Multicar Ropeless Elevator Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ropeless elevator systems face challenges in efficient power distribution and redundancy, particularly in multicar configurations where continuous and reliable power supply is crucial for multiple elevator cars operating within a single hoistway, especially in high-rise buildings.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system comprising multiple electrical buses with rectifiers and battery backups, providing continuous and uninterrupted power, and enabling regenerative power transfer between buses, ensuring self-sufficiency and redundancy, with optional zoning configurations for enhanced fault management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power line is used to supply power to multiple elevator cars, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability of power supply deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent power lines (at least three) instead of using a single power line. Each power line can independently supply power to elevator cars, and the failure of one power line does not affect the others. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining system reliability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant power lines and battery backups as preventive measures against power supply failure. By having备用 power lines and energy storage systems in place beforehand, the system can withstand failures without compromising elevator operation, thus maintaining high reliability while using a manageable number of power distribution components.
2Reliability
If battery backup systems are added to ensure continuous power supply, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery backup systems are integrated with the existing power distribution infrastructure rather than being completely separate systems. The batteries are electrically connected to the power lines and can automatically switch between grid power and battery power, merging the backup function with the main power distribution system to minimize additional complexity while ensuring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery backup systems are designed to automatically detect power failures and switch to battery operation without requiring external intervention. The system self-manages the transition between power sources and can recharge batteries when grid power is restored, reducing the need for complex control systems and manual management while maintaining high reliability.
3Reliability
If multiple independent power lines are used, then the reliability improves, but the loss of energy increases due to multiple power conversion paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers regenerative energy from elevator cars that are descending or braking and redirects it to power other elevator cars that are ascending. By capturing and redistributing this energy through the multiple power lines, the system reduces overall energy consumption and minimizes losses that would otherwise occur through heat dissipation or grid feedback, while maintaining the reliability benefits of redundant power lines.
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
The system ensures reliable and efficient power distribution to multiple elevator cars, allowing for seamless operation during grid failures and efficient energy sharing, reducing downtime and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier is electrically connected to each of the plurality of buses and configured to convert power provided between the respective bus and a grid
Implementation Method 2
a battery backup is electrically connected with the rectifier and configured to transfer power to or receive power from the rectifier
Data Source
AI summary
An elevator power distribution system includes an elevator car (114; 214; 314; 414; 514) configured to travel in a lane (113, 115, 117; 213; 313, 315, 317; 413, 415, 417; 513, 515, 517) of an elevator shaft (111) and a linear propulsion system configured to impart force to the elevator car. The linear propulsion system includes a first portion (216), mounted in the lane and a second portion (218) mounted to the elevator car configured to coact with the first portion (216) to impart movement to the elevator car. A plurality of electrical buses (371, 372, 373, 374; 471, 472, 473, 474; 571, 572, 573, 574) are disposed within the lane and configured to provide power to the first portion, a rectifier (361a, 362a, 363a, 364a, 361b, 362b, 363b, 364b, 361c, 362c, 363c, 364c; 461a, 462a, 463a, 464a, 461b, 462b, 463b, 464b, 461c, 462c, 463c, 464c; 561a, 562a, 563a, 564a, 561b, 562b, 563b, 564b, 561c, 562c, 563c, 564c) is electrically connected to each of the plurality of buses and configured to convert power provided between the respective bus and a grid (302; 402; 502), and a battery backup (381a, 382a, 383a, 384a, 381b, 382b, 383b, 384b, 381c, 382c, 383c, 384c; 481a, 482a, 483a, 484a, 481b, 482b, 483b, 484b, 481c, 482c, 483c, 484c; 585a, 585b, 585c) is electrically connected with the rectifier and configured to transfer power to or receive power from the rectifier.