One of the big changes in Elevator Technology is the development of regenerative drive. Elevator regenerative converters are becoming popular as they can help reducing energy costs. Regenerative drives are used in elevators to recapture the energy that could be otherwise lost.
When Elevator travel upward with loaded car , it requires more power to drive the motor. But when the elevator travel downward with loaded car the traction machine function as a power generator.
When the elevator travel upward with light loaded car, the counterweights weighs more than the car which means that the elevator requires less energy and the traction machine function as a power generator.
In traditional Elevators system, the extra power generated is normally wasted as a heat and distributed in elevator machine room. This heat in the elevator machine room may also result in additional cooling cost to the building owner.
In regenerative type elevators the drive used to recycle energy by capturing heat which is generated by the elevators and convert it into reusable energy which is transmitted to the distribution transformer for reusing by the building power supply for other machineries and electrical system.
A regenerative convertor can save up to 30% energy compared to elevators without this device. Also, the regenerative converter reduces the harmonic current.
Different Elevator companies are using Regenerative convertors with different names such as ReGen (Otis), PCNV (Mitsubishi), PF1 (Schindler), Green Drive (ThyssenKrupp), Lowatt (Hyundai).
As energy saving is one of the main factor for almost all elevators manufacturers and Building Owners, In a long run, it is believed that the Elevator regenerative function will become a standard feature of Elevators, especially for high speed lifts.
Conclusion:
Elevator regenerative converters provide a number of advantages by transforming the kinetic energy produced during elevator operation into electrical energy.
By reintroducing this energy into the building’s power system, the overall amount of electricity used is decreased. They reduce operating expenses and carbon impact by improving energy efficiency. Regenerative converters also lessen heat generation and increase voltage stability, extending the life of elevator parts. By reducing energy waste and assisting in the certification of green buildings, this technology also promotes sustainability initiatives.
Regenerative converters are a crucial part of contemporary, energy-efficient buildings because they offer a number of substantial benefits to the economy and the environment.
