This summer we have seen more frequent failure of solid
state boards and equipment that has been exposed to extreme heat and extreme
cold. Building owners frequently ask “why
is this occurring”. I always like to give
some research and background when explaining to building owners so they can be
better educated and came across a great article which I have taken some of the
high points. When reading this be aware
that most issues with machine room environments will result in a shut down or
needing a replacement board, but, incorrect machine temperatures can also cause
malfunctions which could result in an elevator operating in an unsafe
condition.
The subject of the operation of an elevator in an elevated
high ambient machine room temperature is one of concern of elevator manufacturers,
code writes, enforcing authorities, building owners, and operators, elevator consultants
and fire safety personnel. Today’s solid-state
design elevator control systems are able to maintain rated performance over a
wide range of normal design operating temperature, but are vulnerable to
elevated temperature conditions.
NEII Vertical Transportation Standard calls for machine
room/or machinery spaced temperature to be between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
NEMA has established a maximum temperature limit of 104
degrees Fahrenheit.
National Electrical Code[NEC] has published 86 degrees
Fahrenheit as the standard ambient for conductor ampacity ratings.
Computer manufacturers recommend an ambient temperature of
60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The effects on solid state components due to temperature
may be classified in two areas; operating[reliability] and failure[life]. The manufacturers recommendation for ambient
temperature will allow the devices to operate in a repeatable and predictable
fashion. Temperatures above or below the
recommended temperature will decrease the life of the solid-state system.
Please
note
- Elevator controller temperatures are 10 to 15 degrees warmer inside the
controller with the cover on. If an elevator machine room is 105 degrees the temperature when you open the door, the controller could be over 120 degrees.
Causes of machine room over temperature
1. Failure
of machine room ventilation or no ventilation
2. Failure
of cabinet ventilation system – air condition or fan
3. Increase
in the elevator duty cycle beyond design criteria
4. Sustained
operation at low AC input levels
The recommendation of machine room temperature control come
from a few different areas
1. Normal
temperature in room – In Chicago we have hot summers and cold winters
2. Amount
of heat released from the elevator equipment in the machine room – depends on
the equipment you have and amount of traffic in the building
3. Amount
of ventilation and/or air conditioning/heating provided in machine room.
Take
away
– Be aware of the machine room environment and make preparations i.e. air
conditioning[best case] or ventilation in summer and heating in the winter.
Reference – “High temperature operation of elevators” by
Nick Marchitto
As
always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com,
email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.
