Series 5
Brain of the Elevator!!! The Controller
This blog is dedicated to what I can call the brain of an elevator, and this is the controller. Controller must be designed to handle all aspects of the elevator, like safety, operation, levelling accuracy, ride quality etc
Primary Functions:
- Control and regulate elevator movement
- Manage elevator speed, acceleration, and deceleration
- Monitor and respond to elevator requests (e.g., floor calls, car calls)
- Optimize traffic flow and minimize wait times
Key Components:
Control Panel
Houses electronic components, relays, and circuit boards.
Logic Controller
Processes inputs, executes algorithms, and sends outputs.
Power Units
Supply power to elevator motors and other components.
Sensors and Feedback Devices
Monitor elevator position, speed, and status.
Operational Modes:
- Automatic Mode: Normal operation, responding to floor calls and car calls.
- Manual Mode: Allows authorized personnel to control elevator movement.
- Fire Service Mode: Priority access for firefighters during emergencies.
- Emergency Mode: Enables elevator evacuation during power failures.
Control Strategies:
- Destination Control: Assigns elevator cars to specific destinations.
- Group Control: Coordinates multiple elevators to optimize traffic flow.
- Dynamic Scheduling: Adjusts elevator dispatching based on real-time traffic.
Safety Features:
Safety Brakes
Over-Speed Protection
Door Protection
(e.g., door zones, safety edges)
Fire Detection & Response
Emergency Phone & Communication Systems
Communication Protocols:
- Elevator communication protocols (e.g., CAN, MODBUS)
- Building management system (BMS) integration
- Network connectivity (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi)
Modern Advancements:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for optimized traffic flow
Internet of Things (IoT) integration for real-time monitoring
Energy-efficient technologies (e.g., regenerative drives)
Advanced security measures (e.g., access control, biometrics)
Types of Elevator Controllers:
- Relay-based controllers
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Microprocessor-based controllers
- Computer-based controllers
While selecting the elevator, it is important to find out your needs of the elevator, based on this level or type of controller can be decided. If the levelling accuracy of the elevator is required to be in the range of plus-minus 3 mm, then you need a higher-level controller. Like Computers, elevator controllers are also changing and advancing at a very fast rate, the latest being Artificial Intelligence, which can not only be user-friendly but can also support the manufacturer in doing health analysis of the elevator remotely. Eg of being user-friendly greeting the user with a personal message ( feel-good factor) or guiding the customer to her or his destination through a voice annunciator.
