OTHER TECHNOLOGIES
By reviewing new elevator technologies , we find that the main focus has been on reducing energy consumption . However , other technological advances also offer a range of benefits . For example , Marcello Personeni [ 54 ] explains that the closed-loop door technology system provides sensors that monitor and adjust the speed of the car door operators to account for changes in temperature , humidity , and wind , among other factors . As a result , this technology can make door openings and closings smoother and more controlled . In terms of aesthetics and imageability , owners and architects see the elevator as an extension of the lobby , a powerful symbol of building quality . Improved mechanics , illumination , and control features can improve perceived quality . Flat-panel screens in elevator cabs can be used for many purposes — from delivering the day ’ s headlines to advertising purposes . They can be used to welcome new tenants to a building or explain the renovation on a particular floor . In the event of an emergency , display screens in lobbies can convey important information and messages to tenants , visitors , first responders and emergency personnel . The screens can also communicate helpful , up-to-date information about the surrounding neighbourhood , such as street closures and alternate routes .
Green technology extends beyond the elevator ’ s operations . For example , cab walls could be composed of 100 % recycled and recovered wood . Green elevators can improve building health by avoiding toxic volatile organic compounds ( VOC ) that pollute indoor air . Low-VOC finishing materials in a green elevator design can include components made of bamboo , recycled carpet , and hard surface coverings with low- VOC sealants and adhesives . Interestingly , some elevator companies , such as Otis , have “ doubled ” their commitment to the environment by not only engineering energy-saving products but also by manufacturing them in a way that is kinder to the environment [ 23 ].
In addition , important technological advances have improved elevator speeds . In today ’ s fast-paced environment , speedy elevators are needed to move passengers to their destinations in the shortest time possible .
They help reduce overcrowding in the buildings ’ lobbies , sky lobbies , and corridors . Studies also show that people are more sensitive to waiting times for elevators than any other means of transport , such as buses , trains or boats . A recent survey revealed a maximum elevator wait time of 28s ; after that , people started to become restless and show signs of dissatisfaction with the elevator system . Further , the taller a building gets , the faster we need elevators to go to keep the travel time at an acceptable level . In relatively short buildings , the time spent in an elevator could be insignificant , but in the case of tall , super-tall or mega-tall buildings , speed becomes essential [ 17 ].
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Future research will continue to focus on the development of space-saving and energy-efficient elevators that employ efficient motors , stronger materials , and smarter dispatching systems . Some research is looking into providing zero-energy or even “ positive ” -energy elevators . The elevator industry has been working on energy efficiency long before the term “ green ” became mainstream , and its extensive experience and ambitious agenda will hopefully culminate in the “ positiveenergy ” elevator . For example , some companies are working on solar elevators where solar panels installed on the top of the hoistway will generate power to run the elevator and supply surplus power to the city power grid . Another exciting futuristic elevator design is the electromagnetic levitation system [ 55 ].
Electromagnetic Levitation Technology Electromagnetic Levitation Technology , or maglev for short , makes super high-speed trains run frictionless along a track by applying magnetic power . ThyssenKrupp is working on a “ multi ” system , a rope-free elevator system that applies the same concept but on the vertical plane . The “ multi ” will move multiple cabins vertically and horizontally in a loop . It aims to increase the tube transport capacity by up to 50 % with a continuous flow speed of 5 m / s and cabin arrivals every 15 – 30s , whilst offering significant space-saving because the compartments will be much smaller in size . Current
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