Passenger lifts: features, selection criteria, installation nuances

Passenger elevators are mechanized devices designed to move people between floors of buildings. Here are the main characteristics and aspects of passenger elevators:

Load capacity:

• usually varies from 300 to 1600 kg, which allows you to carry from 4 to 21 passengers.

Speed:

• can be from 0.5 to 10 m/s depending on the height of the building and the requirements for the speed of movement.

Type of drive:

• electric drive: the most common type. Includes motorized winch and counterweight system.
• hydraulic drive: used in buildings of low height (up to 6-7 floors). Operated by a hydraulic cylinder.

Cabin design:

• The cabin can be made of various materials (stainless steel, glass, aluminum) and equipped with interior trim (mirrors, handrails, seats, etc.).

Security systems:

• automatic doors.
• emergency braking systems.
• overload sensors.
• emergency communication with the dispatcher.

Types of passenger elevators

• Standard passenger elevators: used in residential and commercial buildings.
• panoramic elevators: with transparent walls, designed for buildings with a high level of architectural aesthetics.
• Elevators for people with limited mobility: with wide doors and accessible controls.
• High-speed elevators: used in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.

Features of operation

• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of the elevator.
• energy consumption: modern elevators are equipped with energy-saving systems such as energy recovery.
• Intelligent control systems: include motion optimization algorithms that reduce waiting time and energy consumption.

Of course, we emphasize: passenger elevators are an important element of modern architecture, providing convenient and fast access to different floors of buildings and contributing to the overall comfort and safety of users.

Criteria for selecting passenger elevators

Selecting a passenger elevator is a complex process that requires taking into account many factors. Here are the main criteria that you should focus on when planning buy passenger elevator:

Purpose of the building:

• Residential: Typically requires a standard medium speed elevator.
• office: it is important to take into account rush hours and large numbers of people, elevators with greater load capacity and speed are required.
• Shopping mall: high capacity elevators are needed, often panoramic to attract attention.
• hotel: elevators should be quiet and comfortable, often with elegant decoration.

Building height:

• low buildings (up to 5-6 floors): hydraulic elevators.
• mid-rise buildings (up to 15-20 floors): medium-speed electric elevators.
• high-rise buildings (more than 20 floors): high-speed electric elevators.

Passenger traffic:

• Estimate the number of people who will use the elevator daily.
• calculate peak loads to avoid overcrowding and long queues.

Load capacity and cabin size:

• refer to typical elevator sizes for residential buildings (450-630 kg) and office buildings (1000 kg or more).

Elevator speed:

• The speed depends on the height of the building and the waiting time requirements. For example, for office buildings, elevators with a speed of 1.6-2.5 m/s are often chosen.

Aesthetics and design:

• It is important to consider the interior of the building. Panoramic elevators or elevators with specific designs may be preferred in hotels and shopping centers.

Energy consumption:

• Modern elevators are equipped with energy-saving technologies such as energy recovery. This can be an important criterion for «green» buildings.

Noise level:

• especially important for residential and hotel buildings where comfort and quietness are a priority.

Maintenance and warranty:

• Make sure that the manufacturer offers reliable service and a sufficient warranty period.

Safety:

• availability of all modern safety systems: emergency braking, communication systems with the dispatcher, overload sensors, etc.

Recommendations for selection

Consultation with professionals:

• Contact specialized companies that can analyze your requirements and offer optimal solutions.

Analysis of manufacturers’ proposals:

• Compare offers from different manufacturers, paying attention to the company’s reputation, customer reviews and examples of completed projects.

Consider the cost of ownership:

• Include not only the initial cost of the elevator, but also maintenance and energy costs.

Stay up to date with new products:

• Modern elevators are equipped with many technological innovations (intelligent control systems, motorless drives, etc.) that can improve efficiency and ease of use.

Choosing a lift is an investment in the future of the building, so it is important to carefully consider all aspects to ensure maximum comfort and safety for users.

Installation of passenger elevators

Installing a passenger elevator is a complex and multi-step process that requires the participation of professionals with appropriate qualifications and experience. Here are the main steps and processes involved in installing an elevator:

The main stages of elevator installation

Design and preparation:

• design: creation of a detailed elevator design that takes into account all the technical characteristics of the building and the elevator.
• permitting documentation: obtaining all necessary permits and approvals from local authorities and relevant bodies.
• shaft preparation: preparation of the elevator shaft in a building, including installation of guide rails, creation of a pit and machine room (if necessary).

Equipment supply:

• production and delivery of all elevator components, including cabin, counterweight, guide rails, electric drives and control systems.

Installation of guide rails and frame:

• installation of guide rails for the cabin and counterweight.
• installation of the elevator frame and fastening elements.

Installation of cabin and counterweight:

• installation of the elevator car and counterweight.
• connecting a cable system or hydraulic cylinders.

Installation and connection of the electric drive:

• installation of electric drive and elevator control system.
• connecting all electrical components and sensors.

Installation of doors and security systems:

• installation of shaft and cabin doors.
• installation of safety systems, including overload sensors, emergency braking and communication systems.

Programming and setup:

• setting up the elevator software.
• checking the operation of all systems and eliminating possible errors.

Testing and commissioning:

• conducting tests at various operating modes.
• commissioning work, including checking all safety systems and reliability of the elevator.

Commissioning:

• inspection and acceptance of the elevator by the relevant authorities.
• preparation of all necessary documents for putting the elevator into operation.

Participation of professionals

Designers:

• Design engineers develop a detailed elevator design, taking into account all technical aspects and regulatory requirements.

Installation teams:

• Specialized installation teams install all elevator components. These teams include mechanics, electricians and adjusters.

Setup and testing technicians:

• After installation, technicians conduct testing of all systems, configuration and safety checks.

Inspectors and representatives of regulatory authorities:

• They carry out the final inspection and acceptance of the elevator before it is put into operation.

Important aspects

• safety: installation and operation of elevators are strictly regulated by regulations and safety standards.
• deadlines: The elevator installation process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the project and the height of the building.
• coordination: Elevator installation requires coordination between various specialists and services, including architects, builders and installers.

Professional installation of the elevator guarantees its reliable and safe operation, minimizes the risk of malfunctions and ensures a long service life of the equipment.