Escalator Handrail Cooling with Peltier Roller Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Escalator and moving walkway handrails heat up due to sunlight exposure, leading to discomfort and increased risk of falls, especially in hot climates, and existing cooling systems are inefficient, noisy, and require consumables.
Innovation Solution
A handrail temperature control device using semiconductor cooling elements, rollers, and a temperature control module to regulate heat transfer and maintain comfortable handrail temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a closed-loop cooling system with air conditioning unit and insulated duct is used to cool the handrail, then the handrail temperature can be kept below a defined value, but the system becomes large in size, generates high noise level, and consumes high energy
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent Peltier elements distributed along the handrail, each cooling a specific section. This replaces the single large centralized cooling system with multiple small modular units, reducing overall system complexity and size while maintaining effective temperature control across the entire handrail length
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cooling system (air conditioning unit with fans and blowers) is replaced by semiconductor Peltier elements that use electrical current to generate the Peltier effect for cooling. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components, fans, and insulated ducts, significantly reducing system size and noise while maintaining cooling effectiveness
2Temperature
If alcohol spray system with compressed air and fans is used to cool the handrail through evaporative cooling, then cooling effect is achieved, but consumables must be continuously supplied and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Peltier elements are electrically powered and automatically regulate the handrail temperature without requiring consumable supplies. The system monitors and adjusts cooling output based on temperature sensors, providing self-service operation that eliminates the need for continuous alcohol refilling and reduces maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling mechanism changes from chemical evaporative cooling (alcohol) to solid-state semiconductor cooling (Peltier effect). This parameter change eliminates the need for consumable liquids while maintaining effective heat removal from the handrail surface
3Temperature
If conventional air conditioning cooling system is used with small temperature difference between cooling air and ambient temperature, then energy consumption is high and cooling takes relatively long time
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system uses Peltier elements that can generate large temperature differences (60°C or more) between the cold and hot sides of the semiconductor element. This parameter change in temperature differential enables rapid cooling of the handrail while improving energy efficiency compared to conventional air conditioning systems that operate with small temperature differences
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
Provides efficient, silent, and cost-effective temperature control with minimal consumables, ensuring a pleasant handrail surface for users.
Implementation Method 1
the semiconductor cooling element, in particular, transfers its heat to the base
Implementation Method 2
The roller arrangement enables direct surface contact between the handrail temperature control device and the handrail surface to be cooled, thus achieving excellent heat transfer between the roller assembly and the handrail
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a handrail temperature-control device (11) for a movably arranged handrail (3) of an escalator (1) or a moving walkway. The handrail temperature-control device (11) has a base (15), a roller arrangement (13) arranged on the base (15), and a semiconductor cooling element (19), the semiconductor cooling element (19) being arranged in a recess (39) between the base (15) and the roller arrangement (13).