UltraRope Could Double Lift Height Limits

Finnish engineering firm KONE has unveiled new high-rise energy technology with the potential to radically alter the current limits placed on lifts added to new building constructions. The technology will allow lifts to travel up to heights of 1,000 metres - twice the present height achievable.

Named the UltraRope, KONE's innovative design overcomes the restrictions associated with typical steel rope and, according to its designers, it 'opens up a world of possibilities in high-rise building design - an important consideration as urbanization brings increasing numbers of people to cities.'

KONE UltraRope is made up of an inner carbon fibre nucleus and a high-friction coating. This lightweight combination gives the rope a significant environmental advantage over conventional steel rope and makes it exceptionally strong and durable. It also acts to reduce lift downtime episodes - due to the resonation differences between carbon fibre and steel - and is projected to outlast steel two-times over.

These qualities combine to create what KONE terms 'unprecedented eco-efficiency, durability and reliability in future high-rise elevator travel.'

KONE UltraRope

KONE UltraRope's introduction follows an extensive developmental and test programme. For the past three years, UltraRope trials have been taking placing at an underground testing facility: the tallest of its kind in the world.

"We are proud to introduce this innovation that we are certain will revolutionize the elevator industry for the tallest segment of buildings across the globe", stated Matti Alahuhta, KONE's chief executive officer and president. "The benefits of KONE UltraRope versus conventional elevator hoisting technologies are numerous and indisputable."

KONE makes the point in its press release that, right now, cities house over 50 per cent of the global population: a figure set to grow to seventy per cent over the coming four decades. Upwards building is, therefore, a viable need and it's notable that, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's data, the world is set to get nearly 600 new buildings, measuring 200 metres or more in height, in coming years.

Image copyright/courtesy KONE