Case Study

When one of the world’s leading automation companies built a car lift in Mumbai, India, residents were complaining of a bumpy ride whilst using it. But Invertek’s Optidrive Elevator variable frequency drive was soon able to solve the problem.

The lift, which carries cars up the residential block so residents can leave them right outside their own property was installed by Precision Automation & Robotics India Ltd (PARI). It carries loads up to 2.5 tons at one metre per second.

Invertek’s sales partner in India, Tros Autotek PVT Ltd, was approached by one of the country’s leading elevator manufacturers because the lift was jerky and residents were worried damage could be caused to their cars.

Ashok Patil, Commissioning Engineer at Tros Autotek, said: “Land in Mumbai is at a premium so these types of car lifts (due to their small footprint) are becoming more popular in the city.

“The problem was that the installed system was starting with a jerk and there were vibrations throughout the whole journey. The motor was also noisy.

“Problems were also present during speed changeover, while stopping was also proving problematic and could have been very dangerous when you consider the weight of loads being carried.

“The customer called Invertek who suggested their Optidrive Elevator should be installed together with its built-in brake chopper.

“Within 30 minutes of installing and setting up the Optidrive Elevator, the lift was working without any jerks at all. It also now has a good speed changeover and stops smoothly while it has also eliminated the noise and vibrations that were coming from the lift’s motor.

“The customer is very happy with the ease of installation, start-up as well as the way the actual drive works and is placing repeat orders with us for the Optidrive Elevator,” he added.

Optidrive Elevator Product Manager, Justin Walker, said: “Variable speed drives are used in a vast number of motor control applications, but they are predominantly industrial operations where the key objective is usually to save energy and money. Elevators are different in that the main priority is to provide precise, consistent motor control, guaranteed to ensure a smooth passenger journey from start to finish, especially in this case where such heavy loads are being carried.

“Once again the Optidrive Elevator has proven itself in addressing the exact requirement of the lift, particular advantages (over the originally installed drive) in this case where reduced motor noise, built-in brake chopper, reduced mechanical footprint, and improved comfort levels and motor control– vital in buildings such as this where the lift is carrying cars which are highly valued possessions in India,” he added.