Elevator Group Control via Energy Storage Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in minimizing energy consumption and optimizing power distribution, leading to increased energy costs and inefficient use of electrical infrastructure, particularly during varying traffic situations and peak demand periods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an energy storage system connected to the power supply arrangement, which adjusts power usage based on the charging status of the energy storage, prioritizing energy allocation to minimize energy consumption and reduce peak demand by favoring elevator car movements that best meet the allocation criteria, including a maximum waiting time criterion in large systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power supply arrangement is used without energy storage, then the elevator system can operate continuously, but the energy consumption is high and peak demand requires oversized electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device charges in advance during periods when energy is available or demand is low, storing energy that will be needed later during peak demand periods. This preliminary charging action allows the system to operate reliably during high-demand periods without requiring oversized infrastructure to handle peak loads continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the state of charge of the energy storage device based on operating conditions, traffic patterns, and energy prices. By adjusting the charging/discharging parameters of the energy storage device, the system optimizes energy consumption while maintaining reliable operation, resolving the contradiction between reduced energy use and continuous operation capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy storage capacity is increased to reduce energy consumption, then more energy can be stored for peak demand, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing full energy storage capacity for all possible peak demand scenarios, the system uses partial storage capacity strategically. The control algorithm determines when to charge and discharge based on predicted traffic patterns and actual energy needs, achieving significant energy consumption reduction with a smaller, less complex energy storage device than would be required for complete energy independence.
3Use of energy by moving object
If allocation prioritizes minimizing energy consumption, then energy costs are reduced, but passenger waiting time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The allocation algorithm dynamically adjusts its priorities based on real-time conditions. During periods when the energy storage device is well-charged, the system can prioritize energy-efficient allocation patterns. When the energy storage is depleted or when traffic patterns indicate urgent need, the algorithm dynamically shifts to prioritize response time over energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between these competing objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the state of charge of the energy storage device, current traffic patterns, and allocation performance. This feedback information is used to adjust allocation decisions in real-time, ensuring that energy consumption is minimized when possible without allowing passenger waiting time to exceed acceptable thresholds. The feedback loop balances energy efficiency with service quality.
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 significantly reduces energy consumption, allowing for smaller energy storage capacity, lower electrical infrastructure requirements, and reduced electricity costs, potentially replacing three-phase connections with single-phase connections, while maintaining efficient elevator operation.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage, which is connected to the power supply arrangement, is fitted in the first operating situation to yield energy for use in moving the elevator car and in the second operating situation to receive energy released by movement of the elevator car
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator system and a method are provided for controlling an elevator group. The elevator system includes an elevator group, which includes at least two elevator cars, which elevator cars are fitted to be moved in the elevator hoistway according to the calls allocated by the control of the elevator group. The elevator system includes a power supply arrangement, for adjusting the power needed to move the elevator cars. An energy storage is connected to the power supply arrangement. The energy storage is fitted in the first operating situation to yield energy for use in moving the elevator car, and in the second operating situation to receive energy released by movement of the elevator car. The elevator system includes a determination of the charging status of the energy storage, and the control of the elevator group is fitted to determine the change in energy that would be caused by the movement according to an allocated call of the elevator cars belonging to the elevator group. The control of the elevator group is fitted to allocate a call by favoring in the allocation an elevator car, the determined change in energy caused by the movement of which best meets the allocation criterion.