Using Elevator system modelling and simulation for integrated learning in mechatronics engineering

Elevator systems offer ideal platforms for Mechatronics engineering education. Particularly, they offer an excellent opportunity for integrating the various mechatronics engineering disciplines, such as: electrical motors and actuators, power electronics and drives, control systems, system dynamics and kinematics. Although elevator systems have been used as learning platforms in engineering education, the use of elevator modelling and simulation for a well-structured designprocess that includes analysis and synthesis is of interest. Furthermore, documenting such work can help mechatronics educators in using these models for their case studies in different courses. This paper reviews a Simulink/Sim Power Systems based platform that was built at Philadelphia University in order to allow students to practice and understand the principles of power electronics, drives systems, electrical machines and control system design by modelling real life elevator systems and running them. The learning outcomes achieved by the projects include enabling the students to model real life electromechanical systems, tune a PID controller that controls the speed of the elevator system, and design suitable power electronic drives to control the used motor.