In the 1980s, with the further development and improvement of elevator motors and fixing the defects of previous models, gearless motors (without gearboxes) entered the market. These motors are a type of AC motor that provide quality movement for the elevator using specific voltages and frequencies. The progress of such engines was such that until a few years ago, fewer manufacturers produced equipment compatible with them, but now all over the world, elevator equipment compatible with these types of engines is produced.
What is a gearless elevator motor?
“Gear” or “Gear” in English means a gear, while the suffix “Less” or “Less” means “without”. Therefore, the combination of these two words, which is written and read as “gearless”, means a device that does not have gears or gears.
Elevators without a gearbox or so-called “Gearless” are elevators whose motor does not have a gearbox and the rotation of the traction shaft in these elevators is controlled by an inverter or a speed control drive. Motors of gearless elevators are usually of permanent magnet type, which are more efficient. In the past, DC motors were used in gearless elevators to control positive and negative acceleration curves, but today, with the advancement of technology in the manufacture of permanent magnets and power electronics, AC motors are used.
Types of elevator gearless motors
Elevator gearless motors are produced in different types, but generally they can be divided into the following two categories:
1. Disc or flat gearless motors
Due to the location of these engines in a limited space, their thickness is reduced and less space is used. In addition, the increase in the number of motor poles along with the increase in the diameter of the traction plate, by reducing the angular speed, provides a smoother and more stable movement to provide a constant speed compared to the barrel type.
2. Barrel or drum gearless motors
Due to their characteristics, this type of gearless motors are known as a suitable option for elevators without motor room or MRL. These features include small dimensions, the ability to be installed inside the elevator well, light weight, lower price than the flat-type gearless elevator motor, no need for a cooling fan, and the ability to be controlled by the elevator control panel.
Advantages of using elevator gearless motor
Today, one of the most common questions about gearless motors is why their use in elevators has increased so much? In answer to this question, we can point to the continuous development and progress of these engines. Among the advantages of these engines, the following can be mentioned:
• Higher mechanical efficiency compared to transmission traction systems.
• Higher electrical efficiency than induction traction motors.
• Higher electrical efficiency than DC motors or generators.
• Higher electrical efficiency than hydraulic systems.
• The possibility of limiting the size of the engine room due to its small dimensions.
• Less need for maintenance and repair.
• Eliminating gearbox oiling in elevators that use this engine.
• Providing smooth movement by electric circuit and speed governor.
• Reducing damage to the environment through less use of resources and oils.
• Removal of gears, flywheel, oil, high speed bearings and coupling.
Disadvantages of using a gearless motor
Any new technology, along with advantages, may also have disadvantages. Among the disadvantages of the elevator gearless motor, the following can be mentioned:
• Higher price than other elevator motors.
• Complexity in installation, which requires specialized and skilled people.
• Lack of experience and expertise in the field of gearless motors in some elevator companies.
• Restrictions of use in industrial environments that are contaminated with solid particles and harmful gases.
Elevator gearless motor components
These engines consist of several components, which include the following:
1. Encoder
2. Brake
3. Flange
4. Bearings
5. Motor body terminal block
6. Rotor with magnets
7. Towing wire exit protection
8. Bracket
9. Shaft
10. Stator sheet with winding
11. Tensile sheet
Manufacturer brands of elevator gearless motor
One of the most reliable countries producing elevator gearless motors is Italy. But if we want to discuss more precisely the brands that produce these engines, we can say that gearless engines are produced and marketed by Italy, China, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Iran, etc.
Zilabg and Vitor gearless motors, both of which are made in Germany, can be one of the best and most high-quality brands among various gearless motors. These motors are suitable for elevators with a capacity of four, six, ten, thirteen and sixteen people. The capacity of these motors is in the range of 4 to 16 kilowatts.
The difference between a geared elevator motor and a gearless elevator motor
The gearless elevator motor uses a completely different technology than the geared elevator motor, which brings many advantages. The comparison of these two types of elevator motors is as follows:
1. Efficiency:
– Motor with elevator gearbox: 50%
– Elevator gearless motor: 90 percent
2. Need for lubrication:
– Motor with elevator gearbox: periodically needs oiling.
– Elevator gearless motor: does not need lubrication.
3. Heat and stop:
– Motor with elevator gearbox: if used for a long time, the motor may stop due to heat.
– Elevator gearless motor: even in continuous use, it does not get hot and does not stop.
4. Sound:
– Elevator gearbox motor: high noise due to the high speed of the motor.
– Elevator gearless motor: it has much less noise.
5. Use in MRL elevators:
– Motor with gearbox: not suitable for elevators that do not have a motor room.
– Gearless motor: suitable for elevators that do not have a motor room (MRL).
6. Need for flywheel:
– Engine with gearbox: needs a flywheel.
– Gearless motor: does not need a flywheel.
7. Movement height:
– Engine with gearbox: it can move up to 76 meters.
– Gearless motor: suitable for heights above 76 meters.
8. Speed:
– Engine with gearbox: speed between 60 and 150 meters per minute.
– Gearless motor: speed up to 610 meters per minute.
9. Energy consumption:
– Engine with gearbox: higher energy consumption.
– Gearless motor: 60% reduction in energy consumption.
Buying a motorless elevator
The price of gearless motors depends on several factors, including the brand of gearless motor. Undoubtedly, as the engine quality increases, so does the price. But it is important to know that the price of imported gearless motor changes due to currency fluctuations. For this reason, you can contact our experts at Scad Lift for more information and prices.
Why are motorless elevators still popular despite the high price?
The importance of the price of elevator parts is important to the extent that it does not affect their quality. In other words, the selection of elevator parts should not be made because of their low price, and attention should be paid to their quality. Regarding the price of the gearless motor, it is true that they are more expensive than other elevator motor models, but considering the advantages and quality they have, they are affordable. The reasons for using gearless motors in elevators include the following:
1. Reduction of losses: The use of gearless motors has reduced losses due to accidents related to elevators.
2. Increasing efficiency: Removing the gearbox from the elevator motor and creating gearless motors has increased the efficiency of the elevator, which has been effective in improving performance and reducing elevator costs.
3. Reduction of dimensions and weight: The design of elevator parts is such that their overall dimensions and weight are reduced and they can have more efficiency of the space and capacity of the elevator.
4. Noise reduction: By removing components such as gearbox, flywheel and handwheel, the noise caused by gearless motor operation has been reduced.
5. Necessity of use in elevators without MRL motor room: In MRL elevators that do not have a motor room, it is necessary to use a gearless motor.
6. Low-cost service and maintenance: The low depreciation of the gearless motor does not require expensive service and maintenance.
7. Reducing damage to the environment: The gearless motor is designed in such a way that it causes the least risk to the environment.
8. High speed: For elevators that need to move at high speed, using a gearless motor is very suitable.
9. High efficiency: The gearless motor is known as the most efficient motor in the elevator industry.
Where to get the elevator gearless motor?
Buying a gearless elevator motor has always been one of the challenges of elevator manufacturers. Scud Lift Industrial Complex, based on years of experience, in cooperation with the most reliable global brands in the field of hydraulic elevator equipment, the commercial department of Scud Lift Company has been able to offer the best competitive prices by importing directly and without intermediaries, and as one of the largest suppliers, Manufacturers and sellers of this sector should be known nationwide.
You can contact our experts at Scad Lift for more information.