Heating control device and method for escalator system or moving sidewalk system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elevator and automatic walkway systems consume a large amount of electricity for heating during low temperature seasons, necessitating improved heating efficiency to reduce energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A heating control apparatus and method that uses a processor and computer program to determine the heating duration based on ambient temperature and humidity, optimizing heater operation by setting the duration to zero when conditions are favorable, increasing it non-linearly with decreasing temperature and increasing humidity, and activating the heater only when necessary to prevent icing before startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heaters are used to heat the escalators and automatic walkways in low temperature seasons, then parts are prevented from freezing, but a large amount of electricity is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the heating duration and timing based on ambient temperature and humidity parameters. The control device calculates optimal heating parameters (duration, intensity, timing) according to real-time environmental conditions, transforming the fixed heating approach into a variable parameter system that adapts to changing conditions, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable freeze prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by activating the heater before the escalator or automatic walkway operates in low temperature conditions. The control device predicts upcoming low temperature periods and initiates heating in advance, ensuring parts are already warmed when needed. This preemptive approach prevents freezing without requiring continuous heating, significantly reducing overall electricity consumption.
2Reliability
If heaters operate continuously to ensure adequate heating, then parts remain free from freezing, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent heating cycles instead of continuous operation. The control device activates the heater in periodic intervals based on ambient conditions, part temperature feedback, and operational schedules. This periodic heating maintains adequate temperature protection while creating natural cooling periods that reduce energy consumption and prevent overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously monitors ambient temperature, humidity, and part temperature conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts heating duration and intensity, stopping heating when temperature thresholds are met or when environmental conditions change. This closed-loop feedback control ensures adequate freeze protection while eliminating energy waste from unnecessary continuous heating.
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 enhances heating efficiency while reducing energy consumption by optimizing heating duration and timing, thereby minimizing energy waste and improving system performance.
Implementation Method 1
heaters are usually used to heat the escalators and automatic walkways
Data Source
AI summary
A heating control apparatus and method for an escalator system or automatic walkway system, an escalator system and automatic walkway system including the heating control apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program for implementing the method is stored. A heating control apparatus for an escalator system or automatic walkway system includes: memory; a processor coupled with the memory; and a computer program stored on the memory and running on the processor, the running of the computer program causes: A. obtaining ambient status and device status of the escalator system or automatic walkway system, the ambient status includes ambient temperature and ambient humidity; and B. generating a control command regarding a heater of the escalator system or automatic walkway system based on the ambient status and the device status.