Elevator Control Unit Energy Optimization via Dynamic Waiting Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in reducing energy consumption effectively without incurring higher operational costs, particularly due to the long time span between standby and operational readiness, which can lead to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A control unit determines energy consumption values for elevator journeys between floors and adjusts the direction of travel to minimize energy usage by implementing a collective operation mode with zigzag travel patterns, making intermediate stops to optimize energy efficiency without requiring structural changes to the existing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the elevator installation is put into standby mode when not in use, then energy consumption is reduced, but the time span between standby and operational readiness becomes relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic waiting mode that adapts the elevator system's operational state based on real-time conditions. The control unit continuously monitors traffic patterns and determines optimal moments to transition between operational modes, allowing the system to be dynamically responsive rather than statically in standby or full operation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain readiness when needed while conserving energy during low-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters by adjusting the elevator system's operational characteristics in the waiting mode. Instead of complete standby or full operational modes, the system modifies parameters such as motor power levels, lighting intensity, and system responsiveness to create an intermediate state that balances energy consumption with operational readiness. This allows the system to reduce energy usage while maintaining the capability to respond quickly to elevator requests.
2Loss of energy
If new or improved components are used to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but costs for the operator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves energy reduction through parameter changes in the control algorithm rather than through expensive hardware modifications. By optimizing the waiting mode operation and adjusting operational parameters software-based, the system reduces energy consumption without requiring costly new components or structural changes to the elevator installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs energy optimization autonomously by monitoring traffic patterns and automatically determining when to activate waiting mode. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about energy management without requiring additional expensive monitoring hardware or external control systems, thereby reducing costs while improving energy efficiency.
3Productivity
If the elevator car moves directly to destination floors, then service time is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary travel
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary analysis of traffic patterns and destination requests before the elevator car begins its journey. By pre-calculating optimal routes and identifying opportunities for intermediate stops that align with passenger destinations, the system prepares an energy-efficient travel plan that minimizes unnecessary travel while maintaining acceptable service times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the elevator car serve multiple functions by allowing it to stop at intermediate floors to pick up or drop off passengers during its journey to the primary destination. This multi-functional approach allows the single elevator car to service multiple destinations in one trip, reducing total travel distance and energy consumption while maintaining productivity by efficiently handling multiple passenger requests.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an elevator installation comprising a control unit (SE) and at least one elevator cab (AK) in a building with a plurality of storeys (F), wherein the elevator cab (AK) is moved vertically between the plurality of storeys (F), wherein an elevator operating unit (ABE) is arranged on at least two storeys (F), wherein a journey request (R1, R2, R3) is input in at least one of the elevator operating units (ABE) arranged on the at least two storeys (F) and is transmitted to the control unit (SE), wherein a destination storey (Z1, Z2) is defined either by the input into the elevator operating unit (ABE) or by an input into an operating unit (BE) in the elevator cab (A) which transmits the input to the control unit (SE), wherein the at least one input journey destination (Z1, Z2) and the at least one input journey request (R1, R2, R3) are implemented by the control unit (SE) by means of a group operation mode. According to the invention, in each case at least one energy consumption value of the elevator installation is determined by the control unit (SE) for the journey from a present holding storey (F, Z1, Z2, R1, R2, R3) of the elevator cab (AK) to in each case the at least one input destination storey (Z1, Z2) and in each case to the at least one input journey request storey (R1, R2, R3). A journey is made to that destination storey (Z1, Z2) or journey request storey (R1, R2, R3) at which the at least one energy consumption value of the elevator installation is the minimal value.