In the present economy, potential property owners are requesting property assessments and existing owners are looking at capital improvements and renovations that will enhance their product.  One reoccurring theme coming from engineering staff members (and contract maintenance) is that many elevator machine rooms housing equipment for hydraulic elevators are not cooling to levels that allow the equipment to function properly.  Some may just stress the equipment, shortening the lifespan, while in some cases, heavily used elevators simply shut down until operating temperatures return.

In several cases, mechanical consultants have been engaged to increase conditioned air into the space.  This can include mechanical contractors, electrical contractors and elevator companies to install additionally designed equipment.  Several “fixes” have been reviewed, after the fact, to have run upwards of $50,000 per room.

One solution for future installations requires the elevator consultant and architect to provide (at least as an alternate), a water-cooled oil heat exchanger.  This “tube” runs chilled water from the hotel plant, through a series of coils and very effectively cool the hydraulic oil used by the elevator equipment.  The second portion of this option requires the mechanical consultant and architect to provide a chilled water supply and return to the elevator machine room.  If this minimum installation is made, the actual heat exchanger can be an easily added option if oil temperatures cannot be maintained.

At a minimum, this solution would extend the life cycle of the equipment. This would also prevent the dilemma of people unable to use an elevator that has shut down and would likewise prevent an expensive remodel under duress.

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