Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes: a plurality of elevator cars; a plurality of elevator machines, respectively associated with the elevator cars to selectively cause movement of the associated elevator car, at least some of the elevator machines respectively operating in a first mode including consuming power and in a second mode including generating power; a power source having a power output threshold and a power intake threshold; and at least one controller that is configured to determine when the power source is providing power for the elevator system, and dynamically adjust how the plurality of machines move the elevator cars to maximize a number of the plurality cars being used to move passengers while keeping power consumption by the elevator system below the power output threshold and keeping power generation by the elevator system below the power intake threshold.

Abstract: A method of operating a building elevator system includes determining that an evacuation call is active for an evacuation floor serviced by a first elevator group. A transfer floor serviced by the first elevator group is set as an evacuation discharge floor of the first elevator group. A second elevator group is requested to enter an evacuation mode of operation. The second elevator group is operable to service the transfer floor and a discharge floor. The transfer floor is set as the evacuation floor of the second elevator group. Control of the first elevator group and the second elevator group is coordinated to evacuate one or more occupants from the evacuation floor serviced by the first elevator group to the discharge floor serviced by the second elevator group.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator system includes: a plurality of elevator cars; a plurality of elevator machines, respectively associated with the elevator cars to selectively cause movement of the associated elevator car, at least some of the elevator machines respectively operating in a first mode including consuming power and in a second mode including generating power; a power source having a power output threshold and a power intake threshold; and at least one controller that is configured to determine when the power source is providing power for the elevator system, and dynamically adjust how the plurality of machines move the elevator cars to maximize a number of the plurality cars being used to move passengers while keeping power consumption by the elevator system below the power output threshold and keeping power generation by the elevator system below the power intake threshold.

Abstract: According to the invention, a valve for use with a variable speed motor and pump in an hydraulic elevator balances a fluid pressure force on a pump side of a control valve with a fluid pressure force on a cylinder side of the control valve before an elevator cab moves either upwardly or downwardly. On the pump side of the valve, a separate circuit, which is controlled by a solenoid, directs the pump fluid pressure force behind the valve until the sum of the fluid pressure acting on the pump side of the control valve overcomes the fluid pressure on the cylinder side of the control valve to open the valve.