Modern skyscrapers demand elevator systems that are not only fast, but also exceptionally safe, comfortable, and reliable. Hitachi — a global leader in trusted elevators with decades of research in Japanese technology — has engineered a new benchmark in vertical transportation. Through intensive research, innovation, and a focus on safety and comfort, Hitachi developed the world’s fastest elevators, delivered to the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre. These elevators exemplify how advanced engineering can reconcile record-setting performance with the highest standards of safe and reliable elevators.

Engineering Evolution: Setting the World Record

The mission to develop ultra-high-speed elevators began years prior at Hitachi’s G1TOWER research facility in Japan, where engineers built and tested high-performance systems for tall buildings. Using data and experiments from this facility, Hitachi advanced the technology to achieve a rated speed of 1,260 metres per minute — delivering passengers more than 440 metres vertically in approximately 42 seconds. This achievement is recognised as the world’s fastest elevator performance on record. 

Hitachi’s R&D teams identified multiple technical challenges inherent in ultra-high-speed elevators, including vibration, noise, air pressure change, braking forces, and system size constraints. To address these, Hitachi engineers innovated across multiple domains of elevator design and control.

Drive and Control: Balancing Power, Size, and Reliability

Delivering the power necessary to attain ultra-high speeds requires a balance between high output and compact machinery. Hitachi developed a 347 kW permanent magnet motor capable of delivering 30 percent higher power while reducing overall machine width by 13 percent. This combination of high output and compact form was critical to fitting the system within the spatial limits of high-rise buildings’ machine rooms. 

Moreover, Hitachi designed a high-strength traction cable that delivers 30 percent reduced weight without compromising flexibility or durability. Reducing suspended cable mass relieved the demand on the motor and traction machine, enhancing system reliability over extended travel distances. 

The control system itself contains advanced Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modules that generate high power output while maintaining efficient control. The configuration allows units to be separated for easier inspection and replacement, underscoring Hitachi’s emphasis on long-term maintainability and serviceability — characteristics essential to trusted elevators expected to operate reliably for decades.
Safety Systems: Designed for Peace of Mind

At high speeds, the risk profile of elevator operation changes significantly. Hitachi integrated multiple advanced safety systems to ensure that emergency stops and oversight mechanisms function reliably under extreme conditions. A pivotal innovation is the Electronic Emergency Terminal Speed-limiting Device (ETSD), which uses real-time monitoring of car speed and position. Unlike older mechanical systems, the electronic ETSD enables pre-emptive deceleration and controlled stopping before reaching critical thresholds, enhancing safe elevator performance. 

Mechanical safety systems were also reviewed and redesigned. The mechanical governor — responsible for detecting and responding to abnormal elevator acceleration — was refined to detect and manage different speeds for ascent and descent. Robust materials resistant to impact and abrasion were selected through extensive testing to handle the significantly higher collision energy generated at ultra-high speeds. 

In emergency braking scenarios, engineers developed braking materials capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 400°C, more than double what is typical in standard systems. Algorithms were created to predict brake wear and schedule reliable replacements, integrating this intelligence into the elevator control system for ongoing safety and reliability.

Comfort: Engineering the Ride Experience

The journey in an ultra-high-speed elevator introduces challenges absent at lower speeds. Air pressure changes and vibration can significantly impact ride comfort. Hitachi’s engineers tackled these physical effects by implementing an active guide system — equipped with acceleration sensors and actuators — to suppress vibration in multiple axes, including yaw, pitch, and roll. 

To reduce wind noise and turbulence, elevator cabins were designed with streamlined profiles inspired by high-speed rail engineering. This reduced external aerodynamic noise and improved the quietness of the interior cabin environment. Air pressure modulation systems were also developed to mitigate ear discomfort during rapid vertical travel, using controlled air pressure changes and interior air management techniques to soften abrupt shifts in atmospheric pressure.

Innovation Through Collaboration and Research

A hallmark of Hitachi’s approach to elevator development is collaboration — both within Hitachi Group companies and through international installation and certification processes. The integration of simulation tools, fluid dynamics analysis, and sensory assessment testing demonstrates the depth of research and validation behind each technical decision.

The combination of drive performance, safety, comfort, and reliability established through rigorous testing underscores why Hitachi’s ultra-high-speed elevators remain a benchmark for the industry.

Delivering World-Class Technology in Australia: Hicasa Elevators

As demand for advanced elevator solutions grows in Australia, Hicasa Elevators is the official partner authorised to represent and deploy Hitachi’s trusted elevator technology. Our offerings are grounded in the same innovation and research-driven development that define Hitachi’s world-record elevator systems.

Hicasa Elevators provides:

• Installation of cutting-edge Hitachi elevator systems tailored to Australian building standards.
• Maintenance programs designed around proactive safety and reliability protocols.
• Modernisation services that elevate older systems with advanced performance, comfort, and safety technologies.
• Consultation and customised design to meet unique architectural and functional requirements.

Hicasa Elevators ensures that Australian clients benefit not only from globally recognised trusted elevators but also from local service excellence that upholds stringent safety and performance expectations.

Contact Us

Email: sales@hicasaelevators.com.au

Phone: 1300 793 950

Display Centre: Unit 4, 95-99 Silverwater Road, Silverwater NSW 2128