Elevator VFD Drives - Professional Lift Control Solutions

Anyhertz Elevator VFD Drives series includes the FST-820, a dedicated elevator VFD drive specifically engineered for passenger elevators, freight lifts, and home elevators ranging from 3.7kW to 30kW. As a leading elevator VFD drive manufacturer, we design our lift inverters to support both permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) and asynchronous induction motors, making them the versatile choice for modernization projects and new installations.

Designed with elevator-specific safety logic and S-curve acceleration profiles, our elevator VFD drives ensure smooth, comfortable rides while meeting stringent international safety standards including EN81-20/50 and GB7588. The built-in 48V emergency rescue function provides automatic power-failure evacuation—critical for passenger safety.

Why Choose Our Elevator VFD Drives for Your Projects?

• Dual Motor Compatibility: Our elevator VFD drives support both PM synchronous and asynchronous motors—perfect for modernization projects
• Superior Ride Comfort: 4-segment S-curve acceleration with independent jerk control eliminates vibration and nausea
• Safety First: Built-in EN81-20 compliant safety circuits including overspeed protection, door zone detection, and forced deceleration
• Emergency Rescue Ready: 48V battery operation for automatic power-failure evacuation (ARD function)
• Pre-Torque Compensation: 200% starting torque at 0Hz ensures smooth takeoff with heavy loads
• Easy Commissioning: Single-key operation panel with RJ45 remote connection simplifies debugging
• Cost Effective: Built-in DC reactor and braking unit reduce external component costs by 30%

Elevator VFD Drive Control Functions

S-Curve Motion Profiling

Unlike standard industrial VFDs, our elevator VFD drives feature 4-segment independent S-curve acceleration/deceleration with adjustable jerk rates. This eliminates the "stomach drop" feeling during start/stop, providing hotel-grade ride comfort even in high-speed elevators up to 4m/s.

• Independent S-curve for acceleration, deceleration, and leveling
• Jerk rate adjustable 0.1-2.0 m/s³
• Automatic vibration suppression algorithm

Pre-Torque & Load Compensation

The starting pre-torque compensation function in our elevator VFD drive calculates load weight before door opening and applies appropriate torque—preventing rollback on heavy loads and eliminating jolt on empty cars. 200% torque at 0Hz ensures confident starts even with 100% unbalanced loads.

• Analog or digital load cell input
• Automatic load weighing system integration
• Compensation accuracy ±5%

48V Emergency Rescue (ARD)

Built-in automatic rescue device function uses 48V battery input to move elevator to nearest floor during power failure. No external ARD controller needed—saving panel space and reducing failure points. Compliant with EN81-20 emergency operation requirements.

• Automatic battery monitoring and charging
• Rescue speed: 0.1-0.3 m/s adjustable
• Voice prompt and lighting control

Multi-Encoder Interface

Our elevator VFD drive supports 5 encoder types including synchronous motor UVW encoders, asynchronous motor incremental encoders, and Sin/Cos encoders. Flexible interface configuration allows modernization of old systems without motor replacement.

• UVW (for PM motors)
• ABZ incremental (up to 100kHz)
• Sin/Cos 1Vpp
• Resolver (optional card)
• SSI absolute encoder (optional)

Elevator Safety Logic

Built-in 40+ elevator safety functions including overspeed protection, door zone detection, forced deceleration judgment, and contactor adhesion detection. Reduces external relay count by 50%, simplifying wiring and improving reliability.

• Overspeed protection: mechanical + electronic dual safety
• Door zone detection: ±5mm accuracy
• Contactor adhesion detection prevents runaway
• Motor overheating protection (PTC input)

Group Control & IoT Ready

Standard RS-485 Modbus RTU with optional CANopen for group control systems. Built-in monitoring software supports remote diagnostics, fault logging, and predictive maintenance—reducing service calls by 40%.

• Group control: up to 8 elevators
• Remote monitoring via 4G/WiFi gateway
• Fault history: last 100 events with timestamp

Elevator VFD Drives Applications by Industry

Passenger Elevators (Residential & Commercial)

From 8-person residential lifts to 21-person high-speed elevators, our elevator VFD drives deliver whisper-quiet operation and smooth acceleration. The S-curve profiling ensures comfort for all passengers, including elderly and children.

Typical configuration: 11kW-22kW for 1.0-2.5m/s speed

Recommended models: FST-820-011T4 (11kW), FST-820-015T4 (15kW), FST-820-022T4 (22kW)

Freight & Goods Elevators

Heavy-load applications demand 200% starting torque and robust overload capacity. Our freight elevator VFD drives feature pre-torque compensation that prevents rollback when loading/unloading, while 180% overload for 1 second handles sudden load changes.

Typical configuration: 15kW-30kW for 2000-5000kg capacity

Recommended models: FST-820-015T4 (15kW), FST-820-022T4 (22kW), FST-820-030T4 (30kW)

Home Elevators (Villa Lifts)

Compact size and silent operation make our home elevator VFD drives ideal for private residences. Single-phase 220V input option (FST-820-3R7S2) allows installation in homes without 3-phase power. Elegant S-curve motion matches premium cabin interiors.

Typical configuration: 3.7kW-5.5kW for 3-5 person lifts

Recommended models: FST-820-3R7T4 (3.7kW), FST-820-5R5T4 (5.5kW)

Hospital & Bed Elevators

Medical applications require zero-vibration leveling for patient safety. Our hospital elevator VFD drives provide precise speed control (±0.05% with closed-loop) ensuring smooth stops for stretchers and medical equipment. Emergency rescue function critical for patient evacuation.

Typical configuration: 11kW-18kW for 1600kg bed lifts

Recommended models: FST-820-011T4 (11kW), FST-820-015T4 (15kW), FST-820-018T4 (18kW)

Elevator Modernization Projects

Upgrade aging DC drives or old AC drives while keeping existing motors. Our modernization elevator VFD drives feature flexible encoder interface supporting both old tachometer generators and modern encoders. Dual motor support allows gradual fleet upgrades.

Typical configuration: Match existing motor power (5.5kW-22kW)

Recommended models: FST-820-5R5T4 to FST-820-022T4 based on existing motor

Car Parking Systems (Automated)

Automated mechanical parking systems require precise positioning and high duty cycles. Our elevator VFD drives provide 150% overload capacity and 1:1000 speed range to handle frequent start/stop operations while maintaining ±5mm positioning accuracy.

Typical configuration: 7.5kW-15kW for 2-3 ton vehicle lifts

Recommended models: FST-820-7R5T4 (7.5kW), FST-820-011T4 (11kW), FST-820-015T4 (15kW)

Elevator VFD Drives Technical Specifications & Model Selection

Complete Power Range for Elevator VFD Drive Applications

Core Performance Parameters for Elevator VFD Drives

• Control Modes:
  • Open-loop vector (SVC) for PM motors - speed accuracy ±0.5%
  • Closed-loop vector (FVC) with encoder - speed accuracy ±0.05%
  • V/F control for simple applications
• Starting Torque: 180% at 0.5Hz (SVC), 200% at 0Hz (FVC)
• Speed Range: 1:100 (SVC), 1:1000 (FVC)
• Overload Capacity: 150% for 60 seconds, 180% for 1 second
• Carrier Frequency: 0.5-16kHz (auto-adjust based on load)
• Acceleration/Deceleration: 4 groups of S-curve settings, 0.01-600s
• Positioning Accuracy: ±5mm with closed-loop encoder

Elevator Safety & Protection Functions

• 40+ Protection Functions: Overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, phase loss, ground fault, motor overload
• Elevator-Specific Safety: Overspeed protection, door zone detection, forced deceleration, contactor adhesion detection
• Emergency Functions: 48V battery operation, power-failure rescue, fire emergency return
• Environmental: -10°C to +40°C, <95% RH, altitude <1000m (derate above)

Communication & I/O for Elevator VFD Drive Systems

• Standard: RS-485 with Modbus RTU
• Optional: CANopen for group control, Profibus-DP
• Digital Input: 10 channels (programmable)
• Digital Output: 3 channels + 2 relay outputs
• Analog I/O: 3 inputs (0-10V/4-20mA), 2 outputs
• Pulse I/O: 1 high-speed pulse input (100kHz), 1 pulse output

Elevator VFD Drives vs Standard VFDs & Competitors

Key Advantage: Our elevator VFD drives (FST-820 series) match the performance of Monarch NICE320 and Yaskawa L1000A at a 25-40% lower price point, while offering more flexible encoder options and built-in ARD functionality. For elevator contractors and modernization projects, this means premium performance without premium pricing.

When to Choose Our Elevator VFD Drives?

• New Installations: Cost-effective alternative to Monarch/Yaskawa with identical performance
• Modernization: Dual motor support allows gradual upgrades without replacing motors
• Export Projects: EN81-20/GB7588 dual certification for global markets
• Maintenance Contracts: Remote monitoring reduces service calls and improves response time

Elevator VFD Drives Customer Success Stories

★★★★★ 4.9/5 based on 189 elevator installations worldwide

Recent Elevator VFD Drive Projects

• Jakarta Office Tower (2024): 24 units FST-820-015T4 for 21-person high-speed elevators (2.5m/s)
• Bangkok Hospital Complex (2023): 18 units FST-820-011T4 for 1600kg bed elevators with emergency rescue
• São Paulo Residential (2023): 36 units FST-820-7R5T4 for modernization of 1980s elevator systems
• Istanbul Shopping Mall (2023): 12 units FST-820-022T4 for heavy-duty freight elevators (3000kg)
• Singapore Villa Development (2022): 20 units FST-820-3R7T4 for luxury home elevators (single-phase 220V)
• Mexico City Parking Tower (2022): 8 units FST-820-030T4 for automated car parking system

Elevator VFD Drives FAQs

What are Elevator VFD Drives and how do they differ from standard VFDs?

Elevator VFD drives (also called lift inverters or elevator motor controllers) are specialized variable frequency drives designed specifically for vertical transportation systems. Unlike standard industrial VFDs, elevator VFD drives feature 4-segment S-curve acceleration, pre-torque compensation, and built-in safety logic compliant with EN81-20/50 standards. They are optimized for smooth passenger comfort and emergency rescue functions, making them essential for modern elevator systems.

Can FST-820 Elevator VFD Drive replace my old Monarch or STEP elevator drive?

Yes, the FST-820 elevator VFD drive is designed as a drop-in replacement for Monarch NICE320, STEP AS380, and other popular elevator drives. It supports the same PM and asynchronous motors, and the I/O configuration is compatible with most existing control systems. We provide parameter conversion guides to migrate settings from Monarch/STEP to FST-820, minimizing commissioning time.

What's the difference between FST-820 and other Elevator VFD Drive series?

FST-820 is our standard elevator VFD drive (3.7-30kW) for most passenger and freight applications. FST-860 adds group control functionality for 2-8 elevator banks with intelligent dispatching. FST-880 is the high-speed series (up to 6m/s) with enhanced S-curve algorithms for skyscraper applications. Choose based on your speed and control requirements.

Does your Elevator VFD Drive support home elevators with single-phase 220V power?

Yes! The FST-820-3R7S2 model of our home elevator VFD drive supports single-phase 220V input to three-phase 220V output (3.7kW), perfect for residential home elevators where 3-phase power isn't available. It maintains all elevator-specific functions including S-curve control and 48V emergency rescue, making it ideal for villa and luxury home installations.

How do I configure the S-curve in your Elevator VFD Drive for optimal ride comfort?

Our elevator VFD drives provide 4 independent S-curve segments: acceleration, deceleration, leveling start, and leveling end. For standard passenger elevators, we recommend: jerk rate 0.8-1.2 m/s³, acceleration 0.8-1.0 m/s². For hospital elevators, reduce to 0.5-0.8 m/s³ for gentler motion. Our Commissioning Guide provides recommended settings for different elevator types, or contact our technical team for custom tuning.

What encoder do I need for a permanent magnet synchronous motor with your Elevator VFD Drive?

For PM synchronous motors, our elevator VFD drive requires a UVW encoder (also called commutation encoder) with 1024-4096 pulses per revolution. The UVW signals provide rotor position information for precise torque control. We support both incremental UVW (ABZ+UVW) and absolute encoders (SSI). Check your motor datasheet or contact our engineers to verify compatibility.

Is your Elevator VFD Drive certified for European and American markets?

Our elevator VFD drives (FST-820 series) hold CE certification for European markets and comply with EN81-20/50 elevator safety standards. For North America, we provide CSA-compliant versions meeting ASME A17.1 standards. UL certification is in progress (expected Q4 2024). Contact us for specific market requirements and documentation.

How to select the right Elevator VFD Drive for passenger vs freight elevators?

When selecting an elevator VFD drive for passenger elevators, prioritize S-curve comfort and low noise (11kW-22kW models). For freight elevator VFD drives, focus on high starting torque (200% at 0Hz) and overload capacity (15kW-30kW models). Our technical team provides free consultation for elevator VFD drive selection based on your specific load, speed, and safety requirements.