Non-Invasive Elevator Power Monitoring for Off-Peak Energy Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Elevators in large buildings often operate inefficiently during off-peak hours, leading to high energy waste due to varying demand and differing control systems among manufacturers, making it difficult to capture operation data without manufacturer cooperation.

Innovation Solution

An analysis device using non-invasive electrical data, comprising a power reader and control processor to measure and analyze elevator operation data, including passenger presence, load, and power consumption, enabling energy-saving controls and scheduling adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If operation data are captured by a control box, then data can be obtained, but it requires cooperation of the elevator manufacturer and is difficult to obtain without such cooperation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation dataVSAvoiddata capture

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device that indirectly measures elevator operation data through current consumption. This mediator allows data capture without direct access to the control box, eliminating the need for manufacturer cooperation while still obtaining accurate operational information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic control box access method with an electrical measurement approach using a current transformer. This substitution enables data capture through electrical parameters (current consumption) rather than direct control box access, making the system independent of manufacturer-specific control architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different control boxes with different control specifications are used, then various elevator models can be supported, but it is impossible to design a single device for capturing data of different control boxes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelevator model compatibilityVSAvoiddata capture device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex control box interfaces with a universal electrical measurement approach. By measuring current consumption through a current transformer, the system achieves compatibility with different elevator models without requiring complex adaptation to various control box specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent shifts from measuring control box parameters to measuring electrical parameters (current consumption). This parameter change creates a universal measurement approach that works across different elevator models without requiring device complexity to match each control box specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If elevators operate during off-peak hours, then service availability is maintained, but significant energy consumption occurs when demand is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring elevator operation data and current consumption. This feedback enables the system to identify ineffective operating states and implement energy-saving measures such as adjusting operation schedules or putting elevators in standby mode during off-peak hours while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of elevator operation based on monitored data. The system can adapt operation schedules, adjust speed profiles, or modify door operation timing in real-time based on actual usage patterns, thereby reducing energy consumption during off-peak hours while maintaining service availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient energy management by determining passenger presence and load, optimizing elevator operation, reducing energy consumption, and enhancing transportation capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a main wheel current transformer for measuring a single-phase current value of a single-phase electric power of the main wheel driving motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260062257A1Analysis device for analyzing elevator operation by using non-invasive electrical data

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 CONTROLNET INT

AI summary

An analysis device for analyzing an elevator operation by using a non-invasive electrical data, which serves to analyze an operation of a first elevator device. The analysis device includes a first power reader connected to a main wheel driving motor of the first elevator device. The first power reader includes a main wheel current transformer for measuring a single-phase current value and a single-phase voltage value of the main wheel driving motor. The first power reader serves to calculate a plurality of power operation data based on the single-phase current value and the single-phase voltage value. The power operation data include an instantaneous current, an instantaneous voltage, an instantaneous output power and an instantaneous power consumption. The power operation data are outputted to a control processor to be processed.