UPS and inverters must be able to cope with short-term power peaks without switching to overload or bypass.
UPS solutions for elevator systems
So that the elevator reaches the next stopping point in a controlled manner in the event of a power failure
In the event of a power failure, it must be clearly defined what the elevator is still supposed to do: maintain control and communication, open the door, travel to a specified stop or make several trips for an evacuation or the fire department.
ERREPI plans and delivers UPS solutions for elevator systems. We not only look at the motor power, but also the drive, load profile, possible feedback, desired driving frequency, battery reserve, interfaces, installation location and maintenance.
For new construction, modernization, replacement and expansion of existing systems.
Experience with elevator systemsProject-related designOwn workshop and serviceISO 9001Since 1991
Application first
What should the elevator still do in the event of a power failure?
Not every elevator system requires the same emergency power solution. What is crucial is which components need to be supplied and what reaction is planned in the event of a power failure.
steeringSecure control and communication
Elevator control, communication, messages, cabin lighting, door drive or emergency call system are supplied according to the load and bridging time.
Check UPS for control and communication evacuationControlled return or evacuation tripIf the cabin is to reach a defined stop and open the doors, drive, loading and energy recovery must be taken into account.
Have an evacuation trip laid out Elevator groupSupply multiple elevators in a coordinated mannerA fixed order can be useful for elevator groups. Driving sequence, prioritization, signals and battery reserve are planned together.
Have the elevator group checked inventoryReplace existing systemFor older or defective UPS systems, we check connection data, load, battery concept, interfaces, documentation and possible successor solutions.
Request a replacement for existing UPSIf there are several elevators, sequential evacuation trips are an established technical option. The specific control must be coordinated specifically for the project.
More than motor power and kVA
Why an elevator UPS must be designed with particular care
Elevators create dynamic loads. The power requirements during starting, driving, braking and door movement can vary significantly. Therefore, a suitable UPS cannot be selected based on the rated power of the motor alone.
The manufacturer, type, connection type and mode of operation of the frequency inverter are among the most important design data.
Modern elevator drives can feed energy back. Not every UPS can absorb this energy or dissipate it in a controlled manner.
Type of drive, direction of travel and load influence the load profile. A hydraulic elevator has different requirements than a cable elevator.
The decisive factors are planned trips, door movements, auxiliary consumers, aging reserve and available capacity after the first trip.
The machine room, control cabinet and shaft differ in terms of space, temperature, air flow and service access.
Even incomplete documents are sufficient for an initial assessment.
Interaction of the components
Example structure of a UPS solution for elevators
The UPS provides the required electrical supply. The actual driving logic and release of the return or evacuation journey are coordinated with the elevator control.
Depending on the system, only the control and auxiliary consumers or additionally the frequency converter and drive are supplied. If there are several elevators, a higher-level release can ensure that the systems move one after the other.
It is particularly important to check how possible feedback energy is handled. Depending on the drive and system, a suitable UPS, appropriate energy management or other project-specific measures can be considered.
The illustration shows a principle. Circuitry, protection concept, interfaces and responsibilities are coordinated separately for each elevator system.
Data for design
We need this information to make a reliable recommendation
| Area | Required information |
|---|---|
| Desired function | Only secure the control, return trip, evacuation trip, further readiness to drive or supply several elevators. |
| Elevator system | Manufacturer, type, year of construction, number of elevators, load capacity, stops and lifting height. |
| drive | Rope or hydraulic elevator, motor power, rated current and starting behavior. |
| Frequency converter | Manufacturer, model, data sheet, input and output data. |
| feedback | Regenerative unit, braking resistor or currently unknown behavior. |
| Mains connection | Voltage, phases, protection, connected load and existing emergency power system. |
| Driving sequence | Destination stop, number of trips, loading acceptance and sequence of several elevators. |
| Auxiliary consumers | Controls, doors, lights, emergency calls, communication and other consumers. |
| Installation location | Machine room, control cabinet or technical area, temperature, space and air flow. |
| inventory | Existing UPS, batteries, circuit diagram, photos, fault reports and test reports. |
| project | New construction, modernization, replacement, location and desired implementation date. |
Not all information has to be available on the first request. Photos of nameplates, frequency converters, controls and existing UPS often help with the technical classification.
From the system data to the functioning solution
ERREPI is planning an elevator UPS
- 01
Clarify the task and protection goal
We record what the elevator system should do in the event of a power failure and which components need to be supplied.
- 02
Check load and drive
We look at the motor, frequency converter, load peaks, direction of travel, possible feedback and existing measurement or manufacturer data.
- 03
Size the UPS and battery
Based on the planned driving sequence, we determine performance, overload capacity, battery capacity, reserve and suitable system concept.
- 04
Coordinate interfaces and installation
We take into account signaling contacts, releases, switching, bypass, installation location, connection room, air flow and service access.
- 05
Accompany implementation and operation
Depending on the project, we provide support with delivery, integration, commissioning, functional testing, documentation, maintenance and subsequent battery replacement.
Suitable for the protection goal
Typical UPS concepts for elevator systems
For control, communication, doors or defined auxiliary consumers.
- single or three phase connection
- consumers to be supplied
- Bridging time
- Signaling contacts and status signals
- Installation space and battery
For elevators that should still perform a defined journey in the event of a power failure.
- Motor and inverter data
- dynamic load peaks
- regenerative load
- Direction of travel and loading
- Battery and aging reserve
For buildings with multiple elevators and a fixed evacuation order.
- Number and performance of elevators
- simultaneous or sequential operation
- Prioritization
- Signal and release concept
- Reserve for repeat trips
For outdated, faulty or no longer supported UPS systems.
- Connection and performance data
- current load
- Age and condition of batteries
- Compatibility of interfaces
- Bypass and installation space
On this page, the focus is on technical qualification. A normal server online UPS is not automatically suitable for an elevator drive or a regenerative load.
Operational safety after commissioning
An elevator UPS must still work years later
Batteries age, loads change and faults often go unnoticed without monitoring. It should therefore be clarified during project planning how testing, maintenance, battery replacement and fault reports will be organized.
Checking the operating status, error memory, battery, environment, ventilation, load and messages.
Selection of suitable replacement batteries, replacement, function test and orderly disposal.
Classification of alarms, switching problems, short runtimes, battery errors or unexpected shutdowns.
Integration of potential-free contacts, network adapters or existing building management technology.
Evaluate whether repair, battery replacement or replacement of the entire system makes more sense.
Typical project case
Several elevators should be evacuated one after the other in the event of a power failure
There are several elevator systems in a building. In the event of a power failure, the elevators should not move at the same time, but rather reach a safe stop and open the doors in a defined order.
The drive and inverter data of each elevator are recorded for the design. It is then checked which elevator has priority, which load conditions are used and how many journeys must be possible from the battery.
On this basis, UPS power, battery reserve, switching and enable signals are determined. Sequential supply can avoid having to size the UPS to accommodate the peak power of all elevators at the same time. The concrete implementation is coordinated with elevator control and electrical planning.
Check project faster
Checklist for designing an elevator UPS
With this checklist you will collect the most important information for an initial technical assessment.
- What function is expected in the event of a power failure?
- How many elevators should be supplied?
- What type of elevator and drive are available?
- What motor power and rated current are specified?
- Which frequency converter is used?
- Is there a feedback unit or a braking resistor?
- Which consumers need to be supplied additionally?
- How many trips or driving sequences are required?
- What network and connection data is available?
- Where can UPS and batteries be placed?
- Is there an emergency power system?
- Which circuit diagrams, data sheets and photos are available?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about UPS systems for elevators
Can I use a regular standard UPS for an elevator?
Not without technical testing. Elevator drives can generate dynamic load peaks and, depending on the drive, regenerated energy. The UPS, frequency converter, battery and desired driving sequence must therefore be coordinated with one another.
How is the required UPS power calculated?
Engine performance is just an initial value. In addition, the rated current, start-up and overload behavior, frequency converter, direction of travel, loading, energy recovery and other consumers are taken into account.
How long does the battery have to last?
That depends on the protection goal. When it comes to evacuation care, the number of defined trips is often more important than a flat running time in minutes.
Does every elevator need its own UPS?
Not fundamentally. Depending on the system performance, control and desired driving sequence, individual UPS systems or a central supply can be an option.
Can several elevators be evacuated one after the other?
Yes, as long as the control, releases and UPS concept are designed for this. The order and battery reserve must be determined during project planning.
Can an existing UPS be replaced?
In many cases yes. Type plates of the existing UPS, batteries, motor and frequency converter as well as photos, circuit diagrams and a description of the previous function are helpful.
Can the elevator UPS be combined with an emergency power system?
This is possible on a project-specific basis. Switchover times, priorities, return of the network, existing controls and the desired function during the generator start must be taken into account.
Does ERREPI take over the elevator inspection?
ERREPI supports UPS design, delivery, integration, commissioning and service to the agreed extent. The service does not replace elevator planning, electrical or fire protection planning, risk assessment or required acceptance by the respective responsible bodies.