Modeling and simulation of a high-rise elevator system to predict the dynamic interactions between its components

Lateral vibrations of suspension and compensating ropes in a high-rise elevator system are induced by the building motions. When the frequency of the building coincides with the fundamental natural frequency of the ropes, large resonance whirling motions of the ropes result. This phenomenon leads to impacts of the ropes the elevator walls, making the building and elevator system unsafe. The impact loads affect the performance of the elevator installation resulting in interruptions of service and damage to the components of the system. Furthermore, the car, counterweight and compensating sheave suffer from vertical vibrations due to the coupling with the lateral vibrations of the ropes. This paper presents a comprehensive mathematical model of a highrise elevator system taking into account a scenario when the car is parked at the landing level corresponding to the resonance length of the ropes. The model is implemented in a high performance computational environment and the dynamic response of the system when the building is subject to a low frequency sway, is determined through numerical simulation. The results predict a range of nonlinear dynamic interactions between the components of the elevator system that play a significant role in the operation of the entire installation