Noise and vibration measurements of a machine-room-less elevator system

Abstract

A trend in the design of new condominium buildings is the use of “machine-room less” (MRL) elevator systems. The primary difference between MRL elevator systems and more traditional elevator systems is that, rather than locating the hoist machinery in a rooftop penthouse, the hoist machinery is installed in the elevator shaft. In this location (which is typically closer to residential units), there is greater potential for the operation of the machinery to result in complaints from residents of excessive noise and vibration levels. This paper presents a case study of noise and vibration measurements that were conducted in a condominium building with a MRL elevator system. Measurements were conducted both within the affected residential unit as well as in the elevator shaft. In conducting the measurements, particular attention was paid to determining the effectiveness of the vibration isolation that was provided for the elevator hoist machinery within the elevator shaft.