September 2, 2024

Differences between Hydraulic and Electric Elevators

Differences between hydraulic and electric elevators

Today, if you find yourself in an elevator, it can be difficult to determine what type of system it uses without looking inside the shaft or machine room. At Tecnolift, we install all types of elevators, including electric, hydraulic and pneumatic elevators, each with its unique features and benefits.

There are several reasons why these types of elevators coexist in the market. Some are designed for buildings with small dimensions, while others are ideal for high-rise transportation. The most common systems used in commercial buildings are electric traction elevators versus hydraulic elevators.

Electric traction elevators: efficiency and versatility

The main difference between electric and hydraulic elevators lies in the way the car is transported. With electric elevators, the cab is raised and lowered by steel traction cables or belts on a pulley system. Compared to hydraulic systems, electric traction elevators have several advantages:

They use less energy.
They are suitable for medium to high rise buildings.
They provide smoother and quieter movement.

Traction elevators use a counterweight to balance the weight of the car and its occupants. This design significantly reduces motor work, which improves energy efficiency compared to hydraulic systems. For this reason, electric traction elevators are the most common in modern buildings.

Types of electric traction elevators

There are two main types of electric traction elevators: geared elevators and gearless elevators.

Geared elevators

In geared elevators, a gearbox is attached to the motor, driving the pulley that moves the traction cables. These models can reach speeds of up to 2.5 m/s and usually have a moderate cost in terms of initial investment, maintenance and energy consumption.

Gearless elevators (Gearless)

In gearless elevators, the pulley is connected directly to the motor, allowing speeds of up to 20 m/s to be achieved. Although the initial investment is higher, these models are more energy efficient and have moderate maintenance costs, making them ideal for high-rise buildings.

Hydraulic lifts: power and economy

Unlike electric drive systems, hydraulic elevators do not require overhead lifting machinery. Instead, they use a fluid-driven piston inside a cylinder to lift the car. Although the fluid used is usually hydraulic oil, it can be substituted for vegetable oil to reduce environmental impact.

Compared to electric elevators, hydraulic systems have the following characteristics:

They are more affordable to install.
They are ideal for transporting heavy loads.
They are designed for low-rise buildings.

Hydraulic elevators are more common in buildings up to five stories, as they operate at lower speeds, typically 0.63 m/s or less. In addition, a large amount of energy is required to lift a car several stories, so hydraulic elevators are more suitable for limited heights.

Types of hydraulic elevators

There are two main types of hydraulic elevators: with bore and without bore.

Hydraulic elevators with bore

This type of hydraulic elevator has cylinders placed inside a drilled hole, allowing travels of up to 60 feet. They are ideal for buildings where a longer travel is required but space is limited.

Hydraulic elevators without bore

Hole-less hydraulic elevators do not require drilling, making them an ideal choice for existing buildings or in locations where drilling is difficult or costly.

Pros and cons of hydraulic and electric elevators

Advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic elevators

Pros:

Fast and less expensive installation.
Capable of moving heavy loads, including customized cabins.
They require lower pits and ceilings with standard runs.
Available with or without machine rooms.

Cons:

Limited to low and medium-rise buildings.
Higher energy consumption.
Maximum speed of 0.63 m/s.

Advantages and disadvantages of MRL (Machine Room-Less) electric elevators

Pros:

Higher elevation travel, greater than 60 feet.
Smaller control room requirements.
Smaller motor size and higher energy efficiency.
Quieter operation.

Cons:

Higher installation cost.
Requires crane for installation in some cases.
Limitations on cabin capacity and weight.
Requires higher roof and pit requirements.

Whether you are modernizing your existing system or planning to install a new elevator in your building, understanding the differences between hydraulic elevators and electric elevators is essential to making the right decision. Contact us at Tecnolift for personalized advice and customized solutions for your elevator needs.

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