Battery Charging Algorithm for Elevator Energy Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

In elevator systems, the inefficiency in energy usage due to overcharging batteries leads to wasted regenerative energy, degrading both standby and running energy efficiency, and affecting overall performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a smart charging algorithm that maintains the battery state of charge (SoC) between 70-80% to optimize energy acceptance and storage, using a controller to manage charging based on elevator usage patterns and battery characteristics, and incorporating ultra-capacitors to minimize device costs and enhance energy delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery is charged to 100% state of charge to maintain full power availability, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the standby power demand increases and energy efficiency during standby deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidstandby power demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the state of charge parameter from the conventional 100% to a range of 70-80%, optimizing the balance between power availability and energy efficiency. This parameter modification reduces standby power consumption while maintaining sufficient power supply reliability for elevator operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of charging the battery to full capacity (excessive action), the system applies partial charging to reach 70-80% state of charge, which is sufficient for normal elevator operation but avoids the energy waste and degradation associated with overcharging during standby periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If the battery is charged to 100% state of charge, then the power availability is improved, but the running energy efficiency deteriorates due to wasted regenerative energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidrunning energy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the battery state of charge parameter from 100% to 70-80%, creating optimal conditions for accepting and storing regenerative energy during elevator operation. This parameter change enables more effective energy recovery and reduces waste of regenerative energy during running phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism that monitors battery state of charge and dynamically adjusts charging strategies. When the battery reaches 70-80% charge, the system modulates charging current to maintain this optimal range, maximizing regenerative energy capture while preventing overcharge conditions that would waste energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the battery is charged to 100% state of charge, then the standby power demand increases, but the device complexity remains the same

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply readinessVSAvoidstandby power demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the battery state of charge parameter to 70-80% for standby conditions, reducing the power demand during stationary periods while maintaining sufficient charge for reliable operation. This parameter optimization directly addresses the contradiction between power readiness and standby energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces energy wastage by optimizing battery charging, improving energy efficiency during both standby and operational phases, and prolonging battery life while minimizing device costs.

Implementation Method 1

The battery 102 may be a lead acid battery. The battery 102 may be charged by a charger 108.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

incorporating ultra-capacitors to minimize device costs and enhance energy delivery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3100337B1Charge algorithm for battery propelled elevator
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 OTIS ELEVATOR CO
  • EP3100337B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3100337B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2
  • EP3100337B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to recovering energy associated with the operation of an elevator, by: determining, by a processing device, a battery charging current, estimating a state of charge (SoC) of at least one battery based on charging current acceptance capability, and causing, by the processing device, a charging of the at least one battery to within a threshold amount of 100% of SoC to recover energy associated with elevator operation.