Energy Saving through the Application of Variable Speed Technology

Saving energy is a worldwide challenge for everybody, in particular, the lift profession. Different technologies exist on the market and are used to reduce the lift energy consumption. For example, we can note different algorithms as group control systems, regenerative device to batteries or power network, standby power cutting when the lift is not working, etc. After reading the VDI 4707, we have understood in 90% of use, the carload was under or equal to 50% of the rated load, meaning a lot of energy was lost to move only the counterweight. To try and find a solution to solve this problem, we decided to work on a new kinematic lift device to reduce the balancing of the counterweight. In parallel, we designed a special motor with a range of velocity adapted to the torque. For every trip, the motor torque is monitored by the drive to calculate the real load in the car and in function of the direction (up or down), the velocity is calculated in relation with the maximum power machine. To optimize the energy consumption through a reduced counterweight, the kinematic is based on a traction-closed loop. For example, the reducing of the lift balancing up to 32% can save energy consumption of up to 30%. This technology is applied to gearless synchronous motor. Different motors exist to allow the connection from the three phases 400V or single-phase 220V power supply network. Due to the small energy consumption, “the speed technology” lift is compatible with all other renewable energy power supplies. Solutions incorporating photovoltaic solar energy are currently being investigated.