Research on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Ultrahigh-speed Elevator During the Staggering Process Between the Car and Counterweight

Investigating the aerodynamic characteristics of an ultrahigh-speed elevator between the car and counterweight during the staggering process is crucial for the development of drag reduction and noise abatement technologies. In this study, an actual operating ultrahigh-speed elevator is selected as the research object, and an unsteady flow numerical simulation model for three-dimensional, has been constructed using the method of dynamic mesh. The aerodynamic behaviours of the elevator at various interleaving operating speeds are analysed. The impacts of the counterweight on the flow velocity, pressure, lateral force, aerodynamic drag, and sound pressure level (SPL) of the car are investigated. The results show that a streamlined counterweight can stabilize airflow between the windward areas of the car and counterweight, reducing turbulence, the lateral lift, surface pressure gradients, and SPL, while also lessening the effects of reduced car-counterweight spacing. At a speed of 6 m/s, a bi-arc counterweight with a radius of 250 mm demonstrates superior performance in reducing lateral lift force and aerodynamic drag compared to a traditional rectangular counterweight, with reductions of 12.2% in lateral lift force and 9.3% in aerodynamic drag. Additionally, the simulation and test errors are within 10%, confirming the accuracy of the numerical calculation method.