Elevator Run Profile Control for Safe Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems rely on external power sources, making them unreliable in power outages, leading to uncontrolled stops and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered elevator system with a controller that manages the elevator car, drive unit, and brake to determine and maintain a controlled stop profile, adjusting for actual velocity and electrical current to ensure safe stopping without exceeding electrical limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elevator system uses external power source, then the elevator can operate normally, but the system becomes unreliable during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The elevator system is designed to accept multiple power sources (external power and battery) and automatically switch between them. The controller monitors power availability and transitions operation mode seamlessly, making the system universally adaptable to different power conditions without requiring separate systems for each scenario.
2Reliability
If the elevator system operates without external power, then the system maintains operation during outages, but electrical current limits may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The run profile is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of electrical current consumption. The controller continuously compares actual current against selected current limits and modifies the run profile parameters (acceleration, deceleration, velocity) to ensure operation remains within safe electrical boundaries while still achieving the rescue stop objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the run profile (such as acceleration rates, velocity limits, and timing) in response to detected electrical current conditions. When current approaches limits, the controller adjusts these parameters to reduce power consumption while maintaining controlled stopping capability.
3Reliability
If the elevator system adjusts run profile frequently, then the system avoids electrical faults, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors electrical current consumption and compares it against predetermined limits. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the run profile to maintain operation within safe parameters. This closed-loop control prevents faults while managing complexity through algorithmic decision-making rather than complex hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an elevator system is provided. The method includes powering, using a battery, the elevator system when an external power source is unavailable. The method also includes controlling, using a controller, a plurality of components of the elevator system. The controlling comprises operating at least one of the battery, an elevator car, a drive unit, and a brake. The method further includes determining, using the controller, a run profile of the elevator car in response to a selected deceleration. The method yet further includes operating, using the controller, the elevator car in response to the run profile determined, and determining, using the controller, an actual velocity of the elevator car.