Early fault detection of elevators using remote condition monitoring through IOT technology

Abstract

Remote condition monitoring (RCM) of machines seeks to enhance proactive maintenance through just-in-time responses to machine faults and process deterioration. This approach offers the benefit of reduced manning of machines and robust joint maintenance decisions, due to remote access to the machines’ condition. This paper employs a remote condition monitoring approach to two elevator parameters, vibration and machine room-temperature, using an Internet of Things (IoT) device for remote data acquisition and remote fault indication. A remote monitoring set-up was developed that uses augmented sensors, networked connections, and an Arduino Yun microcontroller installed on the elevator system to monitor remotely any deterioration in its working condition. The set-up was configured to monitor the conditions online remotely through an email application service. The data from the email were analysed, and notifications were generated at the machine’s severity level. The result showed that RCM enables faster repair and maintenance decisions, prevents the catastrophic breakdown of machines, and serves as a troubleshooting guide for fault diagnosis.