Elevator Hois8tway Lighting System Optimization By Simulation
Abstract
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Introduction
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Hoistway Illumination Guideline
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Factors Influencing Hoistway Illuminace
Hoistway Experiment – The Challenge
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Key Findings
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Outcome: Enhanced Lighting Cost Optimization
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References
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A typical elevator system comprises of key sub-systems such as machine room, car or cabin, pit, guide rails, hoistway to name a few. A hoistway is a shaft and an enclosure in which an elevator travels throughout its height. The European Committee for Standardizations standard EN81-20 defines the rules for the construction and installation of elevators. It also outlines the requisite illumination of the hoistway. This illumination can be achieved by optimizing the position and spacing between lamps for a selected lamp. Lighting Simulation software (such as Acuity Visual Interior Tool) is employed to obtain the optimal location and position of each lamp.With the help of the Lighting Simulation Software, we have created a model to study the Illuminance effect on various factors like hoistway dimensions, walls reflectance. From this model, we could derive the number of lamps for optimal luminance in typical environment.
Based on the results obtained from the Lighting Simulation Software, we can reduce the number of lamps, thereby not just optimizing illuminance but also cost.For a 30m hoistway, generally 12 lamps (Lamp, mounting accessories, Protective case) are used which amounts to approximately 48 euros. With this simulation approach, the number of lamps could be reduced to 8. This would amount to approximately 32 euros, resulting in cost saving of around 30%. If we consider this optimization as a retrofit solution, $1 saving can result in millions of dollars in savings in the existing installation. For new installations, better lighting systems can be designed with the advancements in the lighting areas and can be further optimized using the simulation approach.
Hoistway Lighting is a critical challenge that builders and maintenance teams face. On one hand, the lighting must be sufficient as per global safety standards and guidelines, one of which is the EN81-20 code. On the other hand, lighting is a significant cost center in building management and must be optimized to save maintenance cost. In this paper, we dive deep into hoistway illuminance requirements and leverage simulation as a key to cost optimization.
A hoistway is a shaft in which an elevator travels. To provide access to an elevator car, the shaft enclosure has openings, protected by doors with safety devices, at landings.
In a pit at the bottom of the hoistway, buffers or bumpers must be installed to stop a descending car or counterweight beyond its normal limit of travel, by storing or by absorbing and dissipating its kinetic energy.
EN 81-20 describes the safety requirements for the construction and installation of lifts. It dictates that the hoistway enclosure is provided with permanently installed electric lighting with illumination intensity as below:
There are several online tools available to determine the number of lamps required for specific illuminance. However, we have leveraged AcuityBrands as they are well-known players in the lighting industry and they deliver Open Source Online tool (AcuityBrands Visual Interior Online Tool) for simulating lighting requirements. Here is the formula for calculating the illuminance in a given configuration.E(LUX) = F(lm) x UF x MF / AWhere,E is the LUX level achievedF is the average lumens value from the light source datasheet. UF is the utilization factor for the space which takes into account the coloring of the surfaces in the space together with the geometry
The Utilization Factor (UF) mainly depends on: i. Color surface of walls and ceiling.ii. Area to be illuminated.MF is the maintenance factor for the lamp which allows for a level of light depreciation over time. A is the area of the room in square meters The number of lamps required to achieve the required illuminance can be calculated using the below equation:
In order to analyze the lighting requirement, the tool requires the following key data inputs: Typical Hoistway Dimensions: 50 x 4 x 3.44 meters(Room Reflectance for Ceiling, Walls and Floor, which were considered as 40% based on Light Reflectance Chart as shown below (fig. 3)).
Typical Wall and Ceiling Color
Reflectance
An existing Hoistway Lighting System Installation is considered for this simulation. It uses each lamp separated by a distance of 3 meters.
a. The number of Lamps required to achieve the minimum illuminance has now reduced to 10b. The distance between each lamp has increased to 5 meters.
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ORIGINAL SCENARIO
MODIFIED SCENARIO
REMARKS
i. https://www.kanlux.com/en/product/27276/IQ-LED-A60-10-5W-WWii. https://www.bigapple.in/led-lights/bulk-head/10w-led-bulkhead-oval-bh1o.htmliii. http://www.visual-3d.com/tools/interior/iv. Cavity Reflectance Values | Download Table (researchgate.net)