What Is the Measure?

Energy-efficient elevators are vital in modern buildings as they are convenient and accessible for users, but they are also significant energy users. Elevator energy usage can account for up to 10% of a
building’s total energy use, possibly more during peak usage times of the day1. Traditional elevator systems are either hydraulic or traction. Traction elevators use steel ropes or belts on a pulley system, while hydraulic elevators operate using a hydraulic jack, which are fluid-driven pistons inside a cylinder. Both types of elevator systems lose energy in different ways. Traction elevators lose energy through friction between moving parts, heat generation, and power lost during standby. Hydraulic elevators lose energy due to motor inefficiency, heat generation, and constant power requirements including energy losses from the lack of counterweight.

As the reliance on elevators grows, it is becoming increasingly important to make them as energy efficient as possible. This includes looking into new technologies, such as regenerative drives, energy-efficient motors, smart elevator control systems, standby mode, and LED lighting.

Energy-Efficient Elevator Components

Regenerative drives: Recycle excess energy feeding it back into the building’s electrical system instead of wasting it as heat during braking, thus reducing overall energy
consumption.

Machine-room-less: These space-saving improvements eliminate the need to build and supply energy to a machine room and consume significantly less energy and generate less heat.

Energy-efficient motors: Gearless motors reduce energy loss from friction and wear allowing for increased efficiency of elevator hosting machines.

Smart elevator control systems: Smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) optimize elevator operations for energy efficiency by adjusting to real-time usage patterns, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Advanced control systems: Software- and microprocessor-based controls replace older electromechanical relays, improving efficiency and reliability.

LED lighting: LED lights use less energy while maintaining adequate illumination, reduce heat generation, and have a longer lifespan.

Standby mode: Activates during inactivity, shutting off non-essential systems to conserve energy

What Are the Benefits?

• Energy cost savings: High efficiency elevators use advanced technologies like regenerative drives, which convert the energy generated during braking into electricity that can be used elsewhere in the building and can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%.
• Space saving: Eliminates the need for a machine room, allowing for more flexible building designs.
• Improved performance: Gearless motors and advanced controls enhance reliability, providing smoother and quieter rides.
• Longevity: Advanced controls predict maintenance needs, reducing unexpected breakdowns and extending the elevator’s lifespan.

What Are the Challenges/Constraints?

• Costly replacements: Advanced elevator maintenance can be more complex and costly compared to traditional elevator systems.
• Higher initial costs: Advanced technology requires a higher initial upfront investment.
• Specialized knowledge: Installation and maintenance of advanced technologies requires technical expertise.
• Integration challenges: Newer technologies may require additional effort to integrate with existing building systems, especially in older buildings.

Contact us today to enroll and build resiliency into your project!

Resources:
1. TKE (2024, February 21). How much Energy does an Elevator Use? 

2.Bernhard, A. (2018, April 27). Elevators Are Going Green. Smithsonian Magazine. 

3. Hussey, R. (n.d.). Traction vs. Hydraulic Elevators: Which is Right for Your Building? 

4.K. (2023, August 14). The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Elevators and Escalators: How to Save Energy in Vertical Transportation. Power Efficiency. The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Elevators and Escalators: How to Save Energy in Vertical Transportation

5.Kone (2023, July 1). How Elevators Contribute to Energy Efficiency in Buildings. How Elevators Contribute to Energy Efficiency in Buildings

6.Sniderman, D. (2012, September 19). Energy Efficient Elevator Technologies. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers 

7. Business Energy Advisor (2018, January 11). Elevators. Elevators