Onboard Ultracapacitor Power for Cable-Free Construction Elevators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction elevators face challenges with inconsistent and unreliable power sources due to issues with long power cables and busbars, such as malfunctions, icing, and prohibitions in certain jurisdictions, while battery systems have limitations like recharge limits and capacity degradation.
Innovation Solution
A construction elevator system powered by onboard ultracapacitors, which include a car controller, variable frequency drive, motor, booster, brake chopper, and charging interface, allowing the elevator to operate without external power and recharge during descending operations, using ultracapacitors to store and distribute power efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long power cables are used to power the construction elevator, then the elevator can be powered externally, but the power cable may malfunction, break, or become insufficient for taller buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power supply system from external sources and relocates it onboard the elevator car. The ultracapacitor power source is mounted directly on the elevator car, eliminating the need for long external power cables, ground-based power supplies, and associated infrastructure like wind brackets and trolley systems. This resolves the reliability issues of external cables while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultracapacitor-powered elevator system is self-sufficient, generating and storing its own power onboard. The regenerative braking system charges the ultracapacitors during descent, allowing the elevator to operate independently without external power infrastructure. This self-service capability eliminates cable-related failures and reduces dependency on external power sources.
2Reliability
If busbars are used to power the construction elevator, then power can be supplied along the building exterior, but the busbar may become inoperable from icing, expansion, connector failure, or wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the elevator power system from the building exterior infrastructure and places it onboard the elevator car. This eliminates exposure to environmental factors like icing, thermal expansion, and mechanical wear that affect external busbars. The power system is now protected within the elevator car environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard ultracapacitor system with regenerative braking is self-sufficient and immune to external environmental conditions. It generates power during descent and stores it for ascent, operating independently of weather conditions that would affect external busbar systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are used to power the construction elevator, then the elevator can operate without external power, but the battery has recharge limits and capacity degradation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy storage parameter from conventional batteries to ultracapacitors. Ultracapacitors have superior charge/discharge cycle life (millions of cycles vs. thousands for batteries) and no capacity degradation issues. They can accept and deliver power much faster, making them ideal for the regenerative braking application where rapid energy transfer occurs during elevator descent and ascent.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultracapacitor system with regenerative braking creates a self-sustaining power cycle. During descent, the motor-generator charges the ultracapacitors; during ascent, the stored power drives the motor. This continuous recharge cycle maximizes the use of stored energy and extends operational duration without external power or battery replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the construction elevator uses onboard power storage, then it can operate without external power supply, but the power source needs to be recharged
Solution Approach 1:
The regenerative braking system enables continuous power recycling. During descent, the motor-generator converts gravitational potential energy back into electrical energy, charging the ultracapacitors. This continuous recharge during the return trip eliminates idle downtime, as the elevator is always either operating or recharging, never both at once. The useful action of descending simultaneously performs the recharge function.
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 ultracapacitor-powered construction elevator provides reliable and efficient operation, reducing downtime with quick recharge capabilities and minimizing external power reliance, suitable for taller buildings and harsh weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A construction elevator system powered by onboard ultracapacitors... using ultracapacitors to store and distribute power efficiently
Implementation Method 2
a variable frequency drive coupled to a motor that are configured to operate the construction elevator in the lifting operation or the descending operation
Data Source
AI summary
A construction elevator is provided. The construction elevator may include a car controller configured to direct the construction elevator to operate in a lifting operation or a descending operation. The construction elevator may further include a variable frequency drive coupled to a motor that are configured to operate the construction elevator in the lifting operation or the descending operation responsive to the direction of the car controller. Moreover, the construction elevator may include an onboard power source configured to provide power to the variable frequency drive and the motor to complete the lifting operation without needing to be recharged by an external power supply.