1. How The Elevator Works By Joseph Mackay Plaxco The University of the South Sewanee, TN 37383

2. Why?  I find the elevator “cool.”  Phobia when younger  Gets people to destinations fast.  Large cities wouldn’t be the same.

3. Different Types  Freight Elevators  Stage Elevators

4. The Basic Design  The basic design is a compartment that is somehow lifted  Two Types of Elevators: HydraulicHydraulic Rope-GearedRope-Geared

5. The Hydraulic Elevator  The car is moved up and down using “a fluid piston mounted inside a cylinder” (Harris).  Consists of three parts: TankTank PumpPump ValveValve

6. Hydraulic Elevators A Closer Look  The car is placed on a piston.  Fluid Pumping System  A tank (off to the side) holds the fluid.  When the valve closes, the car is lifted.  When the valve opens, the car is lowered.

7. Diagram of Hydraulic Elevator  The following link is from the website “How Stuff Works” written by Tom Harris. How Elevators Work - HydraulicHow Elevators Work - HydraulicHow Elevators Work - HydraulicHow Elevators Work - Hydraulic

8. Hydraulic Disadvantages  Two Disadvantages Must Have Enough RoomMust Have Enough Room Energy InefficientEnergy Inefficient

9. Rope-Geared Elevators  These are the most popular types of elevators.  Rather than being pushed from below, these types of elevators are moved using cables

10. Rope-Geared Design  Cables attach to the car and through a sheave.  The sheave is connected to an electric motor.  Motor turns one way, elevator moves up. Motor turns the other way, elevator moves down.  The ropes are connected to a counterweight.  The counterweight system serves as a means for conserving energy.

11. Rope-Geared Design (Cont’d)  Rails are used to guide the elevator  Keep elevator and counterweights steady.  Rope-geared elevators are much more efficient and safer.

12. Diagram of Rope-Geared Elevator  The following link came from the “How Stuff Works” webpage written by Tom Harris Rope-Geared Elevator DiagramRope-Geared Elevator DiagramRope-Geared Elevator DiagramRope-Geared Elevator Diagram

13. Safety Systems  More ropes than needed  Built-in brake systems  Governor prevents the elevator from falling to the bottom of the shaft. Centrifugal force causes a brake system to activate.  Also has an electromagnetic brake that is activated if the elevator loses power.  Automated Brake System at the top and bottom of the shaft.

14. Moving To Destinations  Modern elevators use computers.  Slows down  Only answer “up calls” as going up and the same for going down.  Modern “Smart” systems take into account the busiest parts of the day.  Press the floor you want in the lobby.  Load Sensor

15. Works Cited  Harris, Tom. “How Elevators Work”. www.howstuffworks.com/elevator 2002.