FPGA implementation of dispatching algorithms for Local Control of Elevator Systems

An elevator system consists of an elevator group control system (EGCS) and a micro-processed sub-system that implements a local control system (LCS) for each elevator. This paper describes the validation of five dispatching algorithms for an elevator system that was implemented on Spartan 3 FGPA based boards in an integrated approach. The focus was on area reduction and performance improvement. The overall system is composed of several LCS, which implement the dispatching algorithms, an RS485 based network and a virtual environment called virtual elevator interface system (VEI). The latter includes a simulator/monitoring system and an EGCS based on fuzzy logic (FEGCS). The FEGCS runs on a PC and, under different traffic situations, determines the best algorithm to be run in each LCS reducing the user waiting time and the power consumption. The novelty of this approach is that the LCSs are capable to run several dispatching algorithms that are suitable for different passenger traffic situations, while the FEGCS only must determine the best algorithm to be run in each LCS. The VEI allows the designer to test and validate in a flexible way the algorithm performance for different traffic situations.