January 2016
Only one year after announcing the concept of its game-changing Multi elevator technology, ThyssenKrupp unveils a fully-functional 1:3 scale model at its Innovation Center in Gijón, Spain.
The Multi system uses linear motors instead of ropes, enabling horizontal movement and transforming conventional elevator transportation into vertical metro systems. Multi elevator technology increases transport capacities and efficiency while reducing the elevator footprint and peak loads from the power supply in buildings.
This first scale model, with two 10 metre shafts and four cabs, applies linear motor technology based on the magnetic levitation train Transrapid. With no cables at all and multiple cabins per shaft, Multi will transform how people move inside buildings. This latest ThyssenKrupp innovation follows the recently introduced Accel system, which also applies the same linear motor technology and is transforming mobility between short distances in cities and airports.
Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator said, "Multi will be our answer to tomorrow’s challenges: as the nature of building construction evolves, it is also necessary to adapt elevator systems to better suit the requirements of buildings and high volumes of passengers.”
In a manner similar to a metro system operation, the Multi design can incorporate various self-propelled elevator cabins per shaft running in a loop, increasing the shaft transport capacity by up to 50% and making it possible to reduce the elevator footprint in buildings by half. With Multi it will also be possible for the first time to move horizontally in a building.
Without the use of cables, Multi runs on a multi-level brake system and inductive power which transfers from shaft to cabin. The system requires smaller shafts than conventional elevators and can increase a building’s usable area by up to 25%. This is particularly important considering current elevator-escalator footprints can occupy up to 40% of a building’s floor space. The overall increase in efficiency also translates into a lower requirement for escalators and additional elevator shafts, resulting in significant construction cost savings and increased rent revenues from the greater availability of usable space.
Urbanization is an unstoppable trend, and the scale of movement of people to cities has redefined construction and infrastructure requirements to keep pace with growing urban populations. An estimated additional 85% of the existing urban and commercial floor space will need to be developed by 2025 to accommodate these people. Space limitations in urban areas means that mid to high-rise buildings are the most viable construction options, translating into an immense demand for elevators. By 2020, the global demand for elevator equipment and services is projected to rise over 4% annually to 61 billion euros from the 49 billion euros verified last fiscal year.
Taking into account current construction trends of high-rise buildings, the list of the world’s tallest buildings will grow rapidly in the coming years. Currently, over 180 buildings under construction will rise above 250 meters, of which about 50 buildings will be completed every year. In the mid-rise market, there are currently about 800 buildings under construction which will rise to over 150 meters.
Digitalpaper
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