Hydraulic elevators have a low initial cost and their ongoing maintenance costs are lower compared to the other elevator types. However, hydraulic elevators use more energy than other types of elevators because the electric motor works against gravity as it forces hydraulic fluid into the piston.
How Do Hydraulic Elevators Work?
Hydraulic elevators are supported by a piston at the bottom of the elevator that pushes the elevator up as an electric motor forces oil or another hydraulic fluid into the piston.
The elevator descends as a valve releases the fluid from the piston.
Roped Hydraulic Elevators
Roped Hydraulic Elevators use a combination of ropes and a piston to move the elevator. Maximum travel distance is about 60 feet.
Disadvantages of high-energy hydraulic elevators
A major drawback of hydraulic elevators is that the hydraulic fluid can sometimes leak, which can cause a serious environmental hazard. The environmental risk and high energy use are two main reasons that hydraulic elevators are not being installed as often as in the past.
Hydraulic elevator Components
