Supertall buildings call for creative vertical transportation strategies. Hitachi Ltd. and its Hitachi Elevator Co. Ltd. division have annouced that they will build and install 95 elevators—including two that the manufacturer labels as the "world's fastest"—for the Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed Guangzhou CTF Finance Center, which will be 530 meters (1,738 feet) tall.
The two super-speedy units are designed to ascend at rates of up to 1,200 meters per minute, or about 45 mph, with a rated descent speed of 600 meters per minute. The contract also calls for 23 double-deck models running at up to 540 meters per minute, 13 ultra-high-speed units running at up to 600 meters per minute, and an assortment of medium- and low-speed elevators.)
The fastest elevators will travel a shaft height of 440 meters (from the first to the 95th floor) in about 43 seconds. The design includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor, a compact traction machine (achieved through reducing rope diameters, presumably with the aid of advanced materials), high-capacity inverters, braking materials with high heat resistance (withstanding temperatures exceeding 550°F), and a governor that is designed to control various rated speeds during ascent and descent. Active guide rollers will detect warping in the guide rails and lateral vibration caused by wind pressure, helping to ensure a smoother ride. Hitachi has also devised proprietary air pressure adjustment technology intended to help prevent the common sensation of ear blockage caused by pressure changes.
The upscale mixed-use skyscraper will encompass office, hotel, and residential space, and will be the tallest structure in Guangzhou. A 2016 completion date is planned.
Hitachi's experience with vertical transport for tall buildings includes a unit installed in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki Building in 1968—the world's fastest elevator at the time, at 300 meters per minute. The firm operates a 213-meter-tall research tower specifically for elevator development and testing.
For more, see Hitachi's original release.
Related Stories
Architects | Feb 12, 2018
AIA selects seven individuals to receive the 2018 Associates Award
The recipients will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.
Architects | Feb 9, 2018
AIA's 2018 Young Architects Award honors 18 recipients
The Young Architects Award recipients will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City.
Architects | Feb 8, 2018
Three ways cities could evolve 2018
Cities change constantly, but given the numerous disruptive factors spanning technology, policy, climate and more that will impact 2018 – it could prove to be a year of dynamic change for our urban fabric.
Architects | Feb 7, 2018
8 inefficiencies in the architecture + design industry (and possible solutions)
Matthew Rosenberg has identified 8 major inefficiencies in the architecture and design industry, as well as a solution for each of them.
Architects | Feb 5, 2018
Little names new Corporate President and COO
International architecture and design firm Little has appointed Carolyn Rickard-Brideau as its new Corporate President, and Charles Todd as its Chief Operating Officer.
Architects | Feb 1, 2018
How to generate architecture leads
One of the first steps to increasing leads for your design firm is to acknowledge that all leads are not equal, writes Hinge’s Karl Feldman.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 1, 2018
Early supplier engagement provides exceptional project outcomes
Efficient supply chains enable companies to be more competitive in the marketplace.
Industry Research | Jan 30, 2018
AIA’s Kermit Baker: Five signs of an impending upturn in construction spending
Tax reform implications and rebuilding from natural disasters are among the reasons AIA’s Chief Economist is optimistic for 2018 and 2019.
Market Data | Jan 30, 2018
AIA Consensus Forecast: 4.0% growth for nonresidential construction spending in 2018
The commercial office and retail sectors will lead the way in 2018, with a strong bounce back for education and healthcare.
Architects | Jan 29, 2018
14 marketing resolutions AEC firms should make in 2018
As we close out the first month of the New Year, AEC firms have made (and are still making) plans for where and how to spend their marketing time and budgets in 2018.
