KONE : ULTRAROPE TM TAKES US HIGHER
traditional steel cabling ? JJ : KONE UltraRope provides similar strength to conventional steel ropes ; however , it weighs only a fifth of the equivalent steel rope . Due to its carbon fiber core , UltraRope TM also has an exceptionally longer lifetime ( up to twice as long ) as the solid structure does not densify and stretch . For conventional steel ropes , they need to be replaced or shortened every 7-10 years depending on usage .
CG : Traditional steel cables have a 500m limit . How much higher can the Ultrarope TM take buildings ? JJ : Travel distances beyond 500 meters are possible but not practical . At that point , the ropes , for example , begin to with so much that additional ropes are needed to carry the weight of the ropes themselves . The size of the components also begins to grow so much that installation becomes difficult . In the future , KONE UltraRope TM can enable travel heights up to 1,000m . While UltraRope TM is ready for this travel height , there are other elevator components that require further development , rigorous testing and certification . Within
2-3 years , the rest of the elevator technology should be ready . Given the planning and construction time , we ’ ll see such buildings in existence in around 5-10 years from now . KONE elevator technology will be there to support this development .
CG : To what extent could the use of KONE Ultrarope TM reduce energy use ? I understand that it can do so as just one lift is needed , as opposed to transferring to another once the current height-limit is reached . JJ : Comprised of a carbon fiber core , KONE UltraRope TM is extremely light , meaning elevator energy consumption in high-rise buildings can be cut significantly .
For an elevator with a travel height of 500 meters , the energy savings would be 15 percent . Energy saving grow exponentially , and in the future , when elevator travel heights increase , even bigger savings can be made . E . g . for an elevator with a travel height of 800 meters , the energy savings would already be over 45 percent .
CG : Do you believe the use of UltraRope TM is viable
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