Introduction
As elevator control technology advances toward high-level integration, the traditional architecture of separate variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and elevator controllers is gradually being replaced by integrated solutions. The NICE3000 new series elevator integrated control cabinet, developed by Inovance Technology, represents this technological trend. Unlike the earlier NICE3000 series which functioned primarily as a standalone VFD, the NICE3000 new series deeply integrates the elevator logic control system with a high-performance closed-loop vector drive into a single unified controller, delivered as a complete control cabinet. This significantly simplifies on-site installation and commissioning workflows. This article is based on the NICE3000 new Series Elevator Control Cabinet User Manual (Document No. 19010146) and provides a systematic guide for elevator engineering personnel, covering the integration characteristics, new control functions, wiring configuration, commissioning procedures, fault diagnostics, and maintenance of the integrated control cabinet.
Product Overview of the NICE3000 new Integrated Control Cabinet
Core Architecture: Integrated Controller
The heart of the NICE3000 new series control cabinet is the NICE3000 new integrated controller, which combines the full functionality of an elevator logic control system with the driving capability of a high-performance closed-loop vector VFD. Unlike legacy NICE3000 units that required external PLCs or dedicated elevator mainboards, the new series requires only a single parameter change (F1-25) to switch between driving AC asynchronous motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), with no hardware replacement necessary. This design dramatically reduces spare parts management costs and engineering switching complexity.
The integrated controller supports both MODBUS and CANBUS communication protocols, effectively reducing the number of traveling cables. The user interface adopts a fixed design, meaning that control cabinets of different power ratings share identical external interfaces, facilitating rapid deployment and maintenance.
Cabinet Models and Technical Specifications
The NICE3000 new series control cabinets are categorized by installation environment into machine room and machine room-less types, comprising four cabinet models:
| Type | Model | Power Range | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Room | NICE-CB1 | 2.2kW ~ 15kW | Wall-mounted |
| Machine Room | NICE-CE1 | 18.5kW ~ 30kW | Floor-standing |
| Machine Room | NICE-CF1 | 37kW ~ 55kW | Floor-standing |
| Machine Room-less | NICE-CW1 | 2.2kW ~ 15kW | Floor-standing |
The product naming convention is illustrated by “NICE-CB1-B-AL2-4F15,” where each field denotes: NICE3000new controller identifier, cabinet type (B1 = wall-mounted machine room), motor type (B = synchronous / A = asynchronous), interface board model (L2 = Type B), voltage class (4 = three-phase 380V), contactor type, and power rating (F15 = 15kW).
Key Technical Specifications
- Maximum frequency: 99Hz
- Carrier frequency: 2kHz to 16kHz, automatically adjusted based on load characteristics
- Motor control method: Closed-loop vector control
- Starting torque: 0Hz/200% (closed-loop vector control)
- Speed regulation range: 1:1000 (closed-loop vector control)
- Speed stabilization accuracy: ±0.05% (closed-loop vector control)
- Overload capacity: 150% rated current for 60 seconds; 200% rated current for 1 second
- Motor tuning: Supports both loaded and unloaded tuning
- IP rating: IP20
- Ambient temperature: -10°C to +50°C (derating required above 40°C)
- Altitude: Below 1000m (1% derating per 100m above 1000m)
Core Component Composition
The control cabinet integrates the following primary components: NICE3000 new integrated controller (control core), interface board (hub for hoistway/machine room/traveling cable connections), braking resistor box and braking unit (built-in for 30kW and below; external for above 30kW), control transformer TRF1 (outputs AC220V/AC110V), brake power supply board or brake power supply box (standard DC110V brake voltage output), phase sequence relay, leakage circuit breaker, run contactor, brake contactor, and star-sealing contactor (for synchronous motors only).
Operation Panel and Parameter System
Three-Tier Operation Interface
The NICE3000 new series control cabinet provides three tiers of operation and commissioning interfaces to meet different scenario requirements:
| Operation Tool | Display | Functional Scope | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Keypad (Simple Maintenance Keyboard) | 3-digit LED | Floor control, door open/close, basic debugging | On-site quick debugging |
| LED Operation Panel | 5-digit LED | View/modify most parameters, monitor system status | Daily parameter commissioning |
| Liquid Crystal Operator | LCD screen | View/modify all parameters, upload/download, run curve monitoring | In-depth commissioning and data management |
The control cabinet operation panel also features an emergency stop switch, inspection toggle, and inspection up/down buttons, enabling direct disconnection of the safety circuit and car inspection runs. The small keypad design allows commissioning personnel to perform basic debugging without connecting an external operation panel, which is particularly useful in machine room-less installations.
Key Parameters
The NICE3000 new parameter system covers functional groups including motor configuration, motion control, door machine system, floor settings, and communication configuration. The following are several parameters critical to integrated commissioning:
- F1-25: Motor type switching parameter. This is the most标志性 parameter of the new series. Modifying this parameter switches between asynchronous and synchronous motor drive modes without hardware changes.
- Motor Parameter Tuning Group: The system supports both loaded and unloaded tuning modes. Synchronous motors must complete dynamic self-learning before restoring wire ropes for trial operation, otherwise safety hazards exist.
- Hoistway Self-Learning Parameters: Uses 32-bit data to precisely record hoistway position information. On first power-up run, floor data is automatically verified; excessive deviation triggers an alarm.
- Starting Torque Compensation Parameters: Can be paired with a load cell for appropriate starting pre-torque, or enable the no-load-cell pre-torque adaptive function for smooth starts.
- Acceleration/Deceleration Curve Parameters: The system automatically generates N running curves, supporting distance-based direct stopping without a crawling segment for high leveling accuracy.
Wiring and Terminal Configuration
Main Circuit Wiring
The main circuit uses screw-lock terminals with a transparent protective cover. Terminal definitions are as follows:
- R, S, T, (N): Three-phase 380V power input; N is the neutral line
- U, V, W: Control cabinet output terminals, connected to the traction motor
Special attention during wiring: Input power must never be mistakenly connected to the U, V, W output terminals, as this will damage the controller. The main circuit terminal layout differs between machine room and machine room-less cabinets; refer to the schematic diagram for confirmation. Main circuit power cable selection must match the cabinet power rating, for example 0.75mm² for 2.2kW and 50mm² for 55kW.
Control Signal Wiring Terminals
Control signals use Weidmuller 2.5mm² spring-loaded direct-through terminal blocks. Machine room cabinets have 10 signal terminals (numbered 1-10), while machine room-less cabinets have 13 terminals (numbered 1-13). The difference is that machine room-less cabinets include additional governor coil terminals and hoistway lighting terminals.
Machine room control cabinet signal terminal assignments:
| Terminal No. | Wire No. | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 501, 502 | Mains input (AC220V) |
| 5, 6 | ZQ1+, ZQ2- | Brake output (to brake coil) |
| 7, 8 | F1, F2 | Fire protection linkage signal input |
| 9, 10 | LD1, LD2 | Fire output feedback signal |
Interface Board Terminal System
The interface board is a critical integrated design element of the NICE3000 new series. All cabinet types use the same interface board model, with user wiring terminals employing AMP solder-type connectors that minimize cable count. The interface board plugins are designated AA, AB, AC, BA, BB, BC, BD, 1M, 2M, 3M, etc., each carrying different signal groups:
- AA: Car lighting, door machine power, car door lock safety signal, pit lighting, car-top safety signal, re-leveling door zone signal
- AB: Inspection signals (up/down), upper/lower leveling signals, intercom signals
- AC: CAN communication signals (CAN+, CAN-, PE, 24V power)
- BA: Forced deceleration signals (upper/lower second-stage), limit switch signals (upper/lower)
- BB: Pit safety lighting, hall door lock safety signal
- BC: Hoistway safety signal, emergency electric operation signal, pit lighting power, intercom power
- BD: MODBUS communication signals (MOD+, MOD-, PE, 24V power)
- 1M: Handwheel switch signal
- 2M: Governor (overspeed) switch signal
- 3M: Brake switch detection 1/2 signals
PG Card Configuration
Closed-loop vector control relies on PG cards to receive encoder feedback. The NICE3000 new series configures different PG cards based on motor type:
- MCTC-PG-A2: For asynchronous motors, supports push-pull output and open-collector output incremental encoders. CN1 terminal is screw-lock type.
- MCTC-PG-E: For synchronous motors, supports SIN/COS type encoders. CN1 terminal is a DB15 female connector (encoder cable must have a DC15 male connector).
The PG card connects to the integrated controller mainboard J12 terminal via its J1 terminal, and to the traction machine encoder via its CN1 terminal, forming the speed closed-loop system. Encoders must use shielded cables, with the shield layer reliably grounded at one end.
Elevator Control Functions and Integrated Commissioning
Standard Operation Functions
The NICE3000 new series includes a comprehensive elevator operation function set that far exceeds the coverage of traditional separated systems:
- Full Collective Operation: Simultaneously responds to car calls and hall calls in automatic/attendant mode
- Direct Landing: Automatically generates running curves based on distance principles, landing directly at the leveling position without a crawling segment
- Automatic Starting Torque Compensation: Automatically compensates based on current car load before running, achieving smooth starts
- Low-Speed Self-Rescue: When not in inspection mode and not stopped at a leveling zone, the elevator automatically runs at slow speed to the leveling zone and opens doors, provided safety conditions are met
- Intelligent Floor Position Correction: Automatically checks and corrects car position information at terminal stations using the first-stage forced deceleration switch
- Dual-Speed Inspection: Dual-speed curve for inspection that balances speed and precision, improving inspection efficiency
- False Call Deletion: Pressing a call button twice cancels an erroneously registered call
- Full-Load Non-Stop: When the car is fully loaded, hall calls are not responded to during travel, but calls remain registered
- Overload Protection: When load exceeds rated capacity, the system alarms and stops operation
Safety and Emergency Functions
- Fire Recall: Upon receiving a fire alarm signal, the elevator stops responding to calls, returns to the fire landing, and stands by
- Firefighter Operation: In firefighter mode, no automatic door operation; doors are operated by button only (jog mode), and only one call can be registered at a time
- Security Floor Function: Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, the elevator first travels to the security floor, stops and opens doors, then proceeds to the destination floor
- Power Failure Auto-Identification and Rescue: Automatically identifies power loss and outputs rescue switchover relay signals; for synchronous motor drives, can automatically switch between freewheel and driven rescue modes
- Earthquake Function: When the earthquake detection device triggers, the elevator stops at the nearest floor and suspends service; requires manual fault reset before resuming
- Base Station Verification: When position anomaly is detected, the elevator travels floor by floor to the terminal station for verification, ensuring system reliability
Optional Extended Functions
| Function | Description | Configuration Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-Leveling | When load changes cause leveling fluctuation, the elevator runs at re-leveling speed to the leveling position with doors open | Requires MCTC-SCB |
| Power Failure Rescue | With emergency power supply, uses emergency power for low-speed self-rescue during power outage | Requires emergency power supply |
| Advance Door Opening | When speed drops below 0.2m/s during deceleration and door zone signal is valid, the door lock is bypassed via a sealing contactor for advance door opening | Requires MCTC-SCB |
| IC Card Function | Card-based authorization for access to specific floors | Requires IC card system |
| Dual Elevator Parallel Operation | Two elevators operating in parallel | – |
| Anti-Nuisance | Automatically determines if registered calls exceed passenger count; if so, cancels all calls | – |
Integrated Commissioning Procedure
Because the NICE3000 new integrates the controller and VFD into one unit, the commissioning process is more streamlined compared to separated systems, but the following steps must be strictly followed:
- Unboxing Inspection: Verify nameplate model, ratings, accessory completeness, and check for transport damage
- Electrical Installation Confirmation: Check main circuit phase sequence, input/output terminal correctness, grounding reliability, and separation of signal and power cables
- Motor Insulation Check: Use a 500V megohmmeter; insulation resistance must be no less than 5MΩ (disconnect the mainboard-to-interface board ribbon cable before testing)
- Set Parameter F1-25: Configure based on motor type (asynchronous/synchronous)
- Motor Parameter Tuning: Perform unloaded tuning first, then loaded tuning; synchronous motors must complete dynamic self-learning
- Hoistway Self-Learning: The system uses 32-bit data to precisely record hoistway positions; first run automatically verifies
- Inspection Trial Run: Verify up/down direction, deceleration, and limit switch operation using the dual-speed inspection function
- Fast Car Commissioning: Verify direct landing accuracy, starting compensation effectiveness, and leveling position
- Function Verification: Sequentially verify fire recall, overload protection, full-load non-stop, idle return to base station, and other functions
Fault Diagnostics and Safety Circuits
Safety Circuit Architecture
The NICE3000 new control cabinet features a three-tier high-voltage safety detection system for the elevator. The mainboard incorporates three high-voltage detection points: X25, X26, and X27, corresponding to safety detection, hall door lock detection, and car door lock detection, respectively. The safety circuit is powered by the cabinet transformer (AC110V). The safety circuit disconnects when any of the following conditions occur:
- Incorrect phase sequence of R, S, T three-phase input (phase sequence relay activates)
- Cabinet emergency stop button pressed
- Safety component electrical switch opens (safety gear, governor, buffer, etc.)
During elevator startup, all three high-voltage detection points must have normal input, meaning both the safety circuit and door lock circuit must be properly closed before the elevator can operate.
Ten Categories of Exception Protection
The NICE3000 new classifies and processes abnormal operating conditions in a graded manner, covering ten protection categories:
| No. | Protection Category | Trigger Conditions and Handling |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phase Sequence Protection | Incorrect input phase sequence automatically opens the safety circuit, preventing operation |
| 2 | Leakage Protection | Leakage circuit breaker activates when leakage current is excessive |
| 3 | Grounding Protection | Grounding copper bar unifies electrical potential, preventing electric shock |
| 4 | Temperature Protection | Transformer temperature above 90°C disconnects system; resumes when temperature drops below 90°C |
| 5 | Short Circuit Protection | Effectively disconnects the circuit when a short circuit occurs |
| 6 | Contact Welding (Sticking) Protection | Contactor sticking detected via detection circuit; alarm issued; operation resumes only after fault is resolved |
| 7 | Speed Anomaly | Encoder feedback exceeds limit or torque deviation is excessive; immediate protection and re-run prohibition |
| 8 | Rotary Encoder Anomaly | Includes phase loss, reversal, wire break, and pulse interference; large interference ratio triggers immediate alarm; small interference ratio corrects cumulative error at each leveling signal |
| 9 | Leveling Sensor Anomaly | Detects sensor failure and sticking; alarms if no leveling signal change occurs within the set time |
| 10 | Floor Data Anomaly | Hoistway self-learning data anomaly triggers alarm on first power-up run; excessive deviation during operation also triggers alarm |
Common Fault Codes and Handling
The NICE3000 new fault protection system automatically records detailed information at the time of fault occurrence, improving maintenance efficiency. The following are common faults and handling directions:
- E55: Skip-stop fault. When the elevator’s door-open time exceeds the door-open protection time and the door-open-in-place signal remains invalid, the system closes the door and automatically registers the next hall call for travel, while prompting this fault. Check the door machine position switch and related signal wiring.
- Encoder Anomaly: Check encoder wiring, shield grounding, and PG card CN1 terminal connections. For synchronous motors, confirm use of MCTC-PG-E card and reliable DB15 connector engagement.
- Contactor Welding: Inspect run contactor and brake contactor contact conditions; replace if necessary. The system includes a contactor detection circuit; after a welding alarm, the fault must be eliminated before operation can resume.
- Leveling Sensor Fault: Check sensor installation position, sensing vane gap, and signal wire connections. If the sensor is stuck (signal constantly active), the system detects the anomaly based on the leveling signal change pattern and alarms.
Brake Circuit and Safety
The brake circuit receives DC voltage from the brake power supply board (or brake power supply box), routed through the run contactor and brake contactor contacts to the brake coil. The standard brake voltage is DC110V. The brake power supply board automatically reduces voltage from DC110V to the 60V-90V range after 3 seconds to conserve energy. The J2 jumper on the brake power supply board controls whether voltage reduction occurs (ON = fixed DC110V without reduction; OFF = with reduction), while the J3 jumper selects the reduced voltage level (80V or 60V). The 3M plugin provides brake switch detection 1 and detection 2 signals for monitoring brake operation status.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Daily Inspection Items
- Whether the motor produces abnormal sounds during operation
- Whether the motor generates strong vibration during operation
- Whether the control cabinet installation environment has changed
- Whether the control cabinet is overheating
- Whether all electrical components are functioning normally
- Whether condensation appears on the control cabinet surface
- Whether internal screws are loose
- Whether contactors produce abnormal noise during elevator operation
Daily Cleaning
The control cabinet has an IP rating of IP20. Pay attention to water and dust protection during cleaning. Regularly and effectively remove surface dust from the control cabinet to prevent dust from entering the cabinet interior and affecting component heat dissipation and insulation performance.
Periodic Maintenance
- Check whether all screws are loose
- Check whether terminal blocks show signs of pulling or scraping
- Check whether electrical components are operating normally
- Check whether any cables inside the control cabinet are exposed
Replacement of Wear Parts
Wear parts in the control cabinet mainly include transformer fuses, fuse links, and circuit breakers. The cabinet is equipped with spare fuses to handle unexpected failures. The general service life of circuit breakers and contactors is 2 to 3 years; users should determine replacement intervals based on actual operating time. When replacing fuses, always use the specifications specified in the manual, otherwise hazards may result. The TRF1 control transformer is configured with a 4A input-side fuse, 4A AC220V output-side fuse, and 2A AC110V output-side fuse; the optional TRF2 transformer is configured with a 2A AC220V input-side fuse and 3A AC36V output-side fuse.
Safety Precautions
Do not open the cabinet door or touch main circuit power terminals within 10 minutes after power disconnection, as residual charge on capacitors may cause injury. Maintenance and repair may only be performed when the controller voltage is confirmed to be below AC36V. After replacing the controller, parameter settings must be reconfigured, and all pluggable connectors must be inserted or removed only in a powered-off state. After replacing or servicing synchronous motors, dynamic self-learning must be reperformed, and trial operation must confirm normal motor operation before restoring wire ropes.
Conclusion
The NICE3000 new series elevator integrated control cabinet represents a significant advancement by Inovance Technology in the field of elevator control. Its core value lies in deeply integrating elevator logic control with vector drive into a unified controller, enabling seamless switching between asynchronous and synchronous motors via the F1-25 parameter, reducing traveling cable count through fixed interface design, and ensuring operational safety through a ten-level anomaly protection system. For elevator engineering personnel, a thorough understanding of its integrated architecture, interface board terminal system, PG card configuration rules, and the three-tier detection mechanism of the safety circuit is essential for efficient installation, commissioning, and routine maintenance. In practical engineering applications, strictly follow the commissioning procedures and safety specifications in the manual, and retain the manual for future maintenance reference. For more detailed commissioning and operation information, refer to Inovance Technology’s NICE3000 new Elevator Integrated Controller User Manual (Document No. 19010146), or contact the national unified service hotline at 400-777-1260 for technical support.