TWIN elevator concept is yet to find its place in India

It has its advantages of optimizing passenger dispatches and energy savings within limited constraints up to 30 per cent efficient. However, the cost benefits analysis for the concept needs to be studied, says Wilfred Clarence, GM – Operations, Johnson Lifts.

The TWIN elevator system is more common in Europe, what kind of acceptance has it garnered in India so far? How does it aid in reducing energy consumption?
This concept is yet to find its place in India. The system has its advantages particularly in the rapidly urbanising metro cities and in old and under elevated building where increasing the number of lift shafts is not possible. It has its advantages of optimizing passenger dispatches and energy savings within limited constraints up to 30 per cent efficient. However, the cost benefits analysis for the concept needs to be studied.

Especially for super high-rises, what are the trending technologies to ensure maximum elevator speeds without compromising on the safety and comfort?
Generally, the current high-rise is 100 – 120 metres in height (30 -40 floors) and they are usually provided with lift speeds of 2.5 – 3.5 metres per second. With the saturation of land in urban metro cities, there is no other option than to grow vertically; thus need for a super high-rise has been forced upon. This will certainly push the number of floors to 50 and beyond which will demand for elevator speeds of 4.0 mps and beyond. This higher speed will force the industry to upgrade the safety and comfort of the already robust existing systems.

What kind of emergency evacuation systems need to be in place to ensure that an elevator can be used in the case of an emergency evacuation?
The elevator can be used in all kinds of emergency situation for evacuations except during fire and smoke. It is not recommended to use elevators during fire and smoke as it can trap people and cause asphyxiation. Use of staircase or any external hoist is recommended. However, it is mandatory to have a fire and heat resistant systems installed to protect the trapped passengers inside the car until evacuation.

Especially for heritage buildings, what kind of elevators should be used so that they espouse and reflect its design sensibilities?
Space measurement and planning is important since lot of interaction with consultant is required. Also solution should blend with the existing structure in terms of overhead, pit, machine room etc. So that the structure is not affected and the aesthetics are not compromised. Car interiors and door finishes should match with the building theme and finishes. Lifts should be provided suitable for differently abled users and visitors.

Whenever there is a requirement of modernisation of existing lift the car interiors and entrance should be retained if possible and if the design and aesthetics are antique reflecting a period of history. Lifts should energy efficient and confirm.

The lifts to be installed in heritage buildings should be done after necessary approvals and a license should be obtained from the concerned authority. The budget and cost of new installation or modernisation should be considered carefully before suggesting a solution.

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