle mode at least partially based on the information; and After the expiration of the time period, issuing, by the controller, a request to enter the energy-saving mode.

16. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to claim 15.

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