These Hitachi elevators, which will be installed in a skyscraper in the city of Guangzhou in southern China, will comfortably be the world's fastest elevator. The elevator will be capable of reaching speeds of 72 km/h, allowing it to soar from the first floor to the 95th floor in a scarcely believable 43 seconds. Two such ultra-fast elevators will be installed in the Guangzhou CTF Financial Centre skyscraper, which is scheduled to be completed in 2016.
These Hitachi elevators will offer a comfortable ride despite the high speeds. Air pressure inside the elevators will be artificially altered to prevent ear blockages. Guiding 'rollers' will ensure that the ride remains smooth despite the warping effects caused by wind pressure at high speeds.
The elevators will also be fitted with highly heat-resistant brakes, which will automatically activate in the event of malfunction.
Ultra High-Speed Elevators
This Hitachi Elevator Will Climb 95 Floors in Less Than a Minute
Trend Themes
1. Ultra-fast Vertical Transportation - Developing elevators capable of travelling at high speeds and offering a comfortable ride will become increasingly important in growing cities with ever-taller buildings.
2. Smart Elevator Technologies - Incorporating artificial intelligence, sensors, and other technologies into elevators will enable safer, more efficient, and more comfortable rides for passengers.
3. Sustainable Vertical Transportation - Increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in buildings will drive demand for elevators that rely on renewable energy sources and have low environmental impact.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can capitalize on the trend towards ultra-fast elevators by incorporating them into the design of new buildings and retrofitting existing ones.
2. Technology - The technology industry can drive innovation in smart elevator technologies, creating new business opportunities such as elevator analytics and remote monitoring services.
3. Energy - The energy industry can play a key role in developing sustainable vertical transportation solutions, such as elevators powered by renewable energy sources including solar and wind power.