Advanced elevator technology for today’s complex building requirements
Advanced elevator technology provides big opportunities to save energy. In order to keep costs as low as possible, building managers need to keep an eye on energy consumption. The installed elevator equipment not only needs to be energy efficient, it must also be capable of handling power surges. It must also not be affected by, or have an effect on, other electrical equipment.
KONE regenerative drives: designed for an energy-hungry world
Regenerative drives, from Kone Elevators are high-speed, high-capacity drives offering maximum performance for mid-rise buildings.
The range covers all types of applications – new or renovated – such as residential, office, or public buildings. KONE regenerative drives are designed to work with KONE EcoDisc machines. They provide speeds up to 3 m/s with loads up to 1600 kg and the capacity to handle up to 240 starts/h. Energy regeneration is a standard feature, and Electromagnetic Interference and Harmonic Distortion are kept well below code requirements. At the same time, KONE drives offer extremely accurate stopping to improve safety. The accuracy can also be programmed to fit the acceleration/ jerk values and the ride comfort can be adjusted to meet levels specified by the building/customer.
Developed by a world leader in energy efficiency
KONE was the first elevator company to focus on the importance of energy efficiency with the introduction of its permanent magnet synchronous motor series. These motors consume up to 70% less energy than conventional elevator solutions, with 30-40% lower peak starting current requirements. KONE was also the first company to offer regenerative systems, which recover up to 30% of the elevator system’s total energy consumption. KONE set the standard in energy efficiency for high-speed elevator traffic, resulting in lower operating costs.
Economical operation thanks to energy regeneration
The KONE drive uses Modulated Line Bridge technology to continuously supply energy back to the power network during the braking phase. With the KONE EcoDisc motor acting as a generator, the car, counterweight and braking system generate energy that is converted into electrical current that can be used elsewhere in the building or to drive other elevators (see the motor input power curves to clarify the different phases of the drive). The regenerated power is ‘clean’ with low harmonic distortions. Up to 30% of the total electricity used by an elevator can be recovered, resulting in lower net electricity consumption in the building. Over the lifetime of the equipment, the cost savings can be considerable.
In order for this electricity to be used in the building, the energy regeneration system has to be linked back to the building’s electrical network.