What is a Machine Room Less Elevator (MRL)?

In today’s era, the Machine Room Less (MRL) technology is introduced in most elevator systems. This has eventually eliminated the need for a conventional machine room. Instead, manufacturers are integrating the control and motor systems into the elevator’s shaft. Hence, the MRL elevator is ideal for newly constructed buildings. The lift can also be installed when the space is limited. Apart from improving the energy efficiency, you can expect a smooth ride with the MRL technology. So, in this article, we check out more about machine room less elevators.   

Benefits of Machine Room Less Elevators

MRL elevators offer many benefits as compared to the usual elevators. Here are some benefits you must know. 

• Doesn’t need a dedicated space
  Machine Room Less (MRL) elevators are usually designed to run without a machine room. This eliminates the need for a large dedicated space. Thus, MRL lifts are suitable for buildings that have limited space. Real estate developers can further think about enhancing the floor plan when lots of usable area is available. 
• They are more energy-efficient
  Most of the time, MRL elevators are more energy-efficient. These often use small and advanced motors that need less power. On the other hand, such elevators have regenerative drives. While these capture energy generated burning braking, it is sent back to the main power system. Eventually, the energy consumption gets reduced to an extent.
• Reduced maintenance costs
  As workers don’t need an extensive installation infrastructure, the initial installation costs of such lifts are low. Moreover, there are considerable cost savings as the lifts are more efficient. Maintenance costs are also reduced owing to the compact elevator cabin design. The team also doesn’t have to spend time maintaining the lift because of less components.
• Enhances Aesthetic Appeal
  As a large machine room is absent, the lift boasts a modern design. Way ahead, the MRLelevators seem visually appealing with less mechanical clutter. The compact elevator can also be blended seamlessly into the building’s aesthetic. This enables designers and architects to enhance the overall appearance of a space. 

Applications of Machine Room less Elevators

Due to their efficiency and space-saving design, MRL elevators are used in diverse buildings. Here are the applications of such lifts. 

• Residential Buildings
  MRL lifts are suitable for residential buildings, especially if they have different floors. This is because these can be installed in spaces where a machine room can’t be set up. You will also observe such lifts in luxury apartments and townhouses. 
• Hotels & Resorts
  When you come across hotels and resorts, you will commonly observe MRL lifts. Builders prefer these lifts because of their space-saving nature. Way ahead, when the team is constructing the hotel, they can enhance the guest rooms. 
• Healthcare Centres
  Machine room less lifts are used in hospitals to move patients and equipment from one floor to the other. These also don’t disturb the peaceful environment due to reduced noise. Moreover, the lifts can be used when people with mobility issues have to move. 
• Shopping Centers
  When you roam around shopping centers, you will view MRL lifts used to transport goods. The elevators are also ideal because they can sustain a large number of individuals. Additionally, real estate developers install these to complement the interiors of retail establishments. 
• Tall Buildings
  In the case of tall buildings, these elevators can be installed due to their compact design. Architects can also be flexible with the floor plan due to the absence of the machine room. They also tend to run for a long time with energy saving.
• Retirement Homes
  MRL elevators enhance accessibility for people staying at retirement homes. The smooth ride and quieter operation are also beneficial for people suffering from medical conditions. Valuable space is also not wasted due to the compact design. 

Technical Features of lifts without machine rooms

MRL elevators are normally designed with advanced technical features. These also run without the presence of a machine room. As its motor is integrated with the shaft, it can help save valuable space. People can also expect a smoother ride as these feature high-performance gearless motors. Way ahead, these feature regenerative drives that convert excess energy into usable power. You can expect a responsive operation with advanced control systems. In addition, the compact design makes them suitable for fairly tall buildings. 

Pros and Cons of Machine Room Less Elevators

There are many pros and cons of machine room less lifts. Let’s now check these ahead. 

Pros of MRL elevators

#1 Compact Design & Efficient Space Utilization

Machine room less lifts are designed with an aim to save valuable space. As there isn’t a need for a separate machine room, the motor and the control system can be integrated into the shaft. The compact design also enables us to use the space in buildings efficiently. Builders can also maximize the floor area for people or any other purpose. 

#2 Energy Savings & Environmentally Friendly Operations

As MRL elevators feature gearless traction systems, these consume less power. Moreover, the regenerative drives also convert excess energy into usable electricity. Once the lift starts descending, excess energy is directed to the building’s power grid. This reduces the energy consumption and adds on to an eco-friendly operation. 

#3 Simplified installation process

The installation of MRL lifts is not as complex as compared to the usual ones. Workers can set up the elevator without considering structural modifications. This makes the elevators an ideal option for new buildings. They can also be installed in buildings with space constraints. 

Cons of lifts without machine room

#1 Initial Installation Costs Can Be Higher

While MRL lifts offer many benefits, the installation cost can be higher. The expenses can be higher due to specialized components and the gearless motor system. Advanced technology can also add to the expenses. But, energy savings can offset the high initial costs. 

#2 Limited Height Capacity for Certain Models

MRL elevators are mostly suitable for buildings that have 10 to 15 floors. But, for tall buildings, the builder has to choose the right model. Even when advanced designs can be set up in the buildings, the lifting capacity may not be as expected. This disadvantage makes the lifts less ideal for tall structures. 

#3 Maintenance Requires Specialized Expertise

Due to advanced technology, MRL lifts can be maintained by certain professionals. Moreover, the technicians have to be trained to service the lifts effectively. This can lead to higher service costs or long downtime if the professional is unavailable. But, with proper maintenance, the lifts can run efficiently. 

Comparing machine room less lifts with traditional elevators

Now, let’s check out the difference between usual lifts and MRL elevators. 

Feature	MRL Elevators	Traditional Elevators
Machine Room	No separate machine room is required.	Requires a dedicated machine room for the machinery
Space Efficiency	More space-efficient, as there’s no need to set up a machine room	Requires additional space for the machine room
Installation Cost	Teams have to bear higher initial costs due to integration.	Teams have to bear lower initial costs. However, a space is required for the machine room.
Energy Efficiency	Such lifts are more energy-efficient, and they have regenerative drives that reduce power consumption.	Such elevators are less energy-efficient with conventional motors.
Speed	These run slowly, around 1-3 m/s.	These can be faster with speeds of up to 5 m/s or more.
Maintenance	These lifts need expertise for ongoing maintenance.	These elevators are easier to maintain with conventional elevator components.
Ride Comfort	Such lifts run smoothly due to gearless traction systems.	Such elevators are less smooth, especially in older models.

Considerations Before Installing an MRL Elevator

Many things have to be considered before installing a lift without a machine room. Let’s go through these quickly.

Building Requirements & Load Capacity
Before installing an MRL lift, you must evaluate the building’s requirements. This will include the load capacity needs and the layout. The building’s height must also be taken into account. Additionally, the load capacity can be determined based on the intended purpose. If many people are going to use the elevator, then choose a lift with the right capacity. 

Local Regulations & Compliance
As you’re about to install an elevator, you must check the local building codes. The safety regulations also have to be considered before installation. These regulations may vary and be a factor in the overall lift’s design. Complying with certain standards can further ensure safety and operational guidelines. But, if you fail to comply with the regulations, then you have to bear fines. 

Choosing a Reputable Manufacturer or Service Provider
When you want to install the MRL elevator successfully, make sure you choose a reliable manufacturer. The company must also offer high-quality systems that meet the performance standards. It’s also important to confirm that the company offers after-sales service. This must be noted because expertise is required for the lift’s maintenance in the future. 

Conclusion

Finally, MRL elevators are likely to prevail in the future. But, before your client considers such an elevator, be sure about the intended purpose. The client must also not consider an MRL lift if the usage rate is high. Moreover, he must follow a smart approach for using such elevators. We also suggest that your client must not use such a type of lift when he is likely to face certain issues. 

If you’re looking for a customized elevator for your client, then why not approach MAS Industries? As one of the leading elevator companies in Mumbai, you can rely on us for quality and reliability. 

FAQs

1. What are the disadvantages of MRL lifts?
The main disadvantage of an MRL lift is the high initial costs. Trained professionals are also required for ongoing maintenance. Owing to the limited height capacity, some models may not be suitable for tall buildings. The repair time can also be longer when it’s challenging to access the key parts. 

2. What is the minimum size for an elevator machine room?
The minimum size for an elevator’s machine room depends on many factors. These include the lift’s type and the local building codes. But, for conventional lifts, the machine room is usually designed to accommodate the machinery.

3. What is a machine room in an elevator?
A machine room of an elevator is space in which the key components are present. It also segregates the main machinery from the lift’s shaft. Once the machine room is set up, the technicians can repair the lift’s components at any instance.

4. How fast is a machine-room-less elevator?
The speed of MRL elevators is between 1 and 3 m/s. But, the overall speed may depend on a certain model and the intended use. In case the lift is installed in a residential building, then the speed is 1 to 1.5 m/s. But, for commercial buildings, the speed can be around 2 to 3 m/s.