Elevator control systems are the mechanisms that manage the movement and operation of elevators in buildings. They are responsible for controlling various functions, such as motion control, door operation, floor selection, load management, safety features & traffic management. Elevators use Human-Machine Interface (HMI) to process inputs from users and sensors, interacting with algorithms to ensure smooth operation. Inputs are signals from , buttons, and other user or environmental interactions. Examples include floor selection buttons, weight sensors, and door sensors, among others.
Many sensors in elevators generate analog signals, and an is required to convert these analog signals into digital data that the elevator's control system can process. This is where the system's microcontroller or processor makes decisions based on the input data. The processor is responsible for interpreting inputs, running control algorithms, coordinating traffic, and performing safety checks. Actuators are the output components that physically carry out the instructions from the processor, including motors that drive the elevator's vertical movement and brake systems that engage or disengage to stop the elevator.
Elevator dispatching algorithms control the movement of elevators to minimize waiting time and optimize efficiency. Key types include first-come, first-served, look (SCAN) algorithm, elevator (SSTF) algorithm, and C-LOOK algorithm. Each of these algorithms involves unique strategies to respond to passenger requests while aiming for a high level of service efficiency. For example, the algorithm reduces direction changes by moving in one direction servicing all requests before reversing, while the priority-based method handles high-priority requests first, ensuring that critical situations are addressed promptly.
