Esra (elevator simulation, research & analysis): an open-source software tool for elevator traffic simulation, research, and analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Today, although elevator companies typically have their own elevator simulation and analysis tools, these remain inaccessible to the public due to commercial concerns and rivalry in the sector. Consequently, due to the lack of modular open-source software tools, interest in the design and development of elevator systems in academia is quite limited, contrary to the vast potential of the field. This paper addresses this gap introducing an open-source software tool, the Elevator Simulator for Research and Analysis (ESRA), developed using the MATLAB programming language and an object-oriented approach. ESRA features built-in control methods, and visualization options with the capability to save and reuse traffic data, facilitating in-depth comparative analysis. Moreover, its modular architecture allows a design and development basis for further research in the field. The proposed software aims to enable developers to design, implement, analyse, and compare their control algorithms with other methods.