Elevator Power Storage Segmentation for Regenerative Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator systems face challenges in efficiently storing and regenerating energy, particularly during peak demand periods and blackouts, due to the limitations of lead acid batteries and the high cost of alternative battery technologies, which fail to provide a competitive solution for low-rise residential applications.
Innovation Solution
The elevator system incorporates a power manager unit and a power storage device comprising a supercapacitor unit and a battery unit, allowing for selective management of power flow between the motor drive and storage, enabling regenerative power production and efficient energy storage and retrieval, with the supercapacitors providing high power density and batteries offering extended energy storage during blackouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lead acid batteries are used as reserve power source, then cost is reduced, but service life is shortened and regenerative efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device is segmented into two distinct units: a supercapacitor unit for high-power regenerative energy recovery and a battery unit for extended energy storage during blackouts. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with the supercapacitor handling rapid charge/discharge cycles and the battery providing sustained power, thereby resolving the contradiction between cost and service life.
2Reliability
If other chemical batteries (ion lithium, nickel cadmium) are used, then service life and efficiency are improved, but cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power storage function into a supercapacitor unit for regenerative recovery and a battery unit for blackout coverage. The supercapacitor, being more cost-effective for high-power applications, handles the demanding regenerative cycles, while the battery provides sustained storage. This segmentation avoids the need for expensive ion lithium or nickel cadmium batteries to handle both functions, reducing overall system cost while maintaining service life.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to cover significant blackout periods, then blackout duration is extended, but cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device segments the blackout coverage function between the supercapacitor unit and battery unit. The supercapacitor provides immediate power during the transition phase and handles high-power demands, while the battery unit provides sustained energy storage for extended blackout periods. This segmentation allows the battery to be sized appropriately for the required duration without needing to handle the additional power demands, significantly reducing the cost compared to using a single oversized battery system.
4Ease of manufacture
If lead acid batteries are used, then cost is reduced, but regenerative recovery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage device segments the regenerative recovery function from the extended storage function. The supercapacitor unit is specifically optimized for high-power, rapid charge/discharge cycles required for efficient regenerative energy recovery during braking phases. The battery unit then provides sustained energy storage during blackout periods. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high regenerative efficiency with the supercapacitor while using the more cost-effective battery for extended storage, resolving the contradiction between cost and regenerative efficiency.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency, extends blackout mode duration, and reduces costs by effectively managing power flow between supercapacitors and batteries, providing reliable energy during grid outages while minimizing battery degradation and size requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The power storage device includes a supercapacitor unit and a battery unit
Implementation Method 2
The power storage device includes a supercapacitor unit and a battery unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An elevator system is provided that includes an elevator car(12), a counterweight(18), a load bearing flexible member, a motor have a drive, and an elevator control system(22). The car and counterweight are operable to be translated within a hoistway. The load bearing flexible member extends between the elevator car and the counterweight. The motor is operable to move the load bearing member and thereby drive the elevator car and counterweight within the hoistway. The elevator motor and drive are configured to selectively produce regenerative power. The elevator control system includes a power manager unit (24) and a power storage device (26). The power storage device includes a supercapacitor unit(32) and a battery unit (34). The power manager unit is operable to selectively manage the flow of power between the power storage device and the motor drive, and the flow of regenerative power from the motor drive to the power storage device (26).