Serial Communication Devices for Freight-Elevator Doors

摘要

As new technologies mature toward proven and cost-effective forms, the level of risk associated with their use rapidly declines. In a recent article in ELEVATOR WORLD, Bene described how VVVF drive technology improved vertically sliding freight-elevator-door, gate and retiring-cam performance, Other "new" technologies on vertically sliding freight-elevator doors and gates include light curtains and low-cost programmable logic controllers (PLCs), Serial communication is another proven technology applicable to vertically sliding freight-elevator doors and gates. Preliminary reports from installers on jobs employing serial communication indicate a 25% reduction in installation times resulting from reduced wiring, faster conduit installation and simplified troubleshooting. This article reviews the application of serial communication to power-operated vertically sliding freight-elevator doors and gates. This article begins with an overview of serial communication, focusing on the low-cost Actuator-Sensor-Interface (AS-I) communication standard. A discussion of potential installation savings follows in three sections: hoistway door wiring, car gate wiring and machine-room logic-control wiring. Each section discusses savings resulting from fewer wires, smaller conduit and simplified troubleshooting. The article concludes with a summary.