Image Source: https://www.oldmateelevators.com.au/non-stop-traction-lift/
Traction elevators are extremely useful in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. They are also recommended the most for ultra-high buildings. The reason is the speed and safety they showcase while travelling vertically. They are a worthwhile investment for any building or facility owner, and there are several reasons behind this. This blog post will help us understand what traction elevators are, as well as the different types and their benefits.
WHAT IS A TRACTION ELEVATOR?
A traction elevator is a lift or elevator powered by alternate current or direct current [AC and DC] motors. The friction between the hoist steel ropes and the sheave is used in these elevators to move the cab vertically. A counterweight option is also available in these elevators to offset the weight and ensure that the electric motor doesn’t have all the responsibility to move the cab vertically. This counterweight makes traction elevators highly energy-efficient and more powerful than hydraulic elevators.
WHAT TYPES OF TRACTION ELEVATORS ARE PRESENT?
GEARED TRACTION ELEVATORS
This is the most common version of traction elevators available, with a simple structure and very mature technology. As mentioned above, it runs on an AC or DC electric motor with the help of a pulley that moves the cab up and down. With these features, this model can achieve a speed of 500 ft. per minute while carrying a load of 13000 kilograms.
GEARLESS TRACTION ELEVATOR
According to the vendors of hydraulic lift, 80% of the traction elevators available in the markets are gearless traction elevators. They are ideal for mid to high-rise buildings mainly because of the operational speed. The gearless elevators have electric motors connected directly to the sheave, and due to this configuration, the top speed that gearless traction elevators can touch is between 2000 and 4000 feet per minute.
MACHINE ROOM LESS COLLECTION ELEVATORS
If space-related stress is on your mind, you can rely on machine room-less traction elevators. They are ideal for mid-rise and low-rise buildings where space-related constraints prevail. These elevators don’t require additional space like a machine room, and hence, they can save a good amount of time. Machine room-less elevators also reduce the initial investment cost, as the electric motors are placed inside the elevator shaft. Since no oil or lubricant is used, the potential fire risk also gets eliminated.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TRACTION ELEVATORS?
SOME TOP PROS OF TRACTION ELEVATORS ARE –
- Smoother and quieter ride
- Can travel a nearly unlimited number of floors
- Smaller electric motor size and control room requirements
- Accommodates front and rear openings in any configuration
- Greater power and energy efficiency than hydraulic elevators
- Travels faster and covers longer vertical distances than hydraulic elevators
- It doesn’t require lubrication, thus eliminating the risk of oil contamination and potential fire risks
- Explicitly designed to prevent dead drops
- Prevent injuries from mechanical failure, steel ropes, or flat steel belts breaking.