KONE UltraRope
The Kone UltraRope is a new hoisting method that eliminates the disadvantages of conventional steel rope. It was first created by Kone in June 2013.
This new type of rope is set to break industry limits and enable future travel heights of 1,000m (3,280 ft), twice the distance currently feasible.
Overview
The UltraRope is extremely light because it is comprised of a carbon fiber core and unique high-friction coating. This means that elevator energy consumption is cut by 11 per cent. The drop in rope weight means a dramatic reduction in moving masses – everything that moves when an elevator travels up or down, including the hoisting ropes, compensating ropes, counterweight, elevator car and passenger load. Due to the significant impact of ropes on the overall weight of elevator moving masses, the benefits will increase exponentially as travel distance grows.
The UltraRope is extremely strong and highly resistant to wear and abrasion. Elevator downtime caused by building sway is also reduced as carbon fiber resonates at a different frequency to steel and most other building materials. It has an exceptionally long lifetime – over twice that of conventional steel rope. Because of it's special coating, no lubrication is required to maintain it, enabling further cuts in environmental impact.
Similar products
Carbon Fiber Composite Cable (CFCC) is a cable/rope made by Japanese company Tokyo Rope, which is a popular rope brand used in elevator installations. Unlike Kone UltraRope which shaped like a flat belt, CFCC has a strand shape just like conventional steel rope. Even though no one elevator installation using CFCCs now, but this rope can become an alternative for non-Kone elevator installations, and may used in elevator installations in the future.[1]
Notable installations
- Jeddah Tower, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand
- Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (High-zone elevators only, and replaced from the standard steel ropes[2])
- China Zun, Beijing, China
- Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore (under construction, to be completed in 2024/2025)
Gallery
