Elevator Voltage Control for Energy Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator systems face challenges in reducing electricity consumption while minimizing delays associated with recovery from power-saving mode, as existing solutions often disconnect power completely, leading to slow restarts and impaired usage.
Innovation Solution
An electricity supply apparatus that reduces the supply voltage of elevator system devices to a minimum operational value during power-saving mode, ensuring devices remain operational and ready-for-use, with a transformer and tap switches configured to adjust voltage, and an elevator control unit managing the mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electricity supply is completely disconnected during power-saving mode, then electricity consumption is reduced, but device restart delays occur and usability is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the power supply treatment for different devices. Critical devices (e.g., control units, safety systems) maintain full power supply to remain operational, while non-critical devices (e.g., lighting, ventilation) are disconnected or reduced. This selective approach reduces overall energy consumption without causing system-wide restart delays, as the control system remains active to manage power restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple groups: fully powered devices, partially powered devices, and disconnected devices. This segmentation allows the system to discontinue power to specific non-essential components while maintaining power to essential components, thereby reducing energy consumption without impairing overall system functionality or causing complete system restart delays.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electricity supply is completely disconnected during power-saving mode, then electricity consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to restart control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages elevator operation control, monitors power consumption, determines which devices should be disconnected during power-saving mode, and coordinates power restoration. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single existing component rather than adding separate control mechanisms for each device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving energy savings.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electricity supply is disconnected to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to slower response to elevator calls
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and call response systems are classified as critical devices that maintain full power supply during power-saving mode. This ensures that when an elevator call is received, the control system can immediately process the request and initiate movement without delay. Non-critical devices like interior lighting or climate control are the ones disconnected, so energy savings do not compromise operational responsiveness.
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 reduces electricity consumption without causing delays during power-saving mode transitions, allowing for seamless recovery and continued functionality of essential devices, thereby simplifying control arrangements and enhancing elevator usage.
Implementation Method 1
The electricity supply apparatus preferably comprises a transformer, which comprises a primary and a secondary, and which secondary is connected to the electricity supply of one or more devices of the elevator system
Implementation Method 2
The electricity supply apparatus also preferably comprises tap switches connected to the taps of the transformer and also a controller that is arranged to use the tap switches for changing the supply voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electricity supply apparatus, an elevator system and a method for limiting the electricity consumption of an elevator system. The electricity supply apparatus according to the invention is fitted to supply electricity to one or more devices in an elevator system. The minimum value of the permitted supply voltage with which the apparatus still operates is determined for one or more appliances of the elevator system, and the electricity supply apparatus is equipped to change the supply voltage of the one or more appliances of the elevator system towards the minimum value of the permitted supply voltage for limiting electricity consumption of the elevator system.