The current high cost of energy calls for looking for ways to reduce this cost. There are several ways to reduce your building's energy costs and they range from using energy efficient materials to ensuring that different systems work efficiently. When inspecting the building for places to cut energy costs, many people tend to overlook the escalator. The truth is that this handy transport system can consume a lot of energy and it can end up being a very costly installation.
Escalators can be the most efficient system to move large groups of people. However, because escalators usually remain ready to move a maximum load, they tend to pale in comparison to the more common elevators when it comes to moving small crowds. When you consider that most building standards prevent stopping escalators when they are not in use, you realize that the system can be very costly to operate. Most people will agree that this device desperately needs modernization.
Understanding escalator technology
Basic escalator technology has remained the same over the years and the systems have not evolved much. The systems are still basically steps that are operated by a moving chain that is powered by a large motor. Apart from the changes in design and construction that have led to more cost effective installation, escalators have not evolved as much as elevators. Most green options available involve replacing the entire system or large parts of it and this can be quite costly. Following are some simpler ways to make your old escalator more efficient.
• Replacing the drive
A good way to make the escalator more efficient is by replacing the drive with the modern smarter versions. This will help to cut energy by ensuring that the escalator feeds on less power when not in use. It can also work by changing the operation to a lower-energy mode. Putting a new drive in can make the escalator electrically and mechanically efficient and it helps to reduce energy consumption. The drive system will allow the escalator to move much slower when it is lightly loaded. The variable voltage drive identifies when the escalator has no load or is carrying a light load and it reduces the voltage flow.
• Energy saving features
Another way to reduce energy is by installing features that help to reduce energy consumption. You can modernize your old escalator by using an effective energy management approach. Installing a soft start device on an old escalator can ensure that the escalator starts with gradually increasing current instead of going to full power immediately. This essentially helps to increase the life of the motor while reducing or delaying costly repairs and replacements. There are soft start devices that have energy-saving features that supply reduced electricity when there are fewer people riding on the escalator.
• Replacing parts of the unit
A good way to modernize the escalator without replacing the entire unit is by replacing some of the parts. This can involve gutting the escalator down to the truss frame before cleaning it and retrofitting the existing frame with parts of a new escalator. This can be less costly than replacing the entire device and you can avoid replacing flooring and walls or making other structural changes. Replacing the entire unit will not only be costly, it can also be quite inconvenient because you have to shut down the service for the duration of the project. Remember that an escalator is large and heavy and it is costly to replace.
Make sure that you clean the unit
While looking for ways to enhance energy efficiency, you need to know that annual cleaning and maintenance is essential. Energy efficiency is not just about renovation or replacement; it also involves cleaning the device. A clean escalator will ensure a smooth ride while also saving a huge amount of energy. You need to hire the services of a good elevator and escalator company that will offer regular maintenance. Note that maintenance is not just something you get when the system is faulty or not working properly. Preventive maintenance that includes cleaning will keep the unit in the best condition.
Hiring professional expertise
To make sure that you get the most from your escalator, it is a good idea to get the services of a consultant. Most building owners will agree that they do not know much about escalators and the intricate details about the operation. Professional escalator consultants offer important advice and recommendations about the best ways to keep the system working efficiently. The professionals will offer knowledge and expertise that will help you to keep your escalator working effectively. The expert will help you to determine what you need to ensure that you improve people flow while saving energy.
You can save energy by getting the right information from the best sources. Enhancing energy efficiency will not only help to save costs, it also helps to make the device much safer to use.
