Interlift, Augsburg, Germany – Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Invertek Drives Ltd, a leading innovator and manufacturer of electric motor control technology, has unveiled a new product poised to redefine elevator motor control. The company introduced its new variable frequency drive (VFD), Optidrive Elevator Core, at Interlift 2023, one of the world's premier elevator industry events.

Optidrive Elevator Core is a breakthrough in elevator motor control technology, providing unprecedented size, functionality, and power.

Designed exclusively with elevator manufacturers, installers, and engineers in mind, the VFD offers easy installation, configuration, and commissioning, setting new industry standards. One of its standout features is the unique USB-C connectivity, allowing users to configure and power up the drive directly from a mobile phone or tablet, eliminating the need for mains power.

Additionally, an in-built data (flight) recorder can be accessed without mains power, providing convenience and flexibility in often difficult elevator shaft environments.

Key Features Include:

USB-C Connectivity:

• In-the-box set-up and power-up from a mobile phone without mains power.
• Rapid data sharing and analytics to support teams.

Universal Encoder Module:

• One module for all encoders, eliminating the need for additional components.
• Future-proofed for upcoming encoder releases.
• Digital-only encoder reduces motor noise and torque ripple.

10KHz Full Current Operation at 50°C

• Silent motor operation, especially during installation.
• Compact-sized drive with a smaller frame size for higher output.
• No de-rating required, eliminating the need to purchase a higher power rating than necessary.

Internal EMC Filter:

• Eliminates the need for an external filter.

Justin Walker, Elevator Product Manager at Invertek Drives, emphasised the drive's key design and functionality, driven by close collaboration with professionals in the elevator industry. He said: "From size to layout, every aspect of this drive, physically and from a user interface perspective, has been meticulously crafted, specifically crafted for the elevator sector.

“The ability to power up the drive with just a mobile phone and off the shelf USB-C cable provides a reliable connection for easy access to the drives settings and on-board diagnostic tools. The USB-C also gives access to a user definable flight recorder which allows sharing of drive and motor operating conditions, travel information and other key data points for analysis and to help troubleshoot, the data can also be directly shared from a mobile device to product support teams globally.

Access to a new eco system of support tools

“The drive carries a QR code on the front to provide access to a whole new eco system of support tools (CORE ASSIST), with the primary aim to quickly assist the user each step of the way, from installer right through to the maintenance engineer. CORE ASSIST includes user documentation, application guidance documents, videos, and a trip code troubleshooter wizard and this is just the beginning.”

Invertek Drives created a dedicated design, innovation, and technical team to address every facet of the new VFD for both geared and gearless elevator applications.

The exterior design was also carefully considered, ensuring ease of installation in elevator environments, with features like a large keypad for glove use and dark working spaces, compact size, in-shaft mounting, colour-coded terminal connectors to minimize miswiring and segregated cable positioning for simpler wiring.

Designed from the ground up 

Michael Thomas, Head of Product Design at Invertek Drives, highlighted the user-centric approach. He said: "We looked at every element of the process and designed a product that fits the unique challenges faced by engineers in real-world elevator installations."

According to Rhydian Welson, Director of Sales and Marketing at Invertek Drives, Optidrive Elevator Core was developed to meet the growing demand from the elevator industry. It will serve as the foundation for a new generation of VFDs by the company.

“The European elevator industry is expected to expand by 4.75% until 2029, with significant investments in public and private infrastructure, including the renovation and refurbishment of existing buildings that use vertical transportation. This will result in the installation of around 7.25 million new elevator units by 2029,” he said.

“There is also a push to include elevators in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to meet the EU's targets. As a result, modern motor control technology capable of providing safe, smooth, reliable, and energy-efficient transportation is needed.

“The Invertek Drives team has created a class-leading drive for both new and retrofitted projects. It is future-proofed and comes with unparalleled features. This is the future of elevator motor control technology.”

Visit www.invertekdrives.com/countdown for more details.

For media information, contact:
Owain Betts, PR and Communications Manager
t: +44 (0)1938 558 253
m: +44 (0)7483 072 739
e: Owain.Betts@shi-g.com