Low-cost Fibre Bragg Grating Interrogation System and AI Based Analysis for Predictive Maintenance of Lifts (REF:C-0028)
E&M InnoPortal Trial Project Ref. No.:

Overview

The Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) Interrogation System makes use of FBG sensors for temperature, strain, acceleration and displacement measurement to support predictive maintenance strategies for critical mechanical components and equipment of lifts such as steel ropes, brake arms and doors, in order to improve lift safety and reliability. Customised software is developed for the sensing system for different applications. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are also applied for measurement data analysis.

Problem Addressed

Optical fiber sensing is an innovative solution to lift monitoring. However, the high cost of the data collection equipment and the lack of real-time analysis of FBG sensors have been challenges. To address these, a cost-effective Interrogation System using AI technologies is developed to retrieve and analyse collected data.
Innovation

A Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) compatible with the current sensors is deployed to provide a real-time comprehensive monitoring system for the lifts. Apart from monitoring parameters such as excess vibration of the traction motor and strain deviation of suspension ropes, the system introduces measurements from electrical sensors including motor drive current and parked lift car levelling. The measurement results from the sensor network are transmitted via electrical wires, optical fibers or Wi-Fi modules to the centralised data logging equipment. Processed data is then automatically transferred to cloud storage via 4G mobile network. Data for graph plotting and trend analysis can be accessed from the cloud storage via any Internet access. A user-friendly mobile application is developed to facilitate information sharing with lift maintenance contractor. AI algorithms are deployed on the cloud system to proactively detect any abnormality of collected data.
Key Benefits
  • The Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) is of lower cost and capable of interrogating up to 10 FBG sensors simultaneously
  • Using the mobile application, the real-time lift conditions can be monitored by both EMSD and lift maintenance contractors, reducing response time of fault acknowledgement and minimizing lift downtime
  • The development of a hybrid system that combines electrical and optical sensors enables more comprehensive performance evaluation
Patent and Award
  • Intellectual Property Department, Short-term Patent: HK30039368
  • International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva 2021 (Gold Medal)    
Project Reference

Government office buildings and schools