How Tech Innovation Can Make Vertical Transport Greener

Rightly so, energy efficiency is a hot topic in all areas of the construction industry. It’s something we have always tried to focus on with regards to lifts and escalators, or indeed with any method of transporting people from A to B. More and more construction briefs will be centred around focussing on how they may build in such a way to reduce the impact on the natural environment around them, preserve or re-use resources and in all other ways keep their projects ‘green’. 

We previously wrote about this subject in the following posts “Vertical Transportation & Energy Efficiency” which you can find here  and “An A-Z of how Vertical Transport can help you go green”.

In January of this year SODIMAS Lift Manufacturers paid us a visit at Dunbar & Boardman HQ in London to discuss the 3 green solutions they’re working on inclusive of their Solar Powered Lift initiative.

Standby mode

For a co-owner type building, the lifts energy consumption is close to the consumption necessary to its standby mode, the lift remains on standby for the majority of the time.
On average, this kind of lift is used to a maximum of 1 hour per day.
The proposed solution is to install one or two solar panels, depending on the levels of sunlight in order to supply this standby energy.

Safety mode
 

The installation of batteries and solar panels supplies sufficient back up energy for the lift travel in the event of a power failure. When using this solution, the lift is automatically brought back to the nearest level and opens its doors allowing passengers to exit. It's then kept on standby until a technician reaches the site to repair/resets the lift.
 

Stand-alone mode
 

Completely stand-alone, the operating lift is independent with both mains and solar power supplies.  Switching from one energy source to another is automatic and smooth for the passengers. At any given moment, the lift is able to travel without having to rely on the proper working order of the power supply network.

The number of photovoltaic panels and batteries depends on the levels of sunlight and the necessary electrical power for the functioning of the lift in the absence of electrical power.

Through these technical changes, It is possible to develop an approach to eco-design and sustainable development in order to reduce its environmental impact.

Other manufacturers are also creating such Sustainable Development products such as Otis and Schindler.

Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Are you currently planning a project that will involve vertical transportation?  We would be happy to discuss with you. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via garyavis@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Image credit: http://bit.ly/1SiunJL

Spotlight on Innovation: What is Switchable Glass?

http://www.beamingsuccess.com/images/diffused-glass-IMG.jpg

Switchable Glass is glass that can be turned from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch. A company called Taliq founded in 1986 invented, patented and commercialised polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) window film technology. In 1988 this company changed its name to Citala Ltd. The company was founded by Ronen Lin in Tel Aviv. Ronen remains very much involved and is currently Chief Executive Officer and President. Citala Ltd is private company, headquartered in Israel with R&D and manufacturing in Sunnyvale, California and employs approximately 20 people. The company sells its products directly in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Far East. Many companies around the world now produce switchable glass products.

How does Switchable Glass Work?

 Photo credit: Citala Ltd

In polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices (PDLCs), liquid crystals are dissolved or dispersed into a liquid polymer followed by solidification or curing of the polymer. Typically, the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystals is placed between two layers of glass or plastic that include a thin layer of a transparent, conductive material followed by curing of the polymer, thereby forming the basic sandwich structure of the smart window. The smart window is then connected to electrodes and when a voltage is applied the window will change from opaque to transparent. The smart windows can also be created via other technologies – specifically Suspended Particle devices (SPDs), Electrochromic devices and Micro-blinds instead of PDLCs.

What are the Benefits of Switchable Glass?

- The benefits of switchable glass are as follows:

- Privacy control at the flick of a switch

- Smart glass can create climate adaptive building shells that can reduce costs for heating, air-conditioning and lighting

- No need for install and maintain light screens, curtains or blinds

- Smart glass blocks ultraviolet light (in most cases) and reduces fabric fading

How does this relate to the Vertical Transportation Industry?

Switchable glass can he applied to lifts, escalators or inclinators.  Technological advancements including self adhesive Smart Window Film means that it has become more affordable for both commercial and residential usage. Practical applications are for glass cars where a counterweight is passing at high speed or where passing through a dead zone or when travelling into the basement areas, again with glass cars.

Where has Switchable Glass be used?

Switchable glass has been used in the automotive, aircraft, marine and architectural industries. In architecture switchable glass technology has been applied to windows, skylights, doors and partitions.

Dunbar and Boardman keep a watching brief on technological advances within the vertical transportation industry to better serve our clients. Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy.

Do you have a current or planned project that would benefit from using Switchable Glass? We would be happy to discuss any such requirements and how we may be able to assist. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

Spotlight on Technology: How do you ensure elevator ride quality?

Photo Credit: Physical Measurement Technologies, Inc. 

In our role as consultants for the vertical transportation industry Dunbar and Boardman have overseen many elevator and escalator installations around the world and here in the UK. Once a new vertical transportation system has been installed we are quick to assess the ride quality of all lifts and escalators. This we do by using EVA Vibration Analysis Tools software.

What is the EVA Vibration Analysis Tools software?

The EVA system is the creation of an American company based in Malborough, New Hampshire called Physical Measurement Technologies, Inc. Their product, the EVA-625 Elevator Vibration Analysis system has become the industry standard for the measurement of ride quality, vibration and sound in elevators and escalators. It is used in over 70 countries.

How does it work?

Place the EVA 625 on the floor of the elevator, turn the machine on, press the record button and then take a ride. The system will automatically store the data and will give you readings for ride quality, vibration and sound. Individual components can also be tested via the system. This means that technicians and engineers can take corrective action to resolve problems with ride quality, vibration and sound. In general terms, the quality of installation and service can be improved dramatically.

The EVA System in the UK

In the UK and across Europe one company is responsible for the sale and support for the EVA system. That company is called Eurogears. Eurogears are based in Rochester in the county of Kent. Eurogears Ltd was founded in 1990 & provide on-site engineering, power transmission & mechanical engineering services in addition to  being the European distribution partner for Physical Measurement Technologies, Inc.

Dunbar and Boardman keep a watching brief on technological advances within the vertical transportation industry to better serve our clients. Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Do you need help ensuring ride quality for your vertical or horizontal transportation system? We would be happy to discuss any such requirements and how we may be able to assist. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Spotlight on Innovation: What is Lightspeed Technology?

In August Peter and Vance travelled to Amsterdam to meet with a company that has patented a Lightspeed Technology system. The system works by sending light through a fibreglass cable. This cable functions as an optical conductor. A light is received at the end of the cable and is compared to the signal that was originally transmitted. From this point, deformation or bending of the cable will be detected by the transmitter / receiver module and several actions can be programmed into the software. The company behind Lightspeed technology are called Lightspeed Lift Solutions.

What are the benefits of Lightspeed Technology?

Anti- trapping safety for lift doors

The system can detect whether an obstacle has come into space occupied by the lift door and doorframe. This could be a lift passenger’s hand, for example.  Depending on how the system has been set up the lift could immediately stop or open slowly. This is a great additional safety feature for a company’s vertical transportation.

Lift Cabin Detection

When the Lightspeed system is incorporated into the floor of the lift car it can recognise whether there is someone inside the lift and how much of the floor space is remaining. This has great potential in hospitals where it as been applied to the vertical transportation of hospital beds. There is also potential for this feature in high rise buildings and supermarkets.

Call System

With the LightSpeed optical detection system integrated into the floor you do not even need to manually push a button to call a lift. The system reacts when someone stands on the tile. Once again a number of next actions can be set up from that point. This has great benefits when used in care homes or hospitals but also in shopping centres, industrial environments and for car lifts.

Call System Vandal Proof

Lightspeed have a CS2 Call system that is operated via a RVS touch pad.  The touchpad can be used to call the lift. Even if vandals manage to damage the touch pad it will still function.   

Lift Shaft Detection

Part of the Lightspeed system can be incorporated in a rubber mat or applied to the floor to secure the cabin roof and lift pit. In practical terms this means that if a person is on top of lift - ‘lift surfing’ they will be detected by the system. Once again a number of desired next steps can be incorporated into the system to enhance safety.  This is a great feature to have at your disposal during maintenance and inspections.

Dunbar and Boardman keep a watching brief on technological advances within the vertical transportation industry to better serve our clients. Dunbar and Boardman is the lift, escalator and access equipment consultancy. Do you have a current or planned project that would benefit from using Lightspeed Technology? We would be happy to discuss any such requirements and how we may be able to assist. Give us a call on T +44 (0) 20 7739 5093 or send us an email via peterboardman@dunbarboardman.com to start the conversation. We look forward to hearing from you.

To find out more about Lightspeed Technology visit the website of Lightspeed Lift Solutions.