Modeling and control of flow-vibration responses of a super-high-speed elevator car under gas-solid coupling

Horizontal vibration and aerodynamic characteristics of a super high-speed elevator car are significantly influenced by inevitable gas-solid coupling interactions between the elevator car and the airflow during the upward or downward movement of the elevator car in the hoistway, which will not only result in passenger discomfort but also reduce the life of the elevator car. Hence, it is necessary to reduce these negative and undesirable effects. This paper proposes a unified framework of modeling and control of the elevator car under the gas-solid coupling interactions to suppress the horizontal vibration, thus ensuring a smooth comfortable ride for passengers. First, a two-dimensional airflow-car-vibration model with differential equations is established to mathematically describe the horizontal vibration and aerodynamic characteristics of the elevator car under a few regular assumptions. Flow-vibration responses of the elevator car are carefully investigated under the gas-solid coupling interactions, based on which an active control strategy is utilized to suppress the horizontal vibration, thus achieving better aerodynamic performance and lower horizontal vibration. The results demonstrate that the aerodynamic loads have a great impact on the horizontal vibration and the active control strategy can effectively suppress the horizontal vibration.