The Alta elevator is a new design developed for the next generation of super-tall buildings up to 500 m (1,600 ft) in height.

Introduced by Kone Corporation, based in Finland, it marks a trend towards increasing sophistication, speed and design in elevator technology, according to a spokesman for the company.

Believed to be the world's fastest and most powerful elevator system introduced so far, Alta elevators can transport up to 70 passengers and reach speeds up to 17 m per second, he says.

"The heart of the new design are 'magnum' versions of the company's EcoDisc hoisting machine," Neil Padden, Kone senior vice president, says. "This technology made possible the company's MonoSpace elevator concept launched in 1996 and since sold in tens of thousands. This machineroom-less elevator has established itself as a new global standard, winning several awards for innovation worldwide."

EcoDisc units are frequency-controlled gearless AC machines employing patented axial synchronous motors with permanent magnets. They are compact and feature a high power-to-weight ratio. In tall buildings, the unit's low power consumption offers potential annual energy savings adding up to tens of thousands of kilowatt hours per elevator group, says Padden.

He continues: "The new elevators incorporate control systems that employ genetic algorithm. This optimises the routing of elevator cars in all types of traffic by effectively simulating Charles Darwin's idea of natural selection to suit the environment.

"In Kone's Alta system, the process is very fast, taking only milliseconds. It incorporates fuzzy logic and artificial intelligence designed for specific control tasks."

The high speeds and heavy traffic has also prompted the development of a high-performance door system to ensure fast, safe and quiet operation, he says.

"Special 'SilentRide' technology, developed by Kone, is applied on both single and high-capacity 'double-decker' Alta elevator models for a smooth and quiet ride. Using flexible componentry and sub-systems, the Alta system offers custom solutions for each project. In addition, site processes include a solution to provide elevator service for construction labour and materials that actually tracks the progress of the building work," he says.

"As the Alta complements the other EcoDisc-based Kone elevator ranges already on the market," Padden points out, "for the first time, all sizes of buildings can be equipped with technologically-consistent, same generation gearless elevators."