In the world of elevator technology, the inverter or elevator drive plays a vital role. These intelligent devices are used in elevator systems to enhance the efficiency and precise control of electromotors. By providing intelligent control systems, this advanced technology not only improves the performance of elevators but also increases passenger safety and confidence.
One prominent feature of drives in elevators is their ability to precisely control the speed of movement. By precisely adjusting the frequency and voltage, this device offers the capability to control speed and enable smooth stops. This capability reduces mechanical fatigue, unnecessary noise, and vibrations during elevator movement, ultimately enhancing passenger safety.
Another advantage of using inverters in elevators is energy savings. These devices create significant energy savings by optimizing energy consumption during low-traffic hours. Consequently, they contribute to environmental conservation and reduce energy costs.
The use of inverters in elevators not only enhances performance and safety but also improves installation and maintenance due to their ability to reduce the dimensions and weight of mechanical systems. In other words, drives help optimize and adapt elevators to different environments and customer needs.
The Role of Elevators in Modern Buildings and the Importance of Drives or Inverters
Elevators are recognized as fundamental and essential components in modern buildings, serving as crucial devices for the movement and transportation of individuals and loads within structures. These tools not only provide convenience and comfort to users but also contribute to increased safety.
Elevator Drive or Inverter: Advanced Technology for AC Motor Control
The elevator drive or inverter, specifically designed for elevators, is a vital device used to control the voltage and frequency of AC motors in various applications such as cranes, hoists, elevators, and escalators. This technology is particularly effective in conditions where abrupt stops and starts are accompanied by severe impacts and stress.
Types of Elevator Drives: Diversity Based on Motor Type and Control Panel
In today’s world, elevator drives are produced in a wide variety based on motor type (gearless or geared) and control panel. This diversity is designed to meet different needs in the control of speed and movement of elevators.
Categorization of Elevator Drives Based on Control Panels:
1. AC2 Two-Speed Control Panel
2. 3VF Single-Speed Control Panel
3. Control Panel with Emergency Rescue System
Considering the specific needs and conditions of each elevator, choosing the appropriate type of drives among these can contribute to higher efficiency and performance of the elevator.
Two-Speed Elevator Control Panel: Enhancing Performance with Its Challenges
Two-speed elevator control panels are one of the commonly used choices in the elevator industry, operating at two different speeds, fast and slow, utilizing a geared motor. These control panels have two winding wires and the capability to operate at two different speeds; however, this enhanced functionality comes with its challenges.
In this method, the motor is directly connected to the power without a drive, and the startup is done directly. The operation is based on two different rotational speeds, where, at the moment of initiating elevator movement from a stationary state, the motor starts moving at a high speed. As the cabin approaches its destination, usually at a speed of one meter per second, the elevator speed decreases, and it eventually stops.
Nevertheless, this approach also presents its challenges. The startup current is very high, up to 7 times the nominal motor current, which can potentially damage the motor and reduce its lifespan. This not only leads to a decline in motor performance but also directly increases power consumption. Therefore, addressing the issues associated with this method is crucial to maintaining the performance and efficiency of the elevator system.
Single-Speed Elevator Control Panel or 3VF Drive: Smooth Motion Experience and Increased Safety
The control panels with 3VF drives in elevators, utilizing inverters or motor speed controls, make the elevator’s movement exceptionally smooth and its startup gentle. This type of control panel, by adjusting the frequency, voltage, and the ability to change the speed and torque in the motor, reduces abrupt and intense elevator movements and initiates it at a low speed.
With a gradual increase in voltage, the elevator reaches its nominal speed quickly, resulting in a softer stop. While passing through different floors, the elevator’s speed changes gradually, and this smooth transition minimizes cabin jolts and vibrations.
The control panel with a 3VF drive also provides a smooth movement between floors, but with the difference that, in this case, the drive acts as an intermediary between the city power and the elevator motor. The electricity first enters the drive, and after adjusting the frequency and voltage settings according to the city power, the drive supplies power to the motor.
These settings are such that, as the cabin passes through floor levels, no shaking or jolting is felt in the elevator. This method significantly improves the elevator travel experience, offering increased safety. From an SEO perspective, this technology has been introduced as an innovative and safe solution for elevator movement.
Advancements in Elevator Drive Performance: A Step Towards Enhancement
In the advanced world of elevator technology, the elevator drive or inverter is considered the core of functionality. Despite similarities with industrial drives, elevator drives clearly distinguish themselves with their enhanced capabilities. This new generation first absorbs AC power from the grid, then converts it to DC voltage, and ultimately, the inverter transforms the DC power back to AC voltage with the desired frequency and voltage.
The elevator drive or inverter is also known as the motor speed controller. This technology allows the drive to continuously change the input voltage from zero to the output power with variable voltage, several times the speed, and consistently.
Driven elevators start their movement gradually to prevent any jolts or vibrations in the cabin. This crucial feature, especially when compared to non-driven elevators that quickly reach their nominal speed during startup, creating intense jolts in the cabin, brings about a noticeable difference.
The use of driven elevators not only reduces energy consumption but also brings other benefits, including:
– Reduction in momentary startup and stop currents
– Increase in movement speed to the range of 34 to 38 meters per minute (0.5 to 0.6 meters per second)
– Significant reduction in repair and maintenance costs.
Elevator drive settings: A refined path to motion quality. For proper elevator drive settings, it is advisable to refer to the catalog and examine the settings corresponding to the type of drive in use.
Advantages of Implementing Drives in Elevators: Elevating to a New Level
The adoption of drives in elevators has transformed the public transportation industry significantly due to the numerous benefits they offer. Below, we delve into some of the most significant advantages:
1. Reduced Jolts and Vibrations:
Using drives reduces jolts and vibrations during elevator movement between floors, enhancing passenger comfort and improving the mechanical lifespan of the elevator.
2. Increased Motor Efficiency:
Drive-controlled speed adjustment enhances motor efficiency, resulting in less heating and reduced wear and tear.
3. Complete Motor Control:
Elevator drives or inverters take complete control of the motor’s speed and position, safeguarding the motor from any potential dangers or damage.
4. Energy Consumption Reduction:
Drive utilization leads to a reduction in electrical current from the grid, decreasing contactor sizes and overall costs.
5. No Need for Cooling Fans:
Drives do not require cooling fans in the elevator motor room, contributing to improved elevator performance and cost reduction.
6. Energy Storage:
Drives increase energy storage, leading to reduced electricity, maintenance, and repair costs.
7. Comprehensive Motor Protection:
Drives come equipped with a comprehensive motor protection system, contributing to an extended motor lifespan.
8. High Efficiency and Movement Speed:
Driven elevators exhibit high efficiency and higher movement speeds, up to twice the range of 60 to 70 meters per minute (1 to 1.6 meters per second), facilitating passenger movement and increasing elevator productivity.
Article Summary: The Importance and Prominent Role of Drives in Elevators
This research delves into the examination of various types of drives in elevator systems and the value of their different configurations. A detailed interpretation of the settings based on brand differences and information available in catalogs is also provided. In addition, the benefits of utilizing drives, including the reduction of vibrations, motor efficiency improvement, comprehensive control, energy consumption savings, cost reduction, comprehensive motor protection, and increased elevator movement speed, are comprehensively discussed. This article aims to serve as a comprehensive source of information in the field of selecting and optimizing drives in elevators.