Durable Pneumatic Elevator with Pressurized Gas Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems consume significant electrical energy, leading to high power demands, energy peaks during usage, and require complex electrical infrastructure, which can be costly and inefficient, especially during peak periods, and they lack effective energy storage solutions for reliable operation during outages.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic elevator system using a gas reservoir to store pressurized gas, which powers the elevator system through a pneumatic motor or generator, allowing energy storage and reducing reliance on the electrical grid, especially during peak demand periods and outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical energy is used to power the elevator system, then the elevator can operate continuously and reliably, but the energy consumption is high and requires complex electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing compressed air in the gas reservoir during periods when energy demand is low or renewable energy is abundant. This stored pneumatic energy is then utilized during peak demand periods or outages, eliminating the need for continuous high-power electrical connections and reducing overall energy consumption from the electrical grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the conventional electrical drive system with a pneumatic drive system. Compressed air stored in the gas reservoir is used to power the elevator car, substituting electrical energy with pneumatic energy. This eliminates the need for complex electrical infrastructure and significantly reduces electrical energy consumption while maintaining operational reliability.
2Power
If a 3-phase electrical connection is installed to provide sufficient power for the elevator, then the elevator can meet peak power demands, but the infrastructure cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the complex 3-phase electrical infrastructure with a simpler pneumatic infrastructure. Instead of requiring high-capacity electrical connections, the elevator uses compressed air stored in a gas reservoir, which can be charged during low-demand periods using standard electrical connections or renewable energy sources, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-compressing and storing air in the gas reservoir when electrical power demand is low. This allows the elevator to operate during peak periods without requiring oversized electrical infrastructure, as the power demand is shifted to off-peak periods when standard electrical connections are sufficient.
3Productivity
If energy is consumed during peak periods to operate the elevator, then the elevator provides service when needed, but the energy cost and grid demand increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing compressed air in the gas reservoir during off-peak periods when energy costs are low or renewable energy is abundant. This stored energy is then utilized during peak periods when the elevator provides service, thereby decoupling energy consumption from service delivery and reducing energy costs during peak periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by charging the gas reservoir during low-demand periods and discharging during high-demand periods. This periodic operation pattern aligns energy storage and consumption with grid demand cycles, allowing the elevator to provide service during peak periods while consuming energy during off-peak periods when costs are lower.
4Reliability
If electrical energy storage solutions are implemented to provide power during outages, then the elevator can operate during outages, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a gas reservoir storing compressed air as the energy storage medium, replacing complex electrical energy storage solutions like batteries or capacitors. This pneumatic storage system is simpler, more durable, and provides sufficient energy density to operate the elevator during outages without requiring complex power management electronics or chemical storage systems.
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
The system reduces energy consumption, allows for efficient use of off-peak energy, and provides reliable operation during power outages, while eliminating the need for complex electrical infrastructure and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gas reservoir (1510) adapted for storing of a pressurised gas
Implementation Method 2
the pressurised gas can be used for directly or indirectly powering at least a part of the elevator system
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to elevator technology. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an elevator system using a novel powering scheme. The present disclosure also relates to an elevator system using a pressurised gas to power at least a part of the elevator system. Accordingly, there is provided an elevator system, comprising an elevator car and an elevator drive adapted to move the elevator car in an elevator shaft, wherein the elevator system further comprises a gas reservoir, wherein the gas reservoir is adapted for storing of a pressurized gas, wherein the gas reservoir is connected to an element of the elevator system for powering at least a part of the elevator system. Further, there is provided a method of operating the elevator system and for modernizing an elevator system.