Elevate Your Energy Efficiency with Columbus McKinnon’s Quattro and RegenAC™ Technology

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Welcome to a new era of energy-efficient elevators. With Columbus McKinnon's Magnetek brand, we've revolutionized vertical transportation through our suite of elevator drives, including the innovative new Quattro® AC and the reliable Quattro® DC drives. In a world where sustainability and cost-efficiency are paramount, our Quattro® elevator drives stand out by significantly reducing energy consumption and promoting a greener environment.

What Are Regenerative Elevator Drives and How Do They Work?

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A regenerative elevator drive is designed to capture and reuse energy that would otherwise be wasted. During certain operations—like when an elevator descends with a heavy load or ascends with a light load—the motor generates excess energy. Traditional drive systems dissipate this energy as heat through dynamic braking resistors. However, with our Magnetek-brand Quattro® elevator drives, this excess energy is fed back into the building's power grid, enhancing overall elevator efficiency and reducing energy costs.

How Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC Drives Work

Our Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC drives are fully regenerative, meaning they can both power the elevator and regenerate energy back into the building's electrical system. These drives offer substantial energy savings—up to 42% over non-regenerative AC drives, up to 85% over traditional motor generator (MG) sets, and up to 70% over DC-SCR drives. By regenerating energy, these drives not only reduce power consumption but also minimize heat generation, contributing to a more comfortable and energy-efficient building environment.

Benefits of Quattro® Elevator Drives

  • Significant Energy Savings: Lower your energy bills by reducing the power consumption of your elevators. Quattro® drives provide energy savings every time an elevator runs.
  • Environmental Impact: Contribute to a greener future by utilizing green elevator technology that reduces your building's carbon footprint.
  • Reduced Heat Generation: Eliminate excess heat in machine rooms caused by dynamic braking resistors, improving equipment longevity and building comfort.
  • Simplified Modernization: Updating older elevator systems with Quattro® drives can significantly reduce installation and operating costs without the need for complete system replacement.
  • High Power Factor and Clean Harmonics: Achieve a near-unity power factor of over 0.95 and meet IEEE-519 harmonic standards without additional filters or reactors.
  • Uninterrupted Operation: Built-in voltage boost compensates during acceleration by supplying additional voltage to the motor, ensuring full motor torque and preventing performance issues during power fluctuations.
  • Familiar Technology: Easy setup and adjustment with our user-friendly interface minimizes the learning curve for your technicians.
  • Proven Expertise and Reliability: Backed by decades of industry experience, Magnetek-brand drives are built to last.

Which Type of Elevator Uses Less Power?

When it comes to energy consumption, elevator drives play a crucial role. Here's how our Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC drives contribute to energy efficiency:

Regenerative Drive Elevators

Elevators equipped with regenerative drives, like the Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC, use less power by capturing and reusing excess energy. This makes them an excellent choice for reducing operational costs and improving overall elevator efficiency.

Gearless Traction Elevators

Gearless traction elevators are efficient due to fewer mechanical components. Pairing them with our Quattro® regenerative drive technology can enhance their energy performance.

Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators

MRL elevators save space and can be energy efficient. Integrating regenerative drive systems like Quattro® drives can maximize their potential for energy savings.

Hydraulic Elevators

Traditionally, hydraulic elevators consume more power and are not typically equipped with regenerative technology. Upgrading to regenerative drives can offer energy-saving benefits.

How to Make Elevators More Energy Efficient?

Improving the energy efficiency of your elevators can lead to substantial cost savings and environmental benefits. Here are some strategies you can follow:

Install Magnetek-Brand Quattro® Elevator Drives

Upgrading to Magnetek-brand elevator drives like the new Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC is an effective way to enhance energy efficiency. By recycling energy, you reduce power consumption and operational costs.

Use Energy-Efficient Components

Incorporate LED lighting, efficient ventilation systems, and smart controls to minimize energy use when the elevator is idle.

Regular Maintenance

Ensure your elevators are regularly serviced to maintain optimal performance and prevent energy waste due to malfunctioning components.

Modernization Upgrades

Consider modernizing older elevator systems with new technologies like the Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC drives to improve efficiency and performance.

Smart Controls and Scheduling

Implement intelligent control systems that optimize elevator operation based on building usage patterns, further enhancing energy efficiency.

Elevator Energy Savings Calculator

See the savings regenerative drives can deliver for your next project. This online calculator estimates the electrical consumption of existing elevator equipment and compares results to that of other motor and motor drive combinations. Based on the characteristics of the elevators in your building, this tool provides you with a custom report documenting how energy savings can apply to your project. Register here

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Introducing RegenAC™ Regenerative Drive System

In addition to our Quattro® elevator drives, Columbus McKinnon's Magnetek brand offers the RegenAC™ regenerative drive system—a separate, high-performance line regeneration solution for elevator applications. RegenAC™ reclaims excess regenerative energy from the motor and supplies it back to the 3-phase AC power system. It can be added to any existing AC drive to enable regenerative technology, making it a versatile option for enhancing energy efficiency.

Benefits of RegenAC™

  • Versatility: Compatible with existing AC drives, suitable for both new installations and retrofits.
  • Energy Savings: Reduces energy consumption by reclaiming excess energy, potentially saving on energy costs.
  • Cost Efficiency: May qualify for energy supplier rebates and other energy-saving incentives.
  • Reduced Heat Generation: Eliminates heat generated by dynamic braking resistors.
  • Compact Design: Optimizes panel space and can be independently sized for regeneration requirements.

Embracing energy-efficient elevator solutions is crucial for modern buildings aiming for sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Quattro® AC, Quattro® DC, and RegenAC™ elevator drives offer innovative solutions for improving elevator efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Ready to Transform Your Building's Energy Profile?

Discover more about our new Quattro® AC and Quattro® DC elevator drives. Visit our Quattro® AC product page and Quattro® DC product page to learn how our solutions can elevate your building's performance. For modernization options, check out our modernization landing page.