KONE is set to launch a PoC to test the first lift powered by DC.
submitted by KONE
KONE in July announced its accession to the Current/OS Foundation, a Netherlands-based nonprofit that brings together 90 partners from 25 countries to promote a unified standard for Direct Current (DC) installations by providing rules for the manufacture and installation of compatible equipment that can operate safely in localized DC power distribution networks. Partners include electricity stakeholders, construction firms, certification companies, trade groups, universities and more. KONE will put the Current/OS approach in action to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) for an elevator powered in DC, showcasing the potential gains in energy efficiency and contributing to a more stable and resilient electricity infrastructure. This partnership reaffirms KONE’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the development of more efficient and resilient urban mobility solutions.
Leveraging DC for More Resilient Lift Systems
Integrating DC in lifts offers significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency, durability and reliability. By recovering and reinjecting the energy generated while braking, these systems reduce losses and optimize electricity consumption.DC-powered systems are also better suited for renewable energies, better integrating solar panels and energy storage systems. As a result, lifts become nearly self-sufficient in energy, drawing minimum energy from the public grid. In addition superfluous AC/DC conversions are avoided, making electrical distribution more stable, limiting breakdowns and making systems more resilient and secure. For Tomio Pihkala, executive vice president, Technology & Innovation at KONE, said:
“It is essential to rethink our infrastructures for a successful energy transition. The adoption of DC in elevators is an important step towards making our buildings more efficient and sustainable, and we aim to pave the way for a new generation of smarter, more efficient and more sustainable lifts.”
KONE and Current/OS are also exploring the possibility of installing a DC lift in the DC Systems Experience Center in Aalsmeer, Netherlands, a space dedicated to demonstrating the energy solutions of tomorrow. The project aims to raise awareness among construction professionals and decisionmakers of the tangible benefits of DC power while providing experts with laboratories to test new concepts.
A New Ecosystem in the Making
Despite a number of everyday appliances, such as smartphones and computers, operating in DC, it has not been sufficiently exploited to exchange power between devices due to a lack of international standards. Deeply aware of this barrier to innovation, the Current/OS Foundation is committed to filling this gap by providing a secure and standardized framework to integrate DC in power distribution networks. With power generation becoming increasingly decentralized, notably through the use of photovoltaic solar panels, Current/ OS is bringing together manufacturers and service providers around common standards. These ensure cross-compatible and safe DC appliances, accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. Yannick Neyret, president of the Current/OS Foundation, said:
“Direct current is one of numerous tools at our disposal to make a success of the energy transition. Developing a norm for power distribution in DC remains a collective effort. We are grateful to our partners who are deploying projects demonstrating the feasibility and the advantages of DC, with the lift being a valuable example of the same.”
About KONE
Titan is part of the Hyperion Solutions family of elevator brands, delivering robustly manufactured mechanical components including sheaves, worm and gear sets, expert mechanical repair services and field-proven safety products that keep people moving with confidence. From retrofit kits to OEM components, Titan’s focus is on engineering practical solutions that elevate performance and reliability in At KONE, our purpose is to shape the future of cities. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE moves two billion people every day, making their journeys safe,mconvenient and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow®. In 2024, KONE had annual sales of EUR11 billion (US$12.8 billion), and at the end of the year, more than 60,000 employees in close to 70 countries. KONE class B shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. in Finland.
Get more of Elevator World. Sign up for our free e-newsletter.
