Elevator modernization can reduce energy consumption when outdated drive systems, motors, controllers, lighting, and other high-consumption components are replaced with more efficient equipment.

However, the actual energy savings depend on the elevator type, traffic pattern, existing equipment, modernization scope, and operating conditions.

For an older elevator, replacing the entire system is not always necessary. In many cases, upgrading the VVVF drive, traction machine, controller, lighting, and related electrical components can improve operating efficiency while allowing suitable existing equipment to remain in service.

FUJISJ-EM provides elevator modernization components and technical support for contractors, maintenance companies, distributors, and building operators upgrading existing elevator systems.

Where Does an Elevator Use Energy?

An elevator consumes energy through several systems rather than through the motor alone.

Depending on the elevator design, major energy-consuming areas can include:

• Traction machine
• Motor
• VVVF drive
• Controller
• Door operator
• Car lighting
• Ventilation
• Standby systems
• Control and monitoring equipment

The amount of energy used also changes according to passenger traffic.

An elevator in a busy office building may make hundreds of trips each day, while a residential elevator may operate much less frequently.

This means energy efficiency should be considered together with actual building usage.

1. Upgrade the Elevator Drive System

The drive is one of the most important components to consider when improving elevator energy efficiency.

Older drive systems may operate with less efficient control methods and can generate more heat during operation.

A modern VVVF drive provides more precise control of motor speed and torque.

Potential benefits include:

• More efficient motor control
• Smoother acceleration and deceleration
• Reduced unnecessary power consumption
• Better ride comfort
• Improved overall system performance

The drive should be properly matched with the motor, controller, and encoder rather than selected as an isolated component.

2. Consider a More Efficient Traction Machine

The traction machine is another major part of the elevator's energy system.

Older geared traction machines can have greater mechanical losses than newer gearless permanent magnet synchronous motor systems.

Depending on the elevator structure and modernization scope, replacing the traction machine may provide an opportunity to improve:

• Motor efficiency
• Mechanical transmission efficiency
• Ride performance
• Maintenance requirements
• Long-term operating costs

However, replacing the traction machine is a larger project than upgrading a controller or drive. The existing machine should therefore be assessed before deciding whether replacement is worthwhile.

3. Upgrade the Elevator Controller

The controller determines how the elevator responds to passenger calls, floor demands, motor control signals, and other operating conditions.

An outdated controller may not be able to take advantage of newer energy-saving functions.

A modern controller can support more efficient system management and communication with upgraded drives and other components.

For elevators with aging control systems, controller modernization can therefore be part of a broader energy-efficiency upgrade.

4. Improve Elevator Standby Efficiency

An elevator does not only consume energy while moving.

When the elevator is waiting, systems such as:

• Car lighting
• Displays
• Ventilation
• Control electronics
• Communication equipment

may continue consuming power.

Modernization can provide an opportunity to introduce or improve standby and energy-saving functions, depending on the elevator design.

For buildings where elevators spend significant amounts of time waiting between trips, standby consumption can be an important consideration.

5. Upgrade Elevator Lighting

Lighting is a relatively simple area to address during modernization.

Older elevator cars may use conventional lighting systems that consume more power and require more frequent replacement.

LED lighting can provide:

• Lower electricity consumption
• Longer service life
• Lower maintenance requirements
• Improved illumination

Although lighting usually represents a smaller portion of total elevator energy consumption than the traction system, it can still contribute to overall efficiency.

6. Reduce Unnecessary Door Operation

The elevator door system also affects energy use.

Every opening and closing cycle requires the door operator to consume energy.

A properly adjusted and modernized door system can provide more controlled operation and reduce unnecessary repeated door movements caused by faults or poor adjustment.

Door modernization can therefore contribute indirectly to better system efficiency while also improving passenger experience.

Does Elevator Modernization Always Reduce Energy Consumption?

No.

Modernization does not automatically guarantee lower energy consumption.

For example, replacing a single controller while leaving an inefficient motor and drive system unchanged may have limited impact on total energy use.

Energy performance depends on the complete system.

Before modernization, it is useful to consider:

• Existing motor type
• Drive technology
• Elevator traffic
• Operating hours
• Standby consumption
• Car lighting
• Door operation
• Existing control strategy

This helps determine which upgrades are likely to provide meaningful benefits.

Which Elevator Modernization Components Have the Greatest Energy Impact?

Different components have different levels of influence.

Component	Potential Energy Efficiency Impact
VVVF Drive	High
Traction Machine	High
Controller	Medium to High
Door Operator	Medium
LED Lighting	Low to Medium
Encoder	Indirect
Safety Components	Generally limited direct impact

This does not mean every elevator needs all of these components replaced.

The most cost-effective approach is usually to identify the equipment responsible for the greatest energy losses and prioritize those systems.

Energy Efficiency and Regenerative Drives

For certain elevator applications, regenerative drive technology can provide additional energy-saving opportunities.

During some elevator movements, the motor can operate in a generating condition. Instead of dissipating this energy as heat, a regenerative system can potentially return electrical energy to the building's power system.

Whether regenerative technology is appropriate depends on factors such as:

• Elevator traffic
• Rated load
• Travel speed
• Operating frequency
• Existing electrical infrastructure
• Project budget

For high-traffic elevators with frequent operation, regenerative technology may be worth evaluating as part of a modernization project.

How Much Energy Can Elevator Modernization Save?

There is no single percentage that applies to every elevator modernization project.

Energy savings depend heavily on the original equipment and the upgrades being carried out.

For example:

Controller-only modernization

→ May have limited direct energy savings.

Drive modernization

→ Can provide a more noticeable improvement in motor control and efficiency.

Drive + motor + controller upgrade

→ May provide a greater opportunity for overall energy improvement.

Comprehensive modernization with regenerative technology and efficient lighting

→ Can address several sources of energy consumption at the same time.

For this reason, projected savings should be calculated based on actual elevator operating data rather than using a generic percentage.

Can Energy Efficiency Lower Elevator Operating Costs?

Yes.

Lower electricity consumption can contribute to reduced operating expenses over the life of the elevator.

But energy is only one part of the total cost.

Modernization may also help reduce:

• Repeated repair costs
• Obsolete component sourcing
• Maintenance labor
• Unexpected downtime
• Replacement frequency

This makes energy efficiency more valuable when it is considered together with reliability and long-term maintenance.

When Should Energy Efficiency Be Considered?

Energy efficiency is particularly worth evaluating when:

The Elevator Uses an Older Drive

Older drive technology may offer limited control efficiency compared with modern VVVF systems.

The Elevator Operates Frequently

High-use elevators have more opportunities to benefit from efficiency improvements.

Electricity Costs Are Significant

Buildings with high operating hours may see greater financial benefits from reducing energy consumption.

The Elevator Is Already Being Modernized

If the controller or drive is already scheduled for replacement, energy efficiency can be included in the modernization decision without treating it as a completely separate project.

The Building Has Energy-Saving Targets

Commercial buildings pursuing broader energy-efficiency goals may include elevator modernization as part of their building improvement program.

Modernization Is More Than Energy Saving

Energy efficiency is an important benefit, but it should not be the only reason to modernize an elevator.

A well-planned modernization project can address several issues at the same time:

• Safety
• Reliability
• Ride comfort
• Energy consumption
• Parts availability
• Maintenance costs
• Passenger experience

This is particularly valuable for older elevators where several systems are approaching the end of their practical service life.

Instead of carrying out separate upgrades over several years, building owners can evaluate whether a coordinated modernization project makes more sense.

How FUJISJ-EM Supports Energy-Efficient Elevator Modernization

Choosing energy-efficient equipment requires consideration of the existing elevator system.

FUJISJ-EM supports elevator modernization projects with components including:

• VVVF drives
• Elevator controllers
• Mainboards
• Traction machine components
• Door operators
• Door controllers
• Encoders
• Safety light curtains
• Elevator operating panels
• Other elevator spare parts

For contractors and maintenance companies, the existing elevator model and equipment information can be used to identify suitable modernization components.

Providing the existing controller, drive, motor, encoder, and door operator information can make compatibility evaluation more accurate before equipment is ordered.

Conclusion

Elevator modernization can reduce energy consumption, but the result depends on what is being upgraded and how the elevator is operated.

For older systems, the biggest opportunities may come from upgrading the VVVF drive, traction machine, controller, standby systems, and lighting.

The most practical approach is not to replace components simply because newer versions are available. Instead, assess the existing elevator, identify where energy is being consumed, and prioritize upgrades that provide both energy and operational benefits.

For contractors, maintenance companies, and building owners, FUJISJ-EM provides elevator modernization components and technical support to help upgrade aging systems with practical, compatible solutions.

Referrals:

• What Is Elevator Modernization and Why Is It Necessary?
• What Components Are Replaced During Elevator Modernization?
• Elevator Modernization vs Full Replacement
• What Is Included in an Elevator Modernization Project?
• How Long Does Elevator Modernization Take?
• What Are the Signs Your Elevator Needs Modernization?
• How Old Should an Elevator Be Before Modernization?
• Can Elevator Modernization Improve Safety?