Innovation Knows No Bounds | STEP “Magic Cube Elevator” Control System Enters Operation
2017-12-01
On November 8, 2017, in the Luozhou Elevator Industry Park in Fuzhou, a specialized test tower for a super “Rubik’s Cube elevator”—with an investment of tens of millions of yuan—drew attention from elevator industry professionals and media from across the country. The 60-meter-high test tower features just one elevator shaft, yet it houses seven passenger elevators, each with a capacity of 1,350 kilograms.
How to safely and efficiently control and schedule multiple elevators within a single hoistway—thereby maximizing elevator capacity and minimizing hoistway space—is a world-class challenge. The R&D team at STEP has boldly embraced innovation and developed a comprehensive control system for the “Magic Cube Elevator.” In collaboration with Fuzhou Kuaike Elevator Industry Co., Ltd., this system enables seven elevators to operate simultaneously within a single hoistway, significantly boosting elevator capacity while reducing the required hoistway space. This system boasts the following features:
1) Ultra-high-level security technology
· Multiple SIL3-rated PESSRAL (Programmable Electronic Safety-Related Systems) have been deployed to ensure elevator safety.
· During the operation or docking of the car, PESSRAL monitors the status of the three car doors on each car. Once a car door malfunctions or acts erroneously, PESSRAL will immediately bring the elevator into a safe state.
2) Fully redundant control technology
· Each elevator is equipped with a “dual-system” configuration, where both systems are online simultaneously and monitor each other. When one primary control system fails, the other primary control system seamlessly takes over elevator control and triggers an alarm via IoT devices. This redundant system ensures the reliable operation of the Super Magic Cube Elevator and provides additional time for maintenance.
3) Unique control algorithm
· By employing a technology that combines distributed control computing with centralized control computing, the system significantly reduces the computational load on the cluster motherboard, lowers bus traffic, and enhances anti-interference performance.
· A stopping curve based on the dual principles of time and distance helps reduce transfer waiting times, achieving transfer waiting times of less than 5 seconds.
4) Leading objective-layer scheduling algorithm
· An algorithm based on fuzzy neural networks, which takes into account waiting time and dwell time, is employed. Based on the current status of each elevator, weight coefficients are assigned to the state variables of the elevators. By integrating fuzzy logic with neural networks and evaluating the results according to different optimal objective functions, the operational efficiency of the elevators is maximized.
STEP has over 20 years of experience in the R&D of elevator control systems and boasts profound R&D capabilities and a solid technological foundation in the field of elevator control. We will continue to pursue innovation in elevator control systems, constantly strive for technological breakthroughs, and make our utmost contribution to the advancement of the elevator industry.
Contact Us
Email:
market@stepelectric.com
Address:
No. 1560, Siyi Road, Jiading District, Shanghai Municipality