The system of an elevator

Elevators’ energy use can be reduced through a variety of means, including the use of more efficient AC motors and regenerative drives, but this objective does not always get top priority. Most facility managers look first to the lighting, heating, and cooling systems when searching for opportunities to cut energy use in their buildings.

Some elevator problems, such as system downtime and slow operation, are obvious. Others, such as high energy use and electrical noise generation, are not. Their impact, however, may be felt throughout the entire building. Understanding the nature and sources of — and solutions to — common elevator problems can help facility executives find the most cost-effective ways to keep elevators performing well.

Modernization is a major undertaking in an occupied building and should be planned carefully to minimize disruption of the daily activities of tenants. What's more, the planning process is fraught with other complexities: determining the appropriate scope of equipment replacement or reconditioning, understanding the current code issues associated with modernization, preparing the necessary specifications, bidding and negotiating the modernization contract, and managing the modernization process. Taking into account all those considerations to complete a successful modernization requires in-depth knowledge and attention to details.

Aesthetic considerations can have a major impact on the selection of equipment for modernization, so it's important to examine the condition of the elevator lobbies and the interior finishes of elevator cabs. Replacement of the cab interior finishes provides visual reinforcement to the existing tenants that any reduced service levels during the extensive modernization process resulted in substantial improvements to the elevator systems. Additionally, new aesthetically pleasing cabs enhance the building's image and therefore can help improve tenant retention and be a good selling point to prospective tenants.

Additionally, a thorough assessment of the existing hoistway, pit and machine room — as well as electrical distribution to machine rooms — is important. Components of the fire and life-safety systems — including existing fire alarm panels, type and location of smoke detectors, sprinklers, and smoke venting and pressurization — should also be included in the assessment.

In today's economic environment, owners and property managers are doing just about all they can to keep existing tenants and attract new ones. Competition between buildings for tenants is aggressive, and owners are looking for ways to differentiate their buildings from the competition. One way that building owners are doing this is by modernizing their existing Fuji Lift and escalator systems.