Quote from Jonathan Walter on May 27, 2024, 4:52 pm

My friend, everything starts with the amount of money in your pocket. This will help you select the right brand, then you have to consider various technical matters like, what is the total population of the building? what is the frequency of use? Such data will help you consider the speed and capacity of the lift, or even decide if you need more than 1 lifts. Accordingly you have to incorporate the hoistway dimensions in your building plan.

For less space, more population, you should consider medium speed with more capacity, so that it may serve the population timely and efficiently. If you have enough budget and no space limitations, then consider installing more than 1 lifts so that you can distribute both up and down traffic efficiently.

I am not a lift salesman, but the above is based on my personal experience.

Thanks

 

Quote from Engr. Muhammad Abraz on June 12, 2024, 11:33 am

Choosing the appropriate elevator type for a residential building with 5 stops (G+4) requires careful consideration of several key factors. As an experienced elevator engineer, I would advise you to evaluate the following aspects to ensure the selection of an optimal vertical transportation solution:

1. Building Population and Traffic Analysis

• Occupancy Load: Estimate the number of residents and their expected elevator usage patterns. This helps in determining the required capacity and frequency of the elevator service.
• Peak Hours: Assess peak traffic times, such as mornings and evenings when residents are likely to leave and return home, to ensure the elevator can handle peak loads efficiently.

2. Elevator Capacity and Speed

• Capacity: For a G+4 residential building, a standard elevator with a capacity of 8 to 13 persons (about 600-1000 kg) is typically sufficient. The exact capacity should align with the estimated building population and usage patterns.
• Speed: Residential buildings of this height generally require elevators with speeds ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 meters per second. Higher speeds are unnecessary for low-rise buildings and can increase costs without significant benefits.

3. Type of Elevator

• Traction vs. Hydraulic:
  • Traction Elevators: Suitable for buildings of various heights, including low-rise. They offer smoother rides and greater energy efficiency. Modern traction elevators can be gearless or geared.
  • Hydraulic Elevators: Often used in low-rise buildings (up to 5-6 stories). They are generally less expensive to install but might have higher maintenance costs and slower speeds compared to traction elevators.
  • For a G+4 residential building, hydraulic elevators can be a cost-effective solution, but traction elevators might offer better long-term performance and efficiency.

4. Space and Structural Considerations

• Shaft Space: Evaluate the space available for the elevator shaft. Hydraulic elevators typically require a larger machine room, whereas machine-room-less (MRL) traction elevators can save space.
• Pit and Overhead Requirements: Ensure the building design accommodates the necessary pit depth and overhead clearance for the chosen elevator type.

5. Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact

• Energy Consumption: Opt for elevators with energy-efficient drives and regenerative braking systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
• Eco-friendly Options: Consider elevators with green certifications or those designed with sustainable materials and technologies.

6. Safety and Compliance

• Safety Standards: Ensure the chosen elevator meets all relevant safety standards and codes (e.g., ASME A17.1/CSA B44, EN 81).
• Emergency Features: Incorporate essential safety features such as emergency lighting, communication systems, and automatic rescue devices for power outages.

7. Cost Considerations

• Initial Installation Cost: Balance the initial investment against the features and performance of the elevator.
• Lifecycle Costs: Consider not just the initial installation cost but also the long-term operational and maintenance costs to determine the total cost of ownership.

Let’s just suppose some random data for better understanding of a layman:

Assumed Data for G+4 Residential Building

• Total Number of Residents: Approximately 50
• Peak Usage Hours: Mornings (7:00-9:00 AM) and Evenings (5:00-7:00 PM)
• Building Height: 15 meters (approximately 3 meters per floor)
• Available Shaft Space: Standard dimensions according to Capacity of Elevator

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Elevator

1. Building Population and Traffic Analysis

• Occupancy Load: With approximately 50 residents, expect around 20-30 trips per hour during peak times. This helps determine the needed capacity and frequency.
• Peak Hours: Mornings and evenings will see higher usage. Ensure the elevator can handle around 10-15 trips per hour during these periods to minimize wait times.

2. Elevator Capacity and Speed

• Capacity: A standard elevator with a capacity of 8 to 10 persons (600-800 kg) should suffice, given the total number of residents.
• Speed: For a G+4 building, an elevator speed of 0.75 meters per second is adequate, balancing efficiency and cost.

3. Type of Elevator

• Traction vs. Hydraulic:
  • Traction Elevators: More efficient for frequent use, offering smoother rides and better energy efficiency. MRL (Machine Room-Less) options save space.
  • Hydraulic Elevators: Suitable and cost-effective for low-rise buildings. Though slightly slower, they are reliable for a 5-stop building.
  • Recommendation: A traction elevator, specifically MRL, is preferred for its efficiency, space-saving, and smoother operation.

4. Space and Structural Considerations

• Shaft Space: Ensure the shaft dimensions match standard elevator requirements. MRL traction elevators reduce the need for a separate machine room, optimizing building space.
• Pit and Overhead Requirements: Confirm the building design accommodates a pit depth of around 1.2 meters and an overhead clearance of about 3.5 meters for MRL traction elevators.

By considering these factors, you can select an elevator that meets the specific needs of your G+4 residential building, ensuring efficient, reliable, and comfortable vertical transportation for all residents.

For the calculation of trips per hour following are the steps to be considered:

Calculating Trips per Hour

Assumed Data:

• Total Number of Residents: 50
• Peak Usage Hours: Mornings (7:00-9:00 AM) and Evenings (5:00-7:00 PM)
• Capacity of Elevator: 10 persons
• Number of Floors: 5 (Ground + 4 floors)
• Elevator Speed: 0.75 meters per second
• Average Wait Time per Trip: 2 minutes (including loading, unloading, and travel time)

Step-by-Step Calculation:

1. Estimate Peak Usage:

1. • Assume 80% of residents use the elevator during peak hours.
   • 80% of 50 residents = 0.80 * 50 = 40 residents

2. Determine Number of Residents per Hour:

1. • If peak hours span 2 hours, distribute the 40 residents evenly over the peak period.
   • Residents per hour = 40/2  = 20 residents per hour

3. Calculate Number of Trips Needed:

1. • Capacity per trip = 10 persons
   • Number of trips per hour = Number of residents per hour / Capacity per trip
   • Trips per hour = 20 residents per hour / 10 persons per trip = 2 trips per hour

4. Adjust for Trip Time:

1. • Average trip time (including wait time) = 2 minutes per trip
   • Trips possible per hour = 60 minutes / 2 minutes per trip = 30 trips per hour

However, considering real-life scenarios with variations in wait time and usage patterns, the number of trips might slightly vary. Here’s a practical way to look at it:

Assume some trips will have fewer passengers, especially during non-peak hours.

Allowing for some buffer, a realistic estimate might consider around 3-4 trips per hour during peak times to ensure minimal wait times and smooth operation.

EN 81 Guidelines for Average Waiting Time in Residential Buildings

EN 81 does not specify a single, fixed average waiting time for all residential buildings because the AWT can vary based on several factors, including building height, number of elevators, population density, and usage patterns. However, industry best practices derived from EN 81 standards suggest the following:

• Low-Rise Buildings (Up to 5 Floors): The acceptable AWT is generally around 30-60 seconds.
• Mid-Rise Buildings (6-12 Floors): The AWT should be in the range of 40-70 seconds.
• High-Rise Buildings (13+ Floors): The AWT is expected to be around 60-90 seconds.

For a G+4 residential building (which is considered a low-rise building), the target average waiting time should ideally be within the range of 30 to 60 seconds.

Typical Average Trip Time for Low-Rise Residential Buildings

For a low-rise residential building (up to 5 floors), the typical average trip time is often in the range of 60 to 90 seconds. This encompasses the total time from when a user enters the elevator, travels to their destination floor, and exits.

Calculation Breakdown

• Travel Time Between Floors:
  • Assume an elevator speed of 0.75 meters per second.
  • Floor height is approximately 3 meters.
  • Time to travel one floor: 3/0.75=4 seconds
  • For a 5-stop building (G+4), the maximum travel distance is 4 floors (12 meters).
  • Maximum travel time: 4 floors×4 seconds/floor=16 seconds
• Loading and Unloading Time:
  • Average time for passengers to enter and exit the elevator: Approximately 20-30 seconds.
• Door Opening and Closing Time:
  • Time for doors to open and close: Approximately 10-15 seconds.

Total Average Trip Time

• Travel Time: 16 seconds (maximum travel distance).
• Loading and Unloading Time: 25 seconds (average).
• Door Operation Time: 12 seconds (average).

Total Average Trip Time = Travel Time + Loading/Unloading Time + Door Operation Time
Total = 16 seconds + 25 seconds + 12 seconds = 53 seconds

Considering variations and peak usage times, a practical average trip time might be rounded up to around 60 to 90 seconds.

For the calculation of capacity and speed, following is the procedure:

Assumed Data for G+4 Residential Building

• Total Number of Residents: 50
• Number of Stops: 5 (Ground + 4 floors)
• Building Height: 15 meters (approximately 3 meters per floor)

Elevator Capacity Calculation

Step 1: Estimate Peak Usage

• Occupancy Load: Assume 80% of residents use the elevator during peak hours.
  • Peak hour residents: 0.80×50=40 
• Peak Usage Distribution: Assume peak usage is spread over 2 hours.
  • Residents per hour: 40/2=20 residents/hour

 Step 2: Determine Elevator Capacity

• Standard Capacity: Residential elevators typically range from 8 to 13 persons.
• Choosing Capacity: A 10-person capacity (800 kg) is suitable for accommodating expected traffic and ensuring comfort.

Elevator Speed Calculation

Step 1: Determine Travel Distance and Time

• Floor Height: 3 meters per floor
• Total Travel Distance: 12 meters (from ground to 4th floor)

Step 2: Calculate Speed

• Average Speed for Low-Rise Buildings: Typically ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 meters per second.
• Choosing Speed: 0.75 meters per second is a balanced choice for efficiency and comfort.

Step 3: Calculate Travel Time between Floors

• Travel Time (one floor): 3/0.75=4 seconds
• Maximum Travel Time (4 floors): 4 floors×4 seconds/floor=16

Conclusion

For a G+4 residential building, an elevator with a capacity of 10 persons (800 kg) and a speed of 0.75 meters per second is appropriate. This configuration ensures efficient service during peak hours, providing a balance of capacity, speed, and comfort for the residents.

I trust this information is clear. While the explanation is detailed and extensive, it is a subject of great interest to me. I welcome any corrections or suggestions for improvement.

Thanks

Quote from Shakeel Ahmad on June 12, 2024, 11:42 am

Quote from Engr. Muhammad Abraz on June 12, 2024, 11:33 am

Choosing the appropriate elevator type for a residential building with 5 stops (G+4) requires careful consideration of several key factors. As an experienced elevator engineer, I would advise you to evaluate the following aspects to ensure the selection of an optimal vertical transportation solution:

1. Building Population and Traffic Analysis

• Occupancy Load: Estimate the number of residents and their expected elevator usage patterns. This helps in determining the required capacity and frequency of the elevator service.

Hello Engr. Abraz @engr-abraz,

Thanks for the detailed response and for sharing insights about all the related factors concerning elevator selection.

Your efforts and sparing time to enlighten others is highly appreciated.

Keep it up!

Shakeel

Quote from Engr. Muhammad Abraz on June 12, 2024, 11:54 am

Quote from Shakeel Ahmad on June 12, 2024, 11:42 am

Quote from Engr. Muhammad Abraz on June 12, 2024, 11:33 am

Choosing the appropriate elevator type for a residential building with 5 stops (G+4) requires careful consideration of several key factors. As an experienced elevator engineer, I would advise you to evaluate the following aspects to ensure the selection of an optimal vertical transportation solution:

1. Building Population and Traffic Analysis

• Occupancy Load: Estimate the number of residents and their expected elevator usage patterns. This helps in determining the required capacity and frequency of the elevator service.

Hello Engr. Abraz @engr-abraz,

Thanks for the detailed response and for sharing insights about all the related factors concerning elevator selection.

Your efforts and sparing time to enlighten others is highly appreciated.

Keep it up!

Shakeel

Thank you for your kind words and appreciation, Sir. It’s gratifying to know that the information provided was helpful and insightful. Your acknowledgment motivates me to continue sharing knowledge and supporting others in this field. You are doing remarkable work for the VT professional community—keep growing and inspiring others! I look forward to assisting you further.

Regards

Engr. Abraz

Quote from Shakeel Ahmad on June 13, 2024, 8:37 am

Please read the below article as well, it will also help in understanding the concept.

Vertical Transportation Design Criteria

@engr-abraz @rashidkami