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EcoSystemTM
Elevators
The Need
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Two types of elevators, which are
hydraulic and traction, have been widely used as vertical transportation equipment.
Hydraulic elevator has lower ownership costs and can be quickly installed if compared to
traction elevators.Yet the hydraulic elevator is noisy, slow with poorer ride quality, and
it uses a lot of energy and has the potential for environmental damage from leaking
hydraulic fluid. On the other hand, the traction type is faster and smoother but it costs
more to buy and own. In addition, both types of elevators can slow building completions
with their special construction requirements. |
The Technology
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EcoSystemTM is a family of AC
gearless elevators developed by Montgomery KONE. The members of the EcoSystem family are
EcoSpaceTM and MonoSpaceTM. These products are used in simplex or duplex
installations for 2-10 landings, up to 80' of travel and operate at 200 fpm. EcoSpace has
a controller closet located adjacent to the hoistway at the top elevator landing.
MonoSpace is differentiated from EcoSpace by having a controller closet built into the
front wall of the hoistway at the top landing. EcoSystem
uses EcoDisc™ hoisting machine, which is a
compact, powerful and lightweight permanent magnet motor. EcoDisc has two independent
brakes that make it safe. It consists of an AC gearless motor of axial synchronous design
with an integrated traction sheave, brake flange and rotor. Unlike hydraulic elevators,
EcoSystem powered by EcoDisc requires no hydraulic fluid, which can contaminate up to
250,000 gallons of groundwater with even a one-quart leak. Since EcoDisc is compact and lightweight, there is no penthouse or
large machine room required. |
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The Benefits
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- EcoSystem is ecologically safe since it has no hydraulic fluid
to harm the environment.
- With its AC gearless technology, EcoSystem can lower power
consumption by 40 percent, compared to conventional AC-powered traction elevators.
- Since EcoSystem requires only a small machine room at the side
of the elevator hoistway, it saves space, eliminates weight stress on the building, and
simplifies installation.
- EcoSystem installation is simple and its cost is reduced by
eliminating expensive scaffolding or craneage, allowing simultaneous construction of the
elevator with the rest of the building.
- Initial building costs for an emergency generator are less due
to the lower starting amperage of the machine.
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Status
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Montgomery KONE introduced
EcoSystem to the market in April 1998. In March 1999, Construction
Innovation Forum honored EcoSystem as one of the winners of 1999 Nova Award. |
Barriers
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The EcoSystem elevators can only be used for
lifting the maximum weight of 2,500 lbs. up to about 8 stories. |
Points of Contact
- Tom Hubbell, Montgomery KONE, One Montgomery Court, Moline, IL
61265, Phone: (309) 757-1478, Fax: (309) 575-1469
References
- 1999 Nova Award Nominations, The Nova Award,
Construction Innovation Forum, Inc., October 1998
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
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