CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical aspects concerning the
research. A deep review of the empirical research on studies and findings which are relevant
to the project is also given.
2.2 Escalator Systems
Escalators are one of the most important vertical transportation measures to connect store-
layers in buildings. In addition to lifts, escalators have become the main method of transport for
people inside buildings, commercial facilities or even outdoor areas. In fact, there were more
than 500 000 escalators and moving walkways around the world at the end of 2008 [1].
Escalators are moving staircases, a conveyor transport machine driven by electric motors for
carrying people between floors of a building. The machine (escalator) consists of a motor-driven
chain of individual linked steps that move up or down on tracks allowing the step treads to
remain horizontal and a handrail also connected to an electric motor via a chain mechanism.
They are used in places where elevators would be impractical. The have the capacity to move
large number of people and can be placed in the same physical space as one might install a
staircase. Escalators are usually installed in pairs with one up and one down or two moving in
different directions.
Fig 2.1: A Typical Escalator in a Building
Escalators generally have no waiting intervals and can be used to guide people toward main
exists or special exhibits and can be used outdoors. A non-functioning escalator can be used as a
staircase. An escalator is provided in order to help reduce traffic jam in buildings especially
during peak times. They can also reduce waiting time for people who want to move to another
level of the building because elevators have a long waiting time and they can also accommodate
more people at a time. The angle of inclination of escalators usually can be 30-35 degrees.
Fig 2.2: Escalator Scheme
2.2.1 How Much Energy is Used by Escalators
Escalators run continuously generally and this consumes a lot of energy which is very
unnecessary considering that some of the time the escalators will not be carrying any people as it
was intended to do. Figure. 2.3 below shows a typical escalator system in Joina City mall in
Zimbabwe ruining whist caring no load.
FIGURE 2.3: ESCALATOR IN A MALL WAISTING ELECTRICAL ENERGY
According to [2], consider an escalator that is 15m along the incline. A step will take 20s to
travel that distance and including 5 flat steps at the top and 4 at the bottom there will be around
46 steps available for people to occupy at any one time. 37 people would take 20s to rise a height
of 7.5m in the vertical plane.
Sin (30) = opposite = height m
Hypotenuse 15
Height = 15 x Sin (30) = 7.5 m
If the average person has a mass of 75 kg then the power required to lift 37 people would be
about 10kW.
Power = Mass x g x Height = 75 x 9.81 x 7.5 x 37 = 10.21kW
Time 20
Here, g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Another study done according to a report by [3], power consumption on a 15 m rise escalator
powered via a 55 kw AC motor, was recorded in 30-minute intervals and plotted in 60-minute
intervals. Two days were fully recorded, and are shown in Figures 2.4 and 2.5. The general
comments can be made regarding these results.
FIGURE 2.4: Real Power Consumed on 21 June 1993
FIGURE 2.5: Real Power Consumed on 18 June 1993
So, from the graphs it can be seen that the average power consumption by an escalator is 12kW
Now for an unloaded escalator, considering that the steps are made of steel and the mass is
around 25kg for a single step [4], and in 20s the escalator would have moved 40 steps
Power = Mass x g x height = 25 x 9.81 x 7.5 x 40 = 3.7kW
Time 20
But of course, assuming that the escalator motor has an efficiency of 90% and the friction caused
by the system and passengers, this 15m escalator typically consume about 12.2kW of electrical
power.
How much energy will be saved if the escalator stops when it has no passengers?
3.7 x 100% = 30% energy saved
12.2
The Figure 2.6 below shows the comparison between the current system and the proposed
system
Non-sensor-based Sensor based
FIGURE 2.6: Energy consumption for escalators
2.3 Other Technologies Being Used to Save Energy
2.3.1 Capacitors
A load with a low power factor draws more current than an equivalent load with a high-power
factor resulting in the same amount of useful power in an electrical distribution system. This
need for a higher current increases the energy lost in the system.
Liner loads with low power factor such as an unloaded escalator motor cab achieve greater
energy efficiency if a capacitor is added. The capacitors should be installed as close to the motor
as possible to maximise the energy savings. Power factor correction capacitors bring the power
factor of an AC circuit closer to 1.0 which is ideal power factor. Addition of a capacitor will act
to cancel the inductive effects of the load thus reducing the reactive current therefore lower
power losses.
2.3.2 High-Efficiency Motors
The power consumption of a motor is inversely proportional to the efficiency of the motor
therefore the energy consumption of the escalator can be reduced by using a high-efficiency
motor. Losses make a motor inefficient and there a 5 main types of losses in an AC motor
Stator power losses
Rotor power losses
Magnetic core losses
Friction and windage losses
Stray losses
These losses can be minimized by using a super magnetic material, larger magnetic circuits with
thinner laminations, when constructing the motor. These are some of the features of a high
efficiency motor.
The Table 2.1 below shows the summary of technologies used to save energy on escalator
systems.
TABLE 2.1: SUMMARY OF ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGIES
Technology Overview Benefits Limitations
Capacitors If the power factor on an
A capacitor is a Capacitors help avoid escalator unit is fair, the
passive two-terminal losses due to low payback period for
electrical component power factor. capacitors can be high.
used to store energy Capacitors also should not
and improve the be installed on distribution
power factor of an systems with high
electrical line. harmonics since harmonics
can cause capacitors to fail.
High-Efficiency High-efficiency
Motors motors are motors Significant energy High-efficiency motors are
with 1-10% higher savings can be not compatible with all
efficiency than achieved and the applications. Modifications
standard motors useful life of the may be needed to the drive
because of less motor can be system or motor controls if
internal loss in the lengthened. a high-efficiency motor is
motor due to power installed. Also, high-
losses and magnetic efficiency motors cost 15-
core losses. Fully 25% more than standard
loaded efficiency of a motors.
typical high-
efficiency motor is
90%
The potential savings of the technologies are provided on Table 2.2
TABLE 2.2: POTENTIAL ENERGY SAVINGS
Technology Average Potential
Savings
Capacitors 0.5 to 2 percent
High-Efficiency Motors 2 to 18 percent
Proposed System 20 to 30 percent
2.4 Conclusion
In conclusion the theoretical concepts behind the principles of operation of escalator systems
were discussed. An outline on the power consumption of escalator systems in different
conditions was also given and some of the current technologies being implemented to tackle the
issue of unwanted energy consumption in escalators.
2.5 References
[1] C. Carrillo, E. Diaz-Dorado, J. Cidras and M. Silva-Ucha, “A methodology for energy
analysis of escalators”, Energy and Buildings, no 61, pp. 1-2,2013
[2] T. Miller, “The Mathematics of Escalators on the London Underground Transport for
London Mechanical Engineering”, The Royal Academy of Engineering, [Online]:
Available at https://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/other/4-escalators [Accessed 06
June 2021]
[3] Schindler, “Schindler 9300AE”, [Online]: Available at
https://www.schindler.com/content/lv/internet/lv/schindler-latvija.pdf [Accessed 06
June 2021]
[4] L. Al-Sharif, “The Use of Power Measurement to Calculate the Numbers of Passengers
Travelling on An Escalator”, Lift Report, January 1996.
[5] C. Toledo, “Improving Motor Efficiency in Constant Speed Application”, Elevator
World, October 2007, [Online]: Available at http://www.elevator-
world.com/files/oct07_copy.pdf [Accessed 07 June 2021]
