Lift Modernization - by TK Elevator

Enhance Traffic, Safety, Efficiency, Aesthetics and Reliability with Expert Elevator Modernization Services by TK Elevator

Elevator modernization can help building owners and property managers in India improve elevator safety, the aesthetics of buildings, energy efficiency, and reduce downtime. As elevators age, they eventually become less reliable, and repairs become more frequent. For older models it can also become increasingly difficult to find spare parts.

As a leading elevator modernization company, we leverage our extensive know-how to efficiently combine our high-quality components with your existing systems - regardless of the elevator brand. We can modernize elevators of all original manufacturers to ensure that they fully meet your operational requirements, as well as India’s safety standards and building codes.

When to Modernize Elevators

Depending on the state of your elevators, either a full elevator replacement or partial elevator modernization can significantly improve performance and reliability. Here are key indicators that it’s time to consider an upgrade:

Frequent Elevator Breakdowns

Recurring repairs not only disrupt daily operations but also lead to longer wait times, inconveniencing tenants and visitors. Persistent breakdowns signal that your elevators are no longer functioning optimally. As technology ages, the risk of safety issues increases, making modernization not just an option, but a necessity for safety and performance.

Shortage of Suitable Elevator Spare Parts

One reason why building owners and operators in India opt for elevator modernization is the growing challenge of sourcing spare parts for aging elevator systems. For models that are over 20 years old, obtaining the right components can become increasingly difficult, leading to prolonged downtimes and escalating repair costs. Contact us to learn how our skilled elevator technicians can help you upgrade to a more efficient, reliable solution.

Increase in Elevator Usage Beyond Planned Capacity Levels

Over time, the usage pattern of a building may change. An increase in passenger volume that exceeds the anticipated maximum capacity can introduce significant challenges to building owners and operators. Elevator modernization enhances cabin travel speed and speeds up the door opening time, thereby allowing passengers to get in and out faster. These improvements work together to reduce overall travel and waiting times for elevator users.With our breakthrough solution TWIN, we can improve elevator operation efficiency at scale by installing two independently operating elevator cabins within the same hoistway.

Negative Impact of Outdated Elevators on Tenant Satisfaction and Property Value

Elevators are often unnoticed until problems arise. When elevator performance issues or downtimes affect tenants, it can significantly impact tenant satisfaction and deter potential new occupants, especially in high-end residential buildings, commercial properties, and office towers. Inefficient or outdated elevators can become a liability, potentially reducing the overall value of your property.

Benefits of our Elevator Modernization Services

At TKE each lift modernization project is engineered around Safety, Performance, Aesthetics, Comfort, and Efficiency. By addressing these five critical areas we deliver all-important improvements for building managers, owners, and tenants alike.

Enhanced Elevator Safety

Safety is a critical aspect of elevator modernization. Upgrading your system allows for enhancements such as fitting new controllers to guarantee the accurate positioning of the elevator when stopping at a floor. By ensuring that elevator floors are level with the flooring of the story of a building trip hazards are eliminated. Inadequate protective devices on power-operated doors are a further issue as elevator doors may close while passengers are still entering and exiting. Modern elevators will automatically detect the presence of an object and doors will automatically re-open. Elevator upgrades also reduce the risk of accidental overloading. A modern elevator will alert users when the maximum load capacity has been exceeded and prevent a normal start until the cabin weight has been reduced. These are just a few examples that outline how elevator modernization can help improve passenger safety.

Better Performance

Improving performance is a key reason why operators of busy commercial or public buildings opt to modernize their elevators. Doors, for example, can be upgraded to facilitate a more efficient passenger entry and exit: The speed at which doors open can often be increased and sometimes it may also be possible to fit slightly wider doors. In cases where old manual doors are being replaced with automatic doors, the efficiency gains are most significant. The speed at which the elevator cabin travels can often be increased as well.

Revamped Aesthetics

The aesthetics of elevators shape tenants’ and visitors’ perceptions of a building. The appearance of the elevator exterior and interior is thus particularly important for commercial buildings. Upgrading elements such as wall panels, ceilings, flooring, and handrails, and incorporating modern, energy-efficient lighting can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your elevators.

Refined Comfort

Modern elevators offer users more comfort. Upgrades have the goal to reduce cabin vibrations and to provide a steadier and more comfortable ride. There are different critical types of elevator vibration:

Vibrations to either side of the elevator (so sideways or front to back)
Upward-downward vibrations (vertical vibrations)
Vibrations of doors during operation, or when closed

While either form of vibration is associated with an unpleasant riding experience, vibrations in a vertical direction are particularly unpleasant. They introduce the impression of sudden elevator accelerations and decelerations and therefore have a greater negative impact on rider comfort.

Other convenient features include the integration of a call cancellation option that allows users to deselect accidentally selected floors, or easier-to-read control panels that are particularly beneficial for older users. In hot climates, more effective cabin air conditioning units are another big value add that improves rider comfort.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Modernizing an elevator can help improve energy efficiency in many ways. LED lights that consume less energy, regenerative drives that feed electricity back into the grid as an elevator cabin descends, or controllers with sleep and stand-by functions are three examples of how we can help you reduce electricity consumption. More comprehensive elevator modernization projects that also include upgrades to traction machines and drives, can further enhance operational efficiency. Elevator modernization thus supports your building’s sustainability goals, making it a win for both occupants and the environment.

Full Elevator Replacement vs Partial Elevator Modernization

Building owners in India often wonder whether a full replacement of existing elevators is necessary, or whether a less costly and less disruptive partial modernization is also a viable option. In practice, a measured approach where components are replaced step-by-step as they reach the end of their lifecycle is usually preferred and full replacements are only carried out if unavoidable. Even when a full replacement is necessary, at TK Elevator we always try to mitigate the impact by retaining reusable components such as guardrails, or in some cases even counterweights.

This helps lower immediate capital requirements and reduces the environmental impact of modernization work. Refer to our blog post on Full Elevator Replacement vs Partial Elevator Modernization to understand how we can provide custom engineering solutions that ideally fit your building’s requirements.

Components Frequently Upgraded in Elevator Modernization Projects

Most elevator modernization projects focus on these four areas:

Upgrading Electrical Systems

Upgrading electrical systems by replacing controllers or inverters enhances leveling precision while optimizing elevator travel speed and providing better acceleration control for smooth and accurate landings.

Improved Signalization

Modern operating panels, controls, and passenger information displays are designed for improved usability and readability. They make it easier to operate the elevator and also improve the cabin aesthetics.

Traction Machine Replacement

Upgrading from a traditional geared traction machine to a gearless unit minimizes noise and vibration. The upgraded elevator will operate smoother and quieter. A further benefit of omitting the transmission mechanism of traditional geared traction machines is that mechanical power loss is eliminated. This results in energy efficiency gains and reduced electricity consumption and operating costs.

Elevator Door Upgrades

Door malfunctions are one of the primary sources of elevator downtimes. Upgrading elevator doors with units that have more effective door operators instantly boosts performance as the time an elevator is stationary on a floor can be reduced. Our modern drive technology ensures permanent protection of the door mechanism for excellent running characteristics and reliability.

Lift Modernization solutions: Efficiency and Flexibility on every Scale

You can count on our exceptionally broad range of support, from smaller upgrade projects to full replacement systems, to deliver maximum quality and results. Our work starts with a professional analysis and, together with you, an inspection of the elevator. This allows our specialists to provide detailed advice on your modernization options while taking all of your individual needs into account.

When a simple upgrade is required, our re|new packages provide a fast and easy way to keep your equipment up to date. For partial modernization, solutions start with individual components, and even in the event of a replacement system, we enable you to take a flexible approach to the building interface. This way, no dust is created, a structural engineer's services are not required, and noisy construction work can be avoided.

In some cases, the entire elevator must be replaced, possibly keeping only old guide rails and door frames to make the project execution faster. Our engineers will make sure to build a solution perfectly fitting your specific situation.

Alpha

Alpha Package

Modernization package for safe and smooth Elevator.

Our entry level modernization solution brings you the latest technology at an affordable budget. It enhances your elevator safety whilst providing smoother ride quality, safer door operations and user-friendly operating panels.

Parts upgraded:

Controller and operating panel
Over speed governor, tension pulley & rope
Car aesthetics: wall panels, ceiling, flooring, lighting, handrail, mirror car door panel (excluding car platform and sill), ground floor door panel (excluding sill)
Car header improvement kit
Landing header improvement kit (air cord, hanger rollers)

Beta

Modernization package for elegant and appealing elevator.

Using the latest elevator technology, we offer reliable and elegant elevator solutions, which can be seamlessly integrated to your existing equipment.The Beta Package from TK Elevator offers state of the art solutions including enhanced car aesthetics, smoother door operation, controller with improved processing speed, robust ropes and latest operating panels at the same time.

Parts upgraded:

Controller and operating panel
Over speed governor, tension pulley & rope
Car aesthetics: wall panels, ceiling, flooring, lighting, handrail, mirror car door panel (excluding car platform and sill), ground floor door panel (excluding sill)
Car header improvement kit
Landing header improvement kit (air cord, hanger rollers)

Delta

Delta package

Modernization package for high performance and efficient elevator.

Our Delta Package is specifically designed to achieve sustainable efficiency in your building. The latest technologies in the power systems (controller, machine, drive) and door operation can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your existing elevator system and extend the useful life of your elevator system.

Parts upgraded

Controller and operating panel
Over speed governor, tension pulley & rope
Machine & ropes
Car aesthetics: wall panels, ceiling, flooring, lighting, handrail, mirror car door panel (excluding car platform and sill), ground floor door panel (excluding sill)
Complete new door system

Gamma

Gamma package

Modernization package for trusted and reliable elevator.

Gamma Package is specifically designed to provide a comfortable ride to the users. Even without a full scale replacement, you can improve elevator performance, aesthetics, and have an enjoyable experience. This package allows you to retain the base structural components of your existing system while delivering the latest technological and aesthetics standards.

Parts upgraded

Controller and operating panel
Over speed governor, tension pulley & rope
Machine and rope
Car aesthetics: wall panels, ceiling, flooring, lighting, handrail, mirror car door panel (excluding car platform and sill), ground floor door panel (excluding sill)
Car header improvement kit
Landing header improvement kit (air cord, hanger rollers)

The Elevator Modernization Process

The elevator modernization process begins with an assessment of the current system’s condition to identify improvement areas. As a German engineering company, we evaluate all situations case by case and aim to provide you with tailored solutions that exactly match your building’s needs.

Following the initial assessment, we develop a detailed and transparent project plan that outlines the scope, timeline, and budget requirements. The subsequent implementation phase is managed by our experienced India team.

During all elevator modernization projects it is an important priority for us to minimize disruptions and to keep elevator downtimes at an absolute minimum. Following the upgrade of your elevators, we carry out rigorous safety testing and quality assurance checks.

Please refer to our blog post on The Elevator Modernization Process for a more detailed overview.

Besides modernization services, we also provide comprehensive elevator maintenance and elevator repair services to ensure smooth elevator operations.

Why Choose TKE as Your Elevator Modernization Company?

We are the only elevator modernization company that can execute complex elevator modernization projects regardless of the elevator brand. No matter whether your elevators are made by TKE, or by any other manufacturer. Our tailored system solutions approach and ample supply of first-class elevator components allow us to engineer a bespoke solution for your elevator systems that exactly matches your needs.

Our on-site modernization team focuses on preserving what is worth retaining and adapting new products to fit existing assets. We also ensure excellence in terms of solution quality, flexibility, precision, and efficiency.

Working closely with you, we develop the right solution to meet all your requirements, either by opting for partial modernization or a full replacement for your elevator system. We also offer unique solutions such as TWIN, AGILE, and MAX.

TWIN by TKE: Two Independent Cars in One Shaft

TWIN is a unique elevator solution developed by TK Elevator. It allows for the installation of two independently moving elevator cars in one shaft and can transport more passengers than single elevators. TWIN can introduce significant efficiency gains, in existing buildings where the number of elevator shafts is a limiting factor. TWIN has many other benefits boosting elevator efficiency by alleviating capacity constraints. To further shorten travel times and speed up passenger flow TWIN elevators are also equipped with AGILE - Our intelligent Destination Selection Control (DSC) system. AGILE gauges traffic demand patterns and groups riders based on their intended destination to increase efficiency.

Best-in-Class Elevator Safety Standards

TWIN is also one of the safest elevator systems available on the market today. In TWIN elevators safety is monitored by an independent control system, giving TWIN the highest safety classification of Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL3). To ensure the safe movement of both cabins within the same shaft TWIN constantly measures the distance between both cabins.

High Energy Efficiency

TKE TWIN elevators can also be equipped with advanced regenerative drives that have high energy efficiency and feed unused electricity back into a building's power grid. With TWIN an unused cabin is also parked, while the other cabin can service passengers. This prevents unnecessary energy consumption.

How TWIN Elevators Eliminated Long Elevator Queues at the Hospital of Nanchang University

The Hospital of Nanchang University, a top healthcare provider located in Jiangxi Province, China, faced significant operational issues due to elevator capacity constraints. Patients, doctors, and nurses often had to wait for long times to get into elevators, and especially at the ground floor level long queues were frequently building up. An unacceptable situation, particularly for a hospital operator. TK Elevator worked with the hospital management to replace previously used single elevators with TKE TWIN elevators.

After installing TKE TWIN elevators, the Hospital of Nanchang University enjoyed an 80% reduction in average passenger waiting time and a 60% decrease in average elevator travel time. Reach out to our team in India to learn if your building could also benefit from operating TWIN elevators.

Elevator Modernization with AGILE

AGILE increases elevator operation efficiency by introducing sophisticated destination dispatch solutions that group passengers traveling to the same floor in the same elevator cabin and is a common enhancement integrated into existing elevator systems during modernization projects. AGILE allows passengers to input their desired destination floor at a centralized AGILE kiosk screen. Passengers are then directed to a specific elevator car. Passengers traveling to the same floor are automatically grouped and as a result, elevators need to make fewer stops at different levels and reach their destinations faster. Upgrading elevators using AGILE can reduce wait and traveling times by over 25% while increasing elevator capacity by up to 30%.

Smart Maintenance with MAX

MAX is a powerful, cloud-based IoT platform that provides predictive maintenance solutions to optimize building operations. MAX algorithms collect data from elevators and based on that spot patterns and predict necessary repairs before downtimes occur. This is achieved by analyzing data provided by various sensors that measure the operating conditions of the elevator. If specific readings are outside the normal operating parameters MAX can automatically detect the divergence and even infer what the likely cause of the issue is. MAX is able to determine where a worn-out part, or other causes, such as dirt building up in a door track that is causing a door to close slower are affecting normal elevator operations. As a result, elevator technicians can be dispatched before an elevator breaks down. MAX offers precise diagnoses, actionable insights and predictive interventions that can reduce downtime by up to 50% and stress for building managers by 100%. Contact our team in India to learn more about MAX by TKE.

Modernized escalators and moving walks

The right solution for every need

In addition to bringing your elevators up to date, we also modernize your escalators, moving walks, exterior access systems and other passenger mobility systems. For escalators and moving walks, we replace individual components such as steps and handrails, or if necessary, the entire system.

If you choose to completely modernize your escalator, time is usually of the essence, which is why we recommend a replacement system as the fastest solution. We also offer modernization measures to help boost your system’s energy efficiency such as:

Energy Efficiency Controller (EEC)
LED lighting
Skirt brushes

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Elevator Modernization Solutions:
Full & Partial Upgrades

Elevator Modernization

Enhance Traffic, Safety, Efficiency, Aesthetics and Reliability with Expert Elevator Modernization Services by TK Elevator