The Group System

The up-to-date group control system is equipped with a powerful 32-bit processor able to evaluate a large variety of information from the single elevators within the shortest time and take the decisions for the group operation.

The group control system warrants a smooth operation of a group of two to eight elevators, basing on the CANopen-based application profile CiA-417. On the bus all the information on commands at hand and operational status of each elevator are available in the nature of the standard. Each group computer is thus enabled to appoint the elevator to execute the commands and that in the most useful sequence. There is no need for a superimposed host computer.

Landing calls are entered via bus-nodes that may be located in the landing call unit or in the control cabinet. The node evaluates the signal received and places it - as a standardized message that states direction, priority, destination etc. - at the disposal of all group members on the CAN-bus at once.

Within the group the algorithms of the call controllers allocate the commands to the single elevators according to the set parameters (e. g. up- and down-collective control, threshold limit after starting, etc.). If an elevator is not participating in the group operation, as it has for example been switched to inspection operation for maintenance purposes, this will be taken into account immediately by the other elevators of the group, as this information is available on the bus as well.