Types of Residential Elevators
With the trend towards aging in place becoming more and more popular, installations of in-home elevators are on the rise. They can be installed into a new construction home and can even be fitted into an existing home by creating a shaft from an unused closet, stairway or by extending into part of the garage. If you are building a new home but don't yet need an elevator, you can always create the space for it and install it at a later date when needed.
The task for searching for the right elevator can be overwhelming. How does one make a decision? The information that follows gives you 5 different elevator drive systems to choose from and explains the pros and cons of each.
Hydraulic Drive Systems
Pros: This type of system provides one of the smoothest rides compared with other systems and it is also one of the quietest. Hydraulic fluid is highly pressurized forcing a large piston to move up and down propelling a cable system to transport the elevator between floors.
Cons: Hydraulic systems require more maintenance
and have more parts that need replacement over time. The movement of
the hydraulic system causes a small bit of fluid to escape and needs to
be changed annually. In addition, the steel cables that allow the
elevator to move the distance required for several stories need
replacement every five years or so. Choose this system if you don't mind
paying a premium for the luxury of a smooth, quiet ride and can keep up
with the necessary maintenance.
Winding Drum Systems
Pros: At a lower cost you can install a winding drum system and get a dependable ride. This system utilizes a cable system that winds around a reel at the top of the shaft and suspendsthe elevator transporting it from floor to floor. This cable system is powered by a large 220 Volt motor.
Cons: You can expect a fair amount of noise with
this type of elevator due to its large-sized motor. The ride is also a
bit more rough than others. In addition, this system does require a fair
amount of maintenance. Anytime there are steel cables involved, there
will be twisting and stretching and they will eventually need to be
replaced every three to five years depending on use.
Choose this
system if you're searching for an economical choice, can keep up with
the maintenance, and don't mind a little noise and a rough ride.
Chain Drive Counterweight
Pros: The cost of the chain drive system is somewhere in between the cost of a hydraulic system and a winding drum system. At a reasonable cost this elevator delivers a good ride with a low amount of noise. Over the lifetime of the elevator you will pay less than systems that cost less to begin with due to lower maintenance requirements. A motor drives a steel chain and a system of gears to carry the elevator up and down. The weight of the elevator is counterbalanced with a heavy weight that is 40% of a loaded elevator, which increases mechanical efficiency. The chain does need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years and must be properly maintained.
Cons: This ride is not as smooth as the ride from a hydraulic system or as quiet. It also requires an access door at the top of the hoist way. Choose this system if you want a somewhat smooth and quiet ride at a reasonable cost and don't wish to deal with a lot of maintenance.
An alternative to the chain drive system is the inline gear chain drive. This elevator drive system has more benefits than a basic chain drive as the gear system is located at the top of the elevator shaft instead of on top of the elevator itself. This can reduce construction costs as well as provide better energy efficiency.
Gear-less Traction Drive
Pros: This type of drive system combines the winding
drum with the counterweights used in the chain drive system and
provides an ultra smooth, quiet ride. This is the same type of system
most often used in commercial elevators that you find in many commercial
buildings. Cons: Because of the cables used, a
gearless traction type elevator can be costly to maintain. Especially
since there are many more cables used that will need replacing. They are
also more expensive to install.
Choose this system if money is no object and you want a smooth, quiet ride from an elevator cab.
Vacuum Tube
Cons: This system is more often used in new construction as it is a stand-along system and requires enough open space for installation. The price will easily double or triple that of a hydraulic system and it does require a rather large opening for the door. Choose this system only when you want a work of art in your home that is stunningly gorgeous and provides the ultimate in performance at a premium price.
For information about Residential Elevators and Wheelchair Platform lifts
Resource: Hubpages
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