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20 Fundamental Functions of Elevator Controls You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Functions of elevator controls

The function of elevator control is to manage the movement of the elevator car between floors safely and efficiently. It involves a control system, often microprocessor-based, that processes user input and sensor data to direct the elevator’s movement, speed, and stopping points. The drive system powers the elevator motor, while the control system also manages door operations, ensuring they open and close safely. Safety mechanisms like emergency brakes and overload sensors are integrated to prevent accidents. The control system handles passenger calls, optimizes travel routes to reduce wait times, and manages communication with the building’s main control room for monitoring and emergency response. Overall, elevator control systems ensure smooth, safe, and reliable operation.

Functions of elevator controls

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Elevator Control Board

  1. Automatic Run: It allows elevator to run automatically and act smartly. Mainly ensures below things: Car call register, auto cancel erroneous call; Door auto-opens at stop; Door auto-closes in delay time; Door close at close button pushed; Call for landing; halt vehicle in same direction
  2. Cancellation of wrong calls: Passengers can press the button consecutively twice to cancel wrong calls.
  3. Preventing runaways: The system detects the running state of the elevator in real time. If the elevator speed exceeds the limit, the system immediately stops running of the elevator.
  4. Troubleshooting/Fault Level: Various controller manufacturers classify faults based on their severity levels. When a fault occurs, an error code is displayed, enabling elevator technicians to accurately diagnose the issue. Different techniques are employed to address defects, depending on their severity.
  5. Dual speeds for the examination: The system offers a dual-speed curve for inspection, which significantly increases inspection efficiency since it takes into account inaccuracies in running control at high inspection speeds but lengthy running times at low inspection speeds.
  6. Run of Attendants:
    • Doors automatically open at stops;
    • Doors automatically close when the close button is pressed;
    • landing call stops cars in the same direction;
  7. Inspection The run car moves up and down at inspection speed when the up/down button is pressed in inspection mode. When the button is released, the car stops. auto/inspection switch on the top of the automobile, in the control cabinet, and with a high-to-low priority.
  8. Default Floor: The security floor is used from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. once the security floor function is activated. The elevator always arrives to the security level first, stops, opens the door, and then continues to the destination floor.
  9. Auto door open at power on: Autonomously open door if vehicle is in leveling zone when power is applied.
  10. Auto door close in delay time: The door remains open once it has fully opened and automatically closes after a delay.
  11. Elevator Lock:   When the elevator is in its automated running state, it responds to all car calls, stops running, and switches off the lamp and fan in the car when the elevator lock switch is activated or the predetermined elevator time has passed.
  12. Running direction self-identification in the event of a power outage:      The technology is capable of automatically identifying the current car load and determining the running direction in the event of a power outage.
  13. Energy Saving/Standby Power:  When the normal power supply is interrupted and the emergency power supply is used, the system reduces the running speed of the elevator in order to guarantee a smooth-running curve.
  14. Earthquake Protection: The elevator arrives at the closest floor and stops operating when the earthquake detecting equipment activates and sends a signal to the system. The elevator resumes regular operation once the fault is manually reset and the earthquake signal becomes inactive.
  15. Overload door keep open: When the car load exceeds the rated elevator load, the elevator alarms and stops running. At the same time, leave the door open to reduce the load.
  16. Identification of voltage automatically: When the elevator’s power source is insufficient, the system senses the bus voltage and automatically modifies the elevator’s operating speed (such as using an emergency UPS).
  17. Car arrival gong: The CTB emits a prompt tone when the elevator reaches its destination floor.
  18. Fire Service Mode: When the fire switch is closed, the system goes into fire-service mode
    • Close all car and landing calls;
    • Return the vehicle to the fire floor.
    • The door stays open
    • After going back to the fire floor, output the fire linkage signal.
    • If the elevator moves in the other direction, stop at the closest floor, rush straight to the fire floor, and open the door. 
  19. Auto-stop during elevator fault: When an elevator malfunction causes the car to stop outside the landing zone, it will automatically crawl to the middle-floor leveling zone and open the door.
  20. Dual-Control Management: 

a. Only one elevator responds to raise the running frequency during the landing call, and both elevators respond according to their running state and location.

b. When both elevators are in the waiting condition, one goes back to the waiting floor—typically the G floor—while the other remains where it is. Use the included cable to connect two integrated controllers, then adjust the duplex parameter to achieve duplex.

Conclusion: In summary, the described elevator system is designed with a comprehensive array of features to enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience. From automatic operations and error management to advanced safety protocols like earthquake protection and fire service mode, the system prioritizes passenger security while ensuring smooth and reliable performance. The integration of features such as dual-speed inspection, automatic direction identification, and energy-saving measures further demonstrates the system’s commitment to operational excellence. With these functionalities, the elevator system is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern buildings, providing both safety and convenience for its users.

To know what an elevator controller is, read other articles here.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) based on the elevator controler:

1. What is the purpose of the Automatic Operation feature in the elevator?

The Automatic Operation feature allows the elevator to run independently, managing tasks such as registering and canceling calls, opening and closing doors, and stopping at the correct floors based on user input and system logic.

2. How can I cancel an incorrect call in the elevator?

You can cancel an incorrect call by pressing the call button twice consecutively.

3. What safety measures are in place to prevent the elevator from running away?

The elevator system monitors real-time speed and will automatically stop the elevator if it exceeds the set speed limit, preventing runaway incidents.

4. How does the system handle elevator faults?

When a fault occurs, the system displays an error code, allowing technicians to diagnose and address the issue based on its severity. The system also has features like automatic stopping during malfunctions to ensure safety.

5. What is the Dual-Speed Inspection feature, and why is it important?

The Dual-Speed Inspection feature provides different speed settings for inspections, balancing the need for accurate control at high speeds and efficiency during longer inspections at lower speeds.

6. What happens during Attendant Mode?

In Attendant Mode, the elevator doors automatically open at stops, close when the close button is pressed, and respond to landing calls to stop the car in the same direction.

7. How does the elevator operate in the event of a power outage?

During a power outage, the system automatically identifies the car’s load and determines the correct direction of travel. If emergency power is available, the elevator runs at a reduced speed to ensure smooth operation.

8. What is the purpose of the Default Floor feature?

The Default Floor feature ensures that during specific hours (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), the elevator always stops at a designated security floor before continuing to its destination, enhancing safety during off-peak hours.

9. How does the elevator respond to an earthquake?

When the earthquake detection equipment is activated, the elevator moves to the nearest floor and stops. It will only resume normal operation after the earthquake signal is cleared and the system is manually reset.

10. What is the function of Fire Service Mode?

A fire switch triggers the elevator’s “Fire Service Mode,” which keeps the doors open, cancels any calls, and returns to a specified fire floor. The system also sends a fire linkage signal to alert emergency personnel.

11. How does the system ensure energy efficiency during emergencies?

When normal power is interrupted, and the emergency power supply is in use, the elevator reduces its running speed to conserve energy while maintaining smooth operation.

12. What happens if the elevator is overloaded?

If the car load exceeds the rated capacity, the elevator will sound an alarm, stop running, and keep the door open until the load is reduced.

13. How does Dual-Control Management work in a building with multiple elevators?

Dual-Control Management ensures that only one elevator responds to a landing call to increase efficiency. When both elevators are idle, one returns to a designated waiting floor, while the other remains in place.

14. What is the purpose of the Car Arrival Gong?

The Car Arrival Gong provides an audible signal when the elevator reaches its destination floor, alerting passengers that they have arrived.

These FAQs address the key aspects of the elevator system, ensuring that users and technicians understand the features and functionalities available.