A common problem with elevator installations is the overheating of the drive and control system. In electrical traction elevators, the equipment is typically located in a penthouse above the building’s roof. The penthouse is seldom heated or cooled. With this type of installation, the temperature in the mechanical room is allowed to float with changes in the outside air temperature. As the temperature increases, so does the chance of breakdowns caused by overheating.
Attempting to cool the elevator equipment with outdoor air also introduces other causes of frequent breakdowns: dirt and humidity. The best solution to this problem is to install a dedicated cooling system for the elevator equipment room. The system should be designed to keep the temperature and humidity within the recommendations of the elevator manufacturer. All openings to the outside should be sealed to help limit the dust and dirt that can enter the equipment room.
One of the most common symptoms of a system in need of overhaul or modernization is increasing service call frequencies. As components wear and age, they more readily go out of adjustment, either shutting down the system or interfering with its operation. It is important to track the frequency and costs of all problems while indulging in escalator consulting services.
