Powering a lift with a hybrid solar system

[TJ119189]

I see no reason that a hybrid solar system (20KW) cannot run a passenger lift. (5KW 3ph motor)
Can someone please advise if there is any reason why not.
Thanks in advance.

[azdave]

What do you mean by "passenger lift" and do you mean grid-tie solar (with or without without batteries)? Please give a few better details if you want someone to provide you with advise.

[TJ119189]

Hi Dave,
Sorry to be vague.....here goes.

A passenger lift as in a building elevator....one that would carry 6-8 people up 3 floors.
It's a 4KW 3ph 400v motor.

Yes, the solar system is a 'grid tied' 20KW 3ph Hybrid system with 20KWH of Low voltage batteries (LIFePO4)
Hope this helps......need a quick answer from anyone who has experience of this.

I've searched all over the web, but I can't find 1 article saying this cannot be done?????

The lift technician from 'Gerson Elevator' is telling me a solar system cannot be used to power the elevator, but fails to say why.
I'm not sure people are always aware of what a solar system does.

Any comments appreciated

[Bala]

There is possibly no real reason a purpose built system could not run the elevator. In your case I would think the system is not suitable for the following reasons.

The start up current of the motor is according to online data 5 to 7 times run current. So you inverter needs to handle that current and your battery banks needs to handle that current.

The battery bank capacity is not that big when compared to the Kwh usage the motor needs.

By the time the battery system was engineered to run this lift the costs would be astronomical for the amount of run time you would get.

[TJ119189]

Hi Bala,
Many thanks for your reply.
As the system is 'On-grid' surely this start up current would 'soaked up' by the grid if there is not enough production from the panels/batteries to handle it????
Am I thinking correctly?
Thanks.

[Bala]

As i said, it could possibly be done but the cost outweighs the benefits.

Why do you want to run on the battery?

If to save money, you won't.

[TJ119189]

Hi,
the batteries are there as a backup for a brief period......they are never discharged below 60%

The building is a 'health centre' whose consumption is 10KWH 09:00 - 18:00.
the 20KW on grid hybrid inverter along with 20KW of panels provide coverage during the day and charge the batteries.

The batteries are there to cover brief grid outages.....being stuck in a dentists chair during a power out wouldn't be good.

The occasional use of the elevator should be OK?

[Bala]

The system is designed for relatively low current draw. To run the elevator you would need to upgrade the inveter, cabling, switch gear and it is also possible the batteries won't be able to supply the start up current.

The battery system is a backup. If you use it to run the elevator your back up may not be there when you need it.

It is simply not a feasible option.