Dec 2 2014
ThyssenKrupp, a global technologies and materials group, unveiled its new MULTI elevator technology, enabling the vertical and horizontal operation of multiple cars in a single elevator shaft through the ground-breaking cable-free elevator system. The revolutionary MULTI elevator technology utilizes linear motors in elevator cabins, along with horizontal shaft-changing cabin systems to increase capacity while reducing both the elevator footprint and energy consumption.
MULTI is a landmark innovation in the elevator industry, providing a new and efficient transport solution for mid- and high-rise buildings while drastically transforming how people move inside buildings. MULTI incorporates technology from magnetic levitation, a transportation system in which trains glide above a track, supported by magnetic repulsion and propelled by a linear motor. When applied to elevator cabins, it enables them to move in shafts in the same way trains move in rail systems, with various cabins per shaft and vertical as well as horizontal movements. ThyssenKrupp expects the first MULTI prototype will be in testing by 2016.
"After 160 years, we are moving away from the cable-dependent elevator. Buildings can now evolve, reach new heights, shapes and purposes," said Patrick Bass, the recently appointed CEO of ThyssenKrupp North America, Inc. "As the world's population continues to migrate into urban areas, efficient mobility in buildings is no longer a luxury, but an absolute necessity, making MULTI one of the most significant innovations in the elevator industry."
MULTI is ThyssenKrupp's latest offering in its extensive repertoire of elevator and escalator technologies. The recently announced ACCEL moving walkway system uses the same linear motor technology to increase efficiency and urban mobility. As a result, ACCEL walkways can cut travel time by 66%, moving up to 7,300 passengers per hour, per direction. A version of ACCEL is already in use by travellers at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
MULTI expands upon ThyssenKrupp's TWIN elevator system, which was the first system to offer two cabins per shaft to increase transport capacity and reduce the elevator footprint in buildings. MULTI incorporates many of TWIN's control system and safety features, while also including new and lightweight materials for cabins and doors as well as the new linear drive -- using one motor for horizontal and vertical movements.
"As the nature of building construction evolves, it is also necessary to adapt elevator systems to better suit the requirements of buildings and high passenger volumes," said Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG. "From the one dimensional vertical arrangement to a two dimensional horizontal/vertical arrangement with more than one or two cabins operating in each shaft, MULTI represents a proud moment in ThyssenKrupp's history of presenting cutting-edge transport technologies that best serve current mobility needs."
The advancements afforded by MULTI stand to impact a new era for cities by decreasing elevator wait times for inhabitants to 15-30 seconds, adding rentable space by decreasing the elevator footprint by up to 50%, and conserving energy use within buildings.
About ThyssenKrupp Elevator Technology and ThyssenKrupp North America, Inc.
ThyssenKrupp Elevator is one of the world's leading elevator companies and brings together the ThyssenKrupp Group's global activities in passenger transportation systems. With sales of 6.4 billion euros in fiscal 2013/2014, customers in 150 countries and more than 50,000 highly skilled employees, the company offers innovative and energy-efficient products designed to meet customers' individual requirements.