Vertical transportation planning in buildings

Abstract

This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Engineering in Environmental Technology. The degree is awarded for industrially relevant research, based in industry, and supported by a programme of development courses.

This project aims to contribute to a reduction in the environmental burdens of vertical transportation systems. The author has carried out an environmental assessment showing that the dominating environmental burdens of vertical transportation systems arise from their use of electricity while in operation in buildings.

An assessment of traffic demand has concluded that we are probably over-sizing lifts, and are therefore installing systems that consume more energy than necessary. Traffic planning techniques for single and double deck lifts have been reviewed and developed.

The kinematics (motion) of lifts has been studied. New formulae have been derived that allow us to plot travel profiles for any input of journey distance, maximum velocity, maximum acceleration and maximum jerk. Taking these journey profiles as inputs, a mathematical model of a DC Static Converter Drive has been developed. The model can be used to calculate the energy consumption of any individual lift trip.

A lift simulation program has been developed. The program uses the research in traffic, kinematics and motor modelling as a basis for developing energy saving lift control strategies.