Ultra-fast lifts in race to the top

The race to build ever taller skyscrapers has sparked a battle among lift manufacturers to develop new-age elevators. High-speed lifts in China’s 632-metre-tall Shanghai Tower will travel at 18 metres per second
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Shanghai Tower Designed by Gensler (U.S.) 121 floors

310-kilowatt motor: Drives pulley

Elevators: 106 – built by Mitsubishi Electric. Distance of 578.5m between basement and top floor

Aerodynamic capsule: Reduces air resistance

Ceramic brakes: Can stop lift within 15 metres if car moves too fast

13-tonne counterweight

2016: 20.0m/sec CTF Finance Centre, China

2015: 18.0m/sec Shanghai Tower, China

2004: 16.8m/sec Taipei 101, Taiwan

Twin rails: Guide elevator

2014: 10.2m/sec One World Trade Center, U.S.

2010: 10.0m/sec Burj Khalifa, UAE

1974: 8.1m/sec Willis Tower, U.S.

1931: 7.1m/sec Empire State Building,  U.S.

1930: 4.5m/sec Chrysler Building, U.S.

Rollers: Accelerometers and electromagnetic actuators inside rollers counteract vibration and swaying.

Air pressure control system: Stops pressure imbalance in passengers’ ears
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Sources: Mitsubishi Electric, Financial Times, Popular Science

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