To estimate an elevator’s operating electricity use, account for travel energy and the energy consumed while the lift is idle or in standby. State the measurement boundary and operating assumptions before comparing figures from different suppliers. Motor rated power alone does not tell you the annual energy consumption.
A simple planning calculation
Annual travel energy = average energy per trip × trips per day × operating days.
Annual non-running energy = sum of each idle or standby power level × hours at that level per day × operating days.
Add these components to estimate annual operating energy. Keep time periods and equipment boundaries consistent. Do not count the same auxiliary consumption in both the per-trip measurement and a separate allowance for overlapping hours.
Worked example with hypothetical inputs
| Input | Illustrative value |
|---|---|
| Average travel energy | 0.05 kWh per trip |
| Daily trips | 300 |
| Operating days | 365 |
| Average non-running power | 0.15 kW |
| Non-running time | 20 hours per day |
Travel energy is 0.05 × 300 × 365 = 5,475 kWh per year. Non-running energy is 0.15 × 20 × 365 = 1,095 kWh per year. The estimated total is 6,570 kWh per year.
At a hypothetical electricity rate of 0.18 currency units per kWh, the energy charge would be 1,182.60 currency units per year. Taxes, fixed charges, demand charges and time-of-use pricing are excluded. These figures illustrate the arithmetic; they are not measured FUJIHD product performance.
What changes the result?
- Trip numbers, travel distances and the distribution of passenger loads.
- Drive configuration, controls and the specified operating modes.
- Door equipment, cabin lighting and other included auxiliary loads.
- Idle and standby power, and the time needed to enter each mode.
- The treatment of recovered energy where regeneration is provided.
If a measured figure already reports net electricity use, do not subtract an advertised regenerative saving again. Any claim about recovered energy should explain the operating conditions and how that energy is used or credited.
Use consistent supplier reports
ISO 25745-2 addresses lift operating-energy calculation and classification. Its method distinguishes running and non-running energy and defines its scope. The simplified example above is not an ISO classification or a substitute for applying the standard. Ask which assessment method and edition a supplier has used.
For an existing building, have a qualified specialist establish a safe measurement plan and document representative operating periods. Building staff should not open live electrical equipment to collect measurements.
Requesting a FUJIHD estimate
Start with FUJIHD’s energy-related technology overview. Send the proposed model, travel, capacity, traffic assumptions and operating hours with your project enquiry. Compare the returned estimate on the same basis as other offers, and keep optional features separate from the standard configuration.
