Shopping and Entertainment Complexes: Advantages and Operational Challenges
The shopping and entertainment complex (SEC) has become one of the most popular types of buildings in recent years. They bring together a multitude of stores, restaurants, and entertainment areas in one location. Thanks to escalators, moving walkways, and other mechanisms, moving between floors becomes quick and convenient. However, their maintenance can pose a significant financial burden for SEC owners.
Operational Costs of Mechanisms
The main costs associated with the maintenance of escalators and moving walkways include:
- Electricity consumption. With these mechanisms operating continuously, even during low visitor numbers (in the morning or evening), there is excess electricity consumption.
- Wear of parts. Continuous operation leads to rapid wear of friction elements, as well as the need for frequent replenishment of lubricants.
To optimize operational costs, some modern technologies can be utilized. For example, implementing automatic shutdown of the mechanisms when there are no people present.
Modern Technologies for Optimizing Operations
To implement such a solution, it is necessary to:
- Select a suitable sensor that will respond to a person approaching the moving walkway or escalator.
- Ensure the proper configuration of the frequency converter, which smoothly accelerates the motor, preventing people from falling on the mechanism.
- Implement the frequency converter without disrupting the factory safety circuit of the escalator.
According to practice, the implementation of frequency converters in SECs allows saving 30-40% of electricity, as well as reducing maintenance costs (lower expenses for lubrication and replacement of worn parts). As a result, the payback period for such projects can be up to a year, rarely extending to a year and a half.
Mitigating Overheating Issues
The frequency converter also helps avoid overheating in the area where the motor is located. Maintenance personnel often face an increase in temperature in the escalator control cabinet due to insufficient ventilation. Turning the electric motor on and off reduces heating, as it operates less, which in turn decreases heat dissipation.
Contact for Consultation
PROFDRIVE Company has extensive experience in implementing such projects. Our specialists can provide more information and assist with preliminary calculations of the economic benefits from such implementations. Contact us, and we will teach you how to save on the operation of your escalator or moving walkway.