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How do different lift types compare when it comes to energy usage?

Hydraulic Lifts

 

 

Mechanism:

  • Uses a hydraulic piston to move the lift car.
  • A motor pumps hydraulic fluid into a cylinder to push the piston which pushes the lift car.
  • The fluid is released from the cylinder to descend.

 

Energy Consumption:

  • High energy consumption during ascent: The motor works hard to pump the hydraulic fluid, lift car and, load in the car against gravity. NB. Even when there is not load in the car the car weight still has be lifted against gravity.
  • Low energy efficiency: There is no significant energy recovery during descent as the fluid simply returns to the reservoir.
  • Heat generation: Energy is lost as heat in the hydraulic fluid, requiring additional cooling systems.
Geared lift machine

Electric Traction Lift – Geared

 

Mechanism:

  • A motor with a gearbox drives the sheave (pulley) that moves the cables connected to the lift car and counterweight.

 

Energy Consumption:

  • Moderate energy consumption: Energy is used to move both the car and the counterweight.
  • Moderate energy efficiency: Some energy is recovered during descent, but the gearbox introduces energy losses.

Electric Traction Lift – Gearless

 

Mechanism:

  • A motor directly drives the sheave (pulley) without a gearbox.

 

Energy Consumption:

  • Lower energy consumption: Direct drive reduces energy losses compared to geared systems.

  • Higher energy efficiency: More effective energy recovery during descent, especially with regenerative drives that convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Lifts

 

Mechanism:

  • Similar to gearless traction lifts, but the motor is compact and positioned within the hoistway.

 

Energy Consumption:

  • Very low energy consumption: Uses modern, energy-efficient gearless motors.
  • Highest energy efficiency: Significant energy recovery during descent due to advanced regenerative technology.
  • Space-saving design: Reduces energy costs associated with building heating and cooling.

Conclusion

 
  • Hydraulic Lifts: Least energy-efficient, high energy consumption with significant heat loss.
  • Geared Traction Lifts: Moderate energy efficiency, but losses due to the gearbox.
  • Gearless Traction Lifts: Higher energy efficiency, direct drive reduces losses.
  • MRL Lifts: Most energy-efficient, space-saving, and modern technology enhances overall efficiency.

 

 

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