Modernization of elevators: A sound investment in the future
Buildings account for around 40 percent of energy consumption worldwide. Lighting, heating, elevators – building systems require large amounts of energy, especially when they are advanced in years. ThyssenKrupp Elevator has a broad portfolio of eco-efficient systems and components to assist customers in the sustainable modernization of their transportation systems. With complete packages and step-by-step solutions for maximum functionality and energy efficiency far in excess of industry standards, ThyssenKrupp Elevator helps save resources while meeting the market’s increasing demands for user comfort and cost-efficiency. Just how these apparently conflicting requirements can be reconciled is demonstrated by the energy-efficient modernization of RWE’s headquarters in Essen:
Four of the building’s eight passenger elevators – built and installed in the 1980s – were fitted with state-of-the-art control and drive systems. A combination of gearless synchronized drives, frequency converters and energy recovery systems turned the elevators into real energy savers. This has now also been confirmed by the TÜV SÜD technical inspection agency: In a recent certification process, the elevators were awarded an A-class energy efficiency rating to VDI standard 4707 – based on the testing of one of the units in normal operation. Prior to modernization the old installation was rated efficiency class D, the total energy saving is over 70 percent.
The modernization of two elevators in the 20-story Hyatt Place Hotel Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA) also resulted in a significant increase in building efficiency. In a “Geared to Gearless” modernization conducted by ThyssenKrupp Elevator, the elevators originally installed in 1974 were upgraded with state-of-the-art features including high-performance gearless drives, modern control systems with energy recuperation, and energy-efficient LED cab lighting. A before and after analysis shows what a difference modernization can make: Energy consumption was reduced by 56 percent and both drive performance and ride quality were significantly improved. The “Geared to Gearless” modernization package was selected as a 2012 Money-Saving Product by Buildings Magazine – a renowned specialist publication for the US building industry.
The Elevator Technology business area brings together the ThyssenKrupp Group’s global activities in passenger transportation systems. With more than 47,000 employees, sales of 5.7 billion euros in fiscal 2011/2012 and customers in 150 countries, ThyssenKrupp Elevator is one of the world’s leading elevator companies. Its portfolio includes passenger and freight elevators, escalators and moving walks, passenger boarding bridges, stair and platform lifts as well as tailored service solutions for all products. 900 locations around the world provide an extensive sales and service network to guarantee closeness to customers.