The Rise of Machine Room-Less Elevators – Saving Space Without Sacrificing Power

As with all technology, elevator systems are continually improving for convenience, safety, and efficiency. The rise of the machine room-less elevator is one such technology that has helped modernize elevators by saving space without sacrificing power. 

Let’s unlock this technology and look at how the mechanisms can revolutionize your building and efficiency. 

What Is a Machine Room-Less Elevator? 

In our world of using the best possible space and energy, the launch of a machine room-less elevator in 1996 made sense. 

 A Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevator is a type of traction elevator that houses its motor and control components within the hoistway (shaft) itself, eliminating the need for a dedicated rooftop machine room. They are primarily used in low- to mid-rise buildings to save space, reduce construction costs, and improve energy efficiency. 

In short, MRL elevators house all their components within the elevator shaft, usually at the top.

Unlocking the Benefits of MRL Elevators 

In a previous article, we discussed some of the advantages of adding a machine room-less elevator to your building. Today, we are taking a closer look at the top three reasons why building and business owners choose an MRL elevator for their spaces: saving space, saving money, and saving energy. 

Space Savers 

Machine room-less elevator systems eliminate the need for a machine room, freeing up valuable floor space. This additional square footage could be used for more office space, storage, or common areas. 

The compact design of an MRL elevator system allows planners and architects to create creative spaces where machine rooms once stood. This space savings is critically important in buildings that are already overcrowded, especially in city dwellings. 

Energy Efficient

While the degree of energy savings depends on the specific technology used, most MRL elevators are arguably more energy efficient than hydraulic elevators, which use a lot of oil and electricity. MRLs use regenerative systems that capture energy generated during braking or when the car is moving with a light load, feeding it back into the building’s power grid, thereby saving even more energy. Even during times of idling, MRLs use less power than a traditional elevator system. 

According to studies by KONE, MRL elevators can reduce power consumption by up to 1/6 (approx. 83% less) compared to some older systems.

Cost Effective 

MRL elevators can cost considerably less due to lower construction costs and the energy costs to run the system. The absence of a separate machine room can reduce the cost of installing an MRL and potentially enable lower energy consumption through regenerative systems.

If you are ready to modernize your building while saving space, money, and energy, a machine room-less elevator is the solution you need. By eliminating the need for a separate machine room, increasing energy efficiency through regenerative systems, and reducing overall construction and running costs, MRL elevators offer clear advantages for building and business owners. For a complete assessment of how MRL technology can revolutionize your facility, contact Buckley Elevators today to learn more.