Taiwan, an earthquake-prone island, meets natural challenges with smart and inspiring technology.
Taiwan, an earthquake-prone island, meets natural challenges with smart and inspiring technology.
Taiwan, an earthquake-prone island, meets natural challenges with smart and inspiring technology.
Have you ever wondered what regulations elevators in earthquake-prone Taiwan must follow to ensure there are appropriate response measures in place during an earthquake?
Have you ever wondered what regulations elevators in earthquake-prone Taiwan must follow to ensure there are appropriate response measures in place during an earthquake?
Earthquakes are a natural disaster, and for Taiwan, which sits on the seismic belt, they are practically a part of daily life. The recent powerful earthquake in Turkey once again reminded us of the importance of earthquake preparedness and cautioned us that earthquakes can lead to casualties and significant property damage. During an earthquake, elevators pose a potential risk; in the 2022 Taitung earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale alone, there were over 16 incidents of people being trapped in elevators. Thus, establishing safety measures for elevators during earthquakes to ensure passenger safety becomes exceedingly crucial.
According to historical data, a study by the professor of architecture at Cheng Kung University found that in the 921 and subsequent 6.4 magnitude 1022 earthquakes, there were 291 and 285 elevators respectively that were damaged and rendered unusable in Chiayi City.
What are the main damages to elevators caused by earthquakes?
Historical statistics indicate that about 50% are due to counterweight derailment, 10% are a result of rope detachment, 10% come from guide shoe damage, and the remaining 30% are due to other issues.
Earthquakes are a natural disaster, and for Taiwan, which sits on the seismic belt, they are practically a part of daily life. The recent powerful earthquake in Turkey once again reminded us of the importance of earthquake preparedness and cautioned us that earthquakes can lead to casualties and significant property damage. During an earthquake, elevators pose a potential risk; in the 2022 Taitung earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale alone, there were over 16 incidents of people being trapped in elevators. Thus, establishing safety measures for elevators during earthquakes to ensure passenger safety becomes exceedingly crucial.
According to historical data, a study by the professor of architecture at Cheng Kung University found that in the 921 and subsequent 6.4 magnitude 1022 earthquakes, there were 291 and 285 elevators respectively that were damaged and rendered unusable in Chiayi City.
What are the main damages to elevators caused by earthquakes?
Historical statistics indicate that about 50% are due to counterweight derailment, 10% are a result of rope detachment, 10% come from guide shoe damage, and the remaining 30% are due to other issues.
How do most current elevator systems deal with earthquakes?
For the elevator's safety mechanisms, installing seismic sensors allows the system to determine if the shaking has reached the threshold to trigger an alert. For those trapped inside, assistance can be sought through emergency alarms, intercoms, and direct communication devices, enabling contact with the outside world.
Even in Japan and Western countries, regulations have been established to ensure elevator safety:
Japan:
The Building Act explicitly requires elevators to be equipped with earthquake sensors. When an earthquake occurs, the elevator must immediately stop at the nearest floor, open the car doors, and warn passengers to exit and seek shelter. This is also a mandatory item for elevator safety inspections.
United States and European Union:
The U.S. ASME A17.1 Safety Code and the EU EN81-77 (2018) standard specify the necessary reactions and risk control measures that elevators should have during an earthquake. These include requirements for shaking sensors, counterweight protection, and emergency earthquake handling mechanisms.
Taiwan, like Japan, is located in an earthquake-prone zone; however, there is a significant gap in the awareness and utilization of earthquake sensors. Additionally, these sensors require precise testing mechanisms and an authorized body to certify their reliability. Moreover, the mandatory installation on every elevator significantly increases setup costs. In recent years, remote monitoring devices have become more sophisticated and can receive earthquake alerts. However, for new elevators, the machine room must have networking capabilities, which poses a greater challenge for older elevators that lack connectivity infrastructure.
How do most current elevator systems deal with earthquakes?
For the elevator's safety mechanisms, installing seismic sensors allows the system to determine if the shaking has reached the threshold to trigger an alert. For those trapped inside, assistance can be sought through emergency alarms, intercoms, and direct communication devices, enabling contact with the outside world.
Even in Japan and Western countries, regulations have been established to ensure elevator safety:
Japan:
The Building Act explicitly requires elevators to be equipped with earthquake sensors. When an earthquake occurs, the elevator must immediately stop at the nearest floor, open the car doors, and warn passengers to exit and seek shelter. This is also a mandatory item for elevator safety inspections.
United States and European Union:
The U.S. ASME A17.1 Safety Code and the EU EN81-77 (2018) standard specify the necessary reactions and risk control measures that elevators should have during an earthquake. These include requirements for shaking sensors, counterweight protection, and emergency earthquake handling mechanisms.
Taiwan, like Japan, is located in an earthquake-prone zone; however, there is a significant gap in the awareness and utilization of earthquake sensors. Additionally, these sensors require precise testing mechanisms and an authorized body to certify their reliability. Moreover, the mandatory installation on every elevator significantly increases setup costs. In recent years, remote monitoring devices have become more sophisticated and can receive earthquake alerts. However, for new elevators, the machine room must have networking capabilities, which poses a greater challenge for older elevators that lack connectivity infrastructure.
Advanced earthquake early warning: Minimizing disaster impact
Smart Soar has developed the innovative LiFTMiND Intelligent Elevator System with the following standout features:
Low intrusiveness, versatility, and high system integration aim to assist the intelligent upgrade of existing elevators, allowing all brands and models to benefit from earthquake warning capabilities. It adopts a more inclusive add-on approach to cater to the masses' elevators.
This system integrates the composite earthquake alert platform developed by the National Earthquake Center, transmitting regional forecast intensities to the LiFTMiND cloud platform to implement immediate response measures. This action takes place in crucial seconds before the earthquake arrives, not only buying time but also providing a video aid system to assist with potential trapping cases afterwards.
In the past, passengers experiencing an earthquake would press the nearest level to stop or activate the emergency bell for rescue if trapped.
Therefore, our solution follows these steps:
Automatic alert: Receives earthquake warnings 5 seconds before the quake, enabling the elevator to autonomously initiate corresponding measures.
Automatic stop: The elevator will stop at the nearest floor while maintaining an open door state.
Evacuation guidance: The system will issue instructions and evacuation messages during the triggered process.
Trapped detection: If truly trapped, it will activate a trapped notification, sending signals to the management platform to confirm the status of passengers inside.
Two-way communication: Upon detecting trapped passengers who require assistance, the system will enable two-way communication to directly dialogue with passengers inside, eliminating the need for self-help by passengers.
Not only does it allow pre-emptive elevator response, but it also provides clear evacuation directions via display boards, guiding passengers inside the elevator to safety. In scenarios where passengers are trapped inside and unable to call for help, the system detects and assists in alerting the necessary authorities.
Advanced earthquake early warning: Minimizing disaster impact
Smart Soar has developed the innovative LiFTMiND Intelligent Elevator System with the following standout features:
Low intrusiveness, versatility, and high system integration aim to assist the intelligent upgrade of existing elevators, allowing all brands and models to benefit from earthquake warning capabilities. It adopts a more inclusive add-on approach to cater to the masses' elevators.
This system integrates the composite earthquake alert platform developed by the National Earthquake Center, transmitting regional forecast intensities to the LiFTMiND cloud platform to implement immediate response measures. This action takes place in crucial seconds before the earthquake arrives, not only buying time but also providing a video aid system to assist with potential trapping cases afterwards.
In the past, passengers experiencing an earthquake would press the nearest level to stop or activate the emergency bell for rescue if trapped.
Therefore, our solution follows these steps:
Automatic alert: Receives earthquake warnings 5 seconds before the quake, enabling the elevator to autonomously initiate corresponding measures.
Automatic stop: The elevator will stop at the nearest floor while maintaining an open door state.
Evacuation guidance: The system will issue instructions and evacuation messages during the triggered process.
Trapped detection: If truly trapped, it will activate a trapped notification, sending signals to the management platform to confirm the status of passengers inside.
Two-way communication: Upon detecting trapped passengers who require assistance, the system will enable two-way communication to directly dialogue with passengers inside, eliminating the need for self-help by passengers.
Not only does it allow pre-emptive elevator response, but it also provides clear evacuation directions via display boards, guiding passengers inside the elevator to safety. In scenarios where passengers are trapped inside and unable to call for help, the system detects and assists in alerting the necessary authorities.
It's more than just an earthquake early warning system; it's a multi-layered solution. We understand that the more comprehensive a disaster prevention system is, the greater our chance to safeguard passengers' safety and provide peace of mind for owners.
Our initial purpose was to harness technology for disaster prevention, to extend reaction time, and minimize risks from disasters. Our principle is 'prevention over cure,' effectively utilizing the advantages of technology, such as immediacy, speed, and scientific approaches, to mitigate the risk of disasters occurring.
Do you share these safety concerns?We invite you to contact us for our 2023 pilot program. Experience three months of elevator upgrades at a more accessible price!
Source: National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering
It's more than just an earthquake early warning system; it's a multi-layered solution. We understand that the more comprehensive a disaster prevention system is, the greater our chance to safeguard passengers' safety and provide peace of mind for owners.
Our initial purpose was to harness technology for disaster prevention, to extend reaction time, and minimize risks from disasters. Our principle is 'prevention over cure,' effectively utilizing the advantages of technology, such as immediacy, speed, and scientific approaches, to mitigate the risk of disasters occurring.
Do you share these safety concerns?We invite you to contact us for our 2023 pilot program. Experience three months of elevator upgrades at a more accessible price!
Source: National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering
+886-2-7751-5356
service@owlsome.tech
12F, No. 37, Section 3, Minquan East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 104478, Taiwan (R.O.C)
LINE：@owlsome.tech
Smart Elevator Solutions
Robot-Elevator Integration
Latest Insights
© Owlsome Tech All Rights Reserved.
+886-2-7751-5356
service@owlsome.tech
12F, No. 37, Section 3, Minquan East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 104478, Taiwan (R.O.C)
LINE：@owlsome.tech
Smart Elevator Solutions
Robot-Elevator Integration
Latest Insights
© Owlsome Tech All Rights Reserved.
+886-2-7751-5356
service@owlsome.tech
12F, No. 37, Section 3, Minquan East Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 104478, Taiwan (R.O.C)
LINE：@owlsome.tech
Smart Elevator Solutions
Robot-Elevator Integration
Latest Insights
© Owlsome Tech All Rights Reserved.