A new generation of drives and control systems operate more efficiently than older systems. Older motor-generator sets, or DC drives, while durable, were not very energy efficient. The typical new generation system can provide quicker, more reliable service, while reducing energy use by as much as 75 percent. While the energy savings alone cannot be used to justify the cost of modernizing the elevator system, it will provide an additional incentive for an upgrade.

• Regenerative Drives - In much the same way that a hybrid automobile coasting downhill captures and stores energy in its battery, regenerative drives draw energy from a fully loaded descending elevator or lightly loaded ascending car, convert it to electricity and return it to a building’s power grid for reuse. An elevator using a regenerative drive can reduce energy consumption by up to 75 percent, resulting in significant annual savings for a building owner. The energy the building recaptures can be used by other systems connected to the same power grid such as lighting and computer systems.

A modernization of your elevator equipment has intangible benefits to your building. New equipment has smarter dispatching capabilities, which amounts to faster response times, efficient group controls, and reliability. New leveling systems have guaranteed accuracy to the floor +/- ¼”. These features lead to greater passenger/tenant satisfaction and reduced liability. The benefits of each new component that would be installed during a modernization are as follows:

• Microprocessor Control System - Troubleshooting failure points on a mechanical system are more extensive and time consuming then current microprocessor based systems. Current systems allow our maintenance personnel access to direct manufacturer technical support and publications, as well as have built-in computer-based diagnostic tools that assist in troubleshooting problems. Older mechanical systems require more extensive electrical knowledge and often technical support is required on-site to address issues. The old adage, “the less the moving parts, the less to go wrong” would be apropos for the upgrade of these types of systems. New microprocessor systems have smarter dispatching features, as well as more extensive safety redundancies incorporated into their design. New microprocessor controls utilize either an AC Variable Voltage Variable Frequency Drive (VVVF) or Silicon Controlled Rectified (SCR) drives. The circuit boards are in current production and direct-replacement boards can be stocked or shipped overnight for board-level replacement.
  
  
• Automatic Self-Leveling System – New elevator systems are provided with automatic self-leveling that typically bring the elevator car level with the floor landings + ¼” regardless of load or direction of travel. The automatic self-leveling corrects over travel or under travel and rope stretch and creates more precision when coming into floors.
  
  
• Closed-Loop Door Operator– It is commonly said in the elevator industry that, “75-80% of all elevator-related problems stem from elevator doors”, which is a strong consideration when upgrading your elevator equipment. A Closed-Loop Door Control System is the latest technology, which constantly monitors the speed and position of the elevator doors, and compares this data to pre-defined opening and closing profiles. This constant monitoring of both position and velocity is “closing the loop” on the system. It works like a car’s cruise control — you set a particular speed and it constantly adjusts the gas to ensure the car travels at that speed. The door operator is self-correcting, so wind and temperature changes or even minor debris won’t hamper the doors. It provides smooth, consistent operation on all doors, regardless of their weight. You’ll see the same great operation on every set of doors - heavy, bronze-clad doors or lightweight doors. This is a major change from the manual “single setting” of older-style door operators.
  
  
• Modern Fixtures – New hall and car buttons can change the look and feel of your elevator. New finishes and designs are available with newer more reliable buttons, long lasting LED lights and features such as LCD position indicators and voice annunciation. Modern digital position indicators with electronic tones and voice annunciation can change the look and sound of your elevator while providing better ADA compliance.

A modernization can help improve the look and feel of your building with new cab interior finishes including flooring, walls, ceiling and lighting. On the hallway side of your elevator you can change the look of the doors and frames with new paint, stainless or bronze re-facing of the doors and frames or even custom patterned materials can be applied to the doors to create a high-end look in your lobby.