Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Trips/day | Travel | Average load | Recovery | Expected range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office traction lift | 600 | 30 m | 35% | 30% | 54 to 85 kWh/day |
| Apartment regenerative lift | 320 | 24 m | 25% | 40% | 25 to 48 kWh/day |
| Low-rise hydraulic lift | 180 | 12 m | 30% | 0% | 20 to 40 kWh/day |
Formula Used
For traction systems, the calculator estimates counterweight effect first.
Payload = rated load × average load percentage
Counterweight = car mass + rated load × counterweight percentage
Effective mass = |car mass + payload − counterweight|
Mechanical energy = effective mass × g × travel distance ÷ 3,600,000
Gross drive energy = mechanical energy ÷ motor efficiency ÷ controller efficiency
Regeneration credit = gross drive energy × recovery percentage
Net trip energy = gross drive energy − recovery credit + start and stop loss
Door energy = door power × active seconds ÷ 3,600 × cycles × trips
Standby energy = standby demand × idle hours
Total daily energy = travel energy + door energy + standby energy + auxiliary energy
Hydraulic mode uses car mass plus payload as moving mass. Regeneration is set to zero in that mode.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the drive system closest to the installed lift.
- Enter the number of elevators in the group.
- Add rated load, car mass, travel distance, and trips per day.
- Set load percentage and counterweight balance for traction systems.
- Enter motor, controller, regeneration, door, and standby values.
- Add local energy price and emissions factor.
- Press the calculate button to view the result above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to save the report.
Elevator Energy Planning
Elevator energy is more than motor power. A car may travel quickly, yet it can sit idle for long hours. This calculator separates travel demand, door demand, cabin loads, standby power, and recovery. That split helps engineers see where savings begin.
Travel Demand
Travel energy follows the same physics used for lifted mass. The calculator estimates payload from rated load and average use. It also models the counterweight balance. A balanced traction unit needs less useful lifting work. A hydraulic unit behaves differently, because it raises more mass directly.
Regeneration And Standby
Regeneration can return part of the energy during favorable movement. Controller limits, traffic direction, line conditions, and loading reduce it. That is why the tool lets you set a recovery percentage instead of using one fixed value.
Standby energy matters in offices, apartments, hospitals, and malls. Lights, fans, controls, displays, and safety circuits may run while the car waits. Long idle hours can create a large annual share, even when trip energy looks low.
Door cycles add demand. Door motors run many times each day. Their power is small, but the repeated seconds add up. Busy buildings should include door cycles in any realistic estimate.
Costs And Review
Cost and emissions convert energy into planning figures. The calculator uses the local energy rate and grid factor. You can compare different service patterns, travel heights, and recovery settings. You can also test maintenance changes, such as lower standby demand or improved drive efficiency.
Use the result as an engineering estimate, not a certified audit. Real elevators vary by controller, machine type, load profile, speed curve, stops, and maintenance state. Meter readings remain the best proof. Still, this calculator gives a planning view before field testing.
For older equipment, try a higher standby load and lower drive efficiency. For newer regenerative traction equipment, use better efficiency and moderate recovery. For hydraulic lifts, check the hydraulic option and keep regeneration low. Save CSV results for spreadsheets. Export PDF results for reports, proposals, and energy reviews.
Seasonal schedules can change the answer. Schools, hotels, and clinics often have uneven traffic. Run one case for quiet days. Run another case for peak days. The comparison shows a safer budget range.
FAQs
Can this estimate an Otis elevator energy use?
Yes. It can estimate energy for many lift systems. Use model plate data, maintenance records, or metered values when available for better accuracy.
Is this a certified audit tool?
No. It is an engineering planning calculator. A certified audit needs measured energy, operating logs, and equipment documents. Use this tool for early estimates and comparisons.
Why is standby energy included?
Elevators often wait longer than they move. Controls, indicators, fans, lights, and safety systems can keep drawing power. Standby demand can be a large yearly share.
What does counterweight balance mean?
It estimates how much rated load is balanced by the counterweight. Many traction elevators balance the car plus part of the rated load. This reduces net lifting work.
How is regeneration calculated?
The calculator subtracts a selected percentage of gross travel energy. Real recovery depends on loading, direction, controller design, building wiring, and traffic pattern.
Should hydraulic lifts use regeneration?
Most basic hydraulic estimates should use zero regeneration. Select hydraulic mode, then adjust the hydraulic multiplier to reflect pump losses and system condition.
What is a good average load value?
Use 20% to 35% for light passenger service. Use higher values for hospitals, goods lifts, busy offices, or peak traffic studies.
What does the PDF export include?
The PDF export includes selected inputs, main energy results, costs, emissions, and peak demand. It is intended for simple reports and quick reviews.