Sizing electric traction elevator motor
Preliminary input data
-
m
Load mass ( eff ) = --------
- Gravity accel ( g ) = --------
- Car speed = ---------- (m/s)
-
η
Motor efficiency ( m ) = ---------
- Counter weight (kg) = -----------
If the system is counter-balanced, the motor only needs to overcome the un-
compensated mass, friction, and acceleration. Assuming that counter-weight is
utilized, hence
Counter weight (kg )=Car Mass +50 % of rated load
effectivemass (meff )=Fully-loaded Car - Counter weight≈50 % of rated load
Pmotor =F×υ/η motor
Motor sizing considering Gear-ratio, Suspension type, and Braking torque
1. Input data:
- Rated load
- Car speed
- Suspension type (1:1 / 1:2)
- Gear-Ratio (motor : sheave)
- Gear efficiency
- System efficiency
- Braking type (electric)
- Braking time
2. Motor power and torque calculations
Pload =F×υcar /ηsys=meff ×g×υ car /ηsys
Torque at Load Sheave T sh =F× Dsh /2
Torque at motor shaft T motor =T sh /GR×η g
motor speed N m=N sh ×GR
Braking Torque T b =J ×Δω/t b
where J=inertia of rotating mass + reflect load ( kg/s2 )
Δω= Speed deceleration for ω motor →0
t b = Braking time (s )
Motor sizing worksheet considering gear-ratio, acceleration, and friction
1. Input data
- Rated load (kg)
- Car mass (kg)
- Counter-weight mass (kg)
- Car speed (m/s)
- Acceleration time (m/s2)
- Gear-Ratio (GR)
- Gear box efficiency (
ηg )
- System efficiency (
ηsys )
- Friction Force (N)
- Braking Time (s)
- Sheave Diameter (
Dsh )
F Gravity =meff ×g, m eff=mfully-loaded-car−mCounter−weight , mfully-loaded-car=rated load+car mass
F Acceleration =meff×V car /t acc
F Friction=Given / Estimated
F tot =F Gravity +F Acceleration +F Friction
Load Torque at sheave (T sh )=F tot ×D sh /2
Torque at motor shaft (T m )=T sh / ( GR×η g )
Motor Power ( Pm )=T m×ω m /ηm , ωm=2πNm /60
Braking Torque T b =J ×Δω/t b
J=inertia of rotating mass+inertia of reflected load
checklist for design consideration
- account for load imbalance
- add acceleration/deceleration forces
- consider guide-rail friction
- apply safty factor
-ensure that motor torque > required peak torque
- use thermal overload protection
Battery Backup sizing Calculation considering depth of discharge (DoD), and aging
of the Battery
Input Data:
- Elevator Motor Power (Pm) in kW
- Inverter efficiency (η inv )
- Backup time tbp (hr)
- System voltage of DC link (V)
- DoD percentage (%)
- Aging factor (α )
PDC=P m /ηinv
E required=PDC×t bp
E DoD=Erequired /DoD
EDoD
E Aged =
1−α
Battery ( AH )=E Aged /V
Sizing Braking Resistor
When an elevator decelerates / descend with heavy load, the motor acts as a
generator, and the generated power must be dissipated by braking resistors or
stored in DC link with VFD systems.
Input Parameters:
Motor rated power (Pm)
DC link voltage (VDC)
Braking Time/ trip (s)
Braking torque (Tb)
Motor speed (N) in RPM
Braking frequency per hour (fb), no. of braking events per hour
Braking Efficiency
Pb =2πN×T b /60
Usually capped at 1 .2×Motor rated power
Estimated energy per braking event (E b )=Pb ×t b = ---- kJ
if number of braking events per hour is (f b )
Pavg =E b ×f b /3600= ---- W
Consider Safty marigin of 50%
Pres =1 . 5×Pavg
Use power resistor having power ≥ Pres
to limit the current from DC-bus link, compute
R res=V 2 /P b
Question: What is meant by Elevator Suspension of 2: 1 Or 1: 2 ?
In 2: 1 Roping System
- The car moves twice the distance of the rope movement.
- The motor lifts half the load force but must pull the rope twice the length.
- Speed at the motor is half the car speed.
Consequently,
- Motor torque decreases
- Motor speed increases
- Motor power remains similar, but shaft speed and torque adjust
In 1: 2 Roping System
- The car moves half the distance of the rope movement.
- The motor lifts double the load force and pull the rope half length.
- The car speed is half the speed at the motor.
Consequently,
- Motor torque increases.
- Motor speed decreases.
- Motor power remains similar, but shaft speed and torque adjust
Motor Sizing Subject to 2:1 Suspension System
Input Parameters
- Rated load (Mload)
- Car mass (Mcar)
- Counter-weight mass (Mcw) = Car Mass + 50% of Rated Load.
- Rated car Speed (m/s)
- Gravity (g = 9.81 kg/s2)
- Overall Efficiency (η=0.75)
- Suspension Type 2: 1
In 2: 1 Suspension System Case
The motor is asked to pull only half of the effective mass only, and motor speed is
half that of the car,
FMotor= MLoad. g /4, VMotor = VCar / 2, PMotor = FMotor . VMotor / η
In 1: 2 Suspension System Case
The motor is asked to pull double the effective mass only, and motor speed runs tow
times faster than the car,
FMotor= MLoad. g, VMotor = 2. VCar, PMotor = FMotor . VMotor / η
What Is an ERU (Emergency Rescue Unit)?
An ERU is a system that allows the safe evacuation of passengers from an elevator
in the event of:
Power failure
Electrical fault
Fire system activation
VFD or control system failure
Functions of the ERU
1. Detect power loss
2. Switch to battery or UPS supply
3. Safely move elevator to nearest floor
4. Open doors automatically or manually
5. Cut motor power after rescue to prevent reactivation
Elevator Control Panel Checklist
A. Power Supply & Connections
Main power input terminals are labeled and secure
Correct voltage and phase (e.g., 3-phase 400 V)
Protective earth is properly connected
Isolation switch accessible and working
Circuit breakers (MCBs/MCCBs) sized correctly
Incoming surge protection installed (if required)
B. Motor & Drive System
Inverter/VFD parameters configured
Motor type and ratings match controller setup
Brake coil wired and released properly
Motor thermal protection connected
Encoder/tachometer wired and functional
C. Control Logic & CPU/PLC
CPU/PLC has power and boots correctly
Elevator software logic (ladder or script) loaded
Safety input signals mapped and monitored
Auto/manual override switch tested
HMI screen (if present) functions and shows status
D. Inputs & Outputs (I/O)
Limit switches (top/bottom) wired and tested
Car and landing call buttons (LOP/COP) functional
Door lock and zone switches working
Fire alarm, overload, and emergency inputs connected
Output relays/contacts for brake, doors, light, fan tested
E. Door Control
Door operator interface (open/close limits) configured
Door safety edge/curtain sensor operational
Door timing and nudging functions configured
Interlock feedback from doors wired
F. Indicators and Monitoring
Floor indicators (segment/LED/LCD) connected
Voice announcements (if applicable) tested
Emergency alarm and light tested
Overload buzzer working
G. Safety Systems
Emergency stop button tested
Overspeed governor connection verified
Brake test relay working
Buffer switch and final limit connected
Firefighter service, battery rescue logic working
H. Backup & ERU
UPS/Battery system wired and charged
ERU moves car to nearest floor and opens door
Manual lowering (if hydraulic) tested
Control resumes properly after power returns
I. Documentation & Settings
Schematic diagrams inside panel
Parameter list/settings printed or saved
Labeling on all terminals and fuses
Commissioning report signed
Comments on the submittal frequency modulation elevator electrical wiring, Drawing
No. WTVF-VF1.
The submittal indicates the following
- Main Dragging Part
- Safety and Door Lock Circuit
- Micro-Controller Inside Wiring Diagram
- Car-top Plate Outside Wiring Diagram
- Inner Select Communication Circuit
- LOP Communication Circuit
- Brake Control Circuit
- Power Supply Part
- Door Machine Circuit
- Sketch-map of Shaft Switch Location
- Switch Plug-in Arrangement Plan
- Controller Plug-in
- Cabin Signal Plug-in
- LOP Communication Circuit Plug-in
- Car-top Overhaul Box
- Pit Overhaul Box
- Shaft Safety Cable Plug-in
- Electric Brake Release Power Wiring Diagram
It is noted that an ERU is not considered in this submittal.
