Traction Elevator Backup Power Self-Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traction elevator systems rely on manual testing by technicians, which is inefficient and may miss issues with three-phase AC back-up power supplies, leading to potential failures during emergency rescue/evacuation operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated monitoring system that regularly tests the three-phase AC back-up power supply, including battery cell evaluation and rescue/evacuation procedures, with results transmitted to remote maintenance personnel for timely issue identification and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing by technicians is used, then the system can be tested, but the testing efficiency is low and issues may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The back-up power supply system performs self-testing automatically without requiring technician intervention. The system monitors its own battery cells, DC output power, and three-phase AC output parameters, enabling it to detect issues independently and continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with automated electronic monitoring and control systems. The controller automatically measures electrical parameters, compares them against thresholds, and generates alerts, substituting human technicians with an automated electronic diagnostic system.
2Device complexity
If only DC output power monitoring is performed, then the monitoring is simple, but the reliability indicator is insufficient for three-phase AC back-up power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors DC battery cell voltages, measures three-phase AC output parameters (voltage, current, frequency), evaluates overall power supply performance, and generates comprehensive diagnostic information. This multi-functional approach provides reliable performance indication while managing complexity through integrated control.
3Reliability
If automated scheduled self-testing is implemented, then the reliability detection is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the self-testing functionality with the existing back-up power supply control circuitry. The controller that manages battery charging and AC power generation is also used to coordinate self-testing operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If technician skill and maintenance schedule are depended upon, then manual testing can be performed, but problems may go undiagnosed until emergency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors its own operational parameters and provides feedback to the controller. When parameters deviate from normal ranges or when self-testing reveals issues, the system generates alerts and notifications to maintenance personnel, enabling proactive problem detection and response rather than waiting for scheduled manual inspections.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for controlling self-testing of a traction elevator includes a self-testing process module in communication with a three-phase AC back-up battery power supply. The self-testing process module includes a processor configured to initiate and control a series of steps for performing measurements of the three-phase AC back-up battery power supply, including measurements of the battery supply during a simulated emergency situation (“rescue/evacuation”). The processor is programmed to initiate testing on a defined schedule and transmit test results to a maintenance system (including remotely-located systems) on a routine basis. The monitoring system also includes a display unit providing visual information regarding the status of self-testing processes and their results and a communications unit for transmitting test results to a remote maintenance controller.