درایو سری آسانسور و بالابر L زیما

XIMA L-Series Elevator and Lift Drives | Specialized Motor Control

The XIMA L-Series Elevator and Lift Drives are application-specific variable frequency drives (VFDs) designed to control electric motors in traction elevators, industrial lifts, cranes, and related lifting equipment. By regulating motor speed and torque, these drives manage acceleration, travel, deceleration, and stopping while providing dedicated functions for coordination with elevator controllers and mechanical braking systems.

XIMA elevator drives support open-loop motor control and, in compatible configurations, closed-loop control with encoder feedback. Depending on the model and control configuration, they can be used with geared induction motors and gearless permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs).

The official XIMA L-Series technical brochure covers 17 drive variants from 1.5 kW to 55 kW, while the current online product category lists 11 models from 1.5 kW to 15 kW. Differences in power ratings, electrical specifications, and control capabilities allow a suitable drive to be evaluated according to motor type, elevator capacity, and motion control requirements.

What Is an Elevator Drive and How Does It Control Motion?

In an elevator system, the electric motor generates the mechanical power required to move the elevator car. However, controlled elevator movement requires considerably more than switching the motor on and off.

Acceleration during departure, speed regulation throughout travel, deceleration when approaching a floor, and final stopping all depend on coordinated motor control.

An elevator drive, also referred to as an elevator VFD or elevator inverter, regulates motor output voltage and frequency to control speed and torque according to commands from the elevator control system.

In a typical traction elevator, the main control arrangement can be represented as:

Elevator Controller → XIMA Drive → Electric Motor → Traction Sheave and Elevator Mechanical System

The elevator controller manages operating logic, floor requests, travel commands, and coordination with other equipment. The drive controls the motor’s electrical output in response to the commands received.

XIMA elevator drives also incorporate functions related to mechanical brake sequencing, travel profile configuration, and communication with external control inputs and outputs.

However, an elevator drive does not replace the elevator controller, safety circuit, overspeed governor, mechanical brake, or other mandatory safety components.

Technical Features of XIMA L-Series Elevator Drives

Motor Speed and Torque Control Throughout Elevator Travel

The operating requirements of an elevator motor change throughout the travel cycle.

At startup, the motor must develop sufficient torque to control the mechanical load. During normal travel, speed and torque must remain coordinated with the elevator controller and the current loading conditions.

XIMA drives provide configurable parameters for motor speed, acceleration, deceleration, and stopping.

The technical documentation includes settings for rated travel speed, leveling speed, initial acceleration, stopping deceleration, and jerk, which describes the rate of change of acceleration.

These parameters are used to establish the elevator’s motion profile and must be configured according to the motor characteristics, elevator capacity, and mechanical properties of the installation.

Proper motion profile configuration can help reduce abrupt acceleration changes and improve the control of car movement.

Nevertheless, overall ride quality also depends on the mechanical system, encoder performance, elevator controller, and drive configuration.

Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Motor Control

One of the main differences between elevator drive configurations is the method used to control the electric motor.

In open-loop control, the drive operates the motor without direct encoder feedback, using its control algorithm and configured motor parameters to regulate operation.

This method can be used in compatible applications involving asynchronous induction motors.

In closed-loop control, encoder feedback provides information that allows the drive to regulate motor operation with greater precision.

XIMA drive models equipped with closed-loop control can use encoder feedback for asynchronous motors and, in dedicated configurations, permanent magnet synchronous motors used in gearless elevators.

The appropriate control method depends on the motor type, encoder specifications, and capabilities of the selected drive.

Not every L-Series model should be assumed to provide the same closed-loop control functions.

Automatic Motor Parameter Identification (Auto Learning)

Accurate motor control requires the drive parameters to be matched to the electrical and operating characteristics of the connected motor.

XIMA supports Auto Learning, also known as motor parameter identification, in applicable configurations.

This function identifies information needed by the motor control algorithm and supports a more structured drive commissioning process.

For models designed to control gearless synchronous motors, additional configuration may involve encoder settings and rotor position information.

Automatic motor identification must be performed according to the instructions for the selected drive model, with appropriate electrical and mechanical safety precautions.

Mechanical Brake Sequencing

In traction elevators, the timing of mechanical brake release and engagement must be coordinated with motor torque production and travel commands.

XIMA elevator drives incorporate functions related to Brake Sequencing.

These functions allow relevant delays and operating conditions to be configured for motor startup, drive output activation, brake release, and motor stopping.

Correct coordination between the drive, elevator controller, and mechanical brake is important for controlling movement during departure and arrival.

Incorrect brake timing or configuration can result in startup jerks, unintended movement, or unsatisfactory stopping behaviour.

For this reason, brake wiring and control parameters must be evaluated against the actual elevator control circuit and applicable safety requirements.

Position Control and Elevator Rollback Reduction

In traction elevator systems, particularly gearless installations, differences in load torque and motor control conditions during brake release may cause a short period of unintended car movement.

This phenomenon is commonly known as elevator rollback or back roll.

XIMA technical documentation describes functions associated with managing motor behaviour during the transition from standstill to motion in compatible gearless configurations.

Through appropriate motor control and encoder feedback, these functions help manage motor position and torque during the initial movement phase.

Their effectiveness depends on the capabilities of the selected drive, encoder configuration, motor identification, and mechanical brake coordination.

Floor Approach and Elevator Leveling Control

A critical part of elevator travel is the transition from normal running speed to the final stopping position at the destination floor.

XIMA drives provide speed, acceleration, deceleration, and stopping parameters that can be configured to manage motor behaviour during floor approach.

The technical documentation describes methods such as Distance Approach and, for specific gearless closed-loop configurations, Direct Approach.

Direct Approach is not a universal feature across all XIMA elevator drive models. Its availability must be confirmed for the selected model and control method.

Final leveling accuracy also depends on floor sensors, elevator controller commands, mechanical characteristics, and encoder configuration.

Emergency Rescue Mode

During a power failure, elevator operation must be managed according to the installed emergency rescue system and applicable safety requirements.

XIMA elevator drive documentation includes functions associated with Emergency Rescue Mode.

In compatible configurations, these functions can support controlled elevator movement using a suitable emergency power source, such as an appropriately specified UPS.

The available settings cover aspects of rescue operation, emergency power capacity, operating speed, and control input activation.

Implementing rescue operation requires suitable emergency power equipment, control circuits, and complete coordination with the elevator safety system.

The presence of a rescue function in the drive does not, by itself, mean that the elevator has a complete and operational emergency rescue system.

XIMA Elevator and Lift Drive Models

The XIMA L-Series technical brochure presents models with power ratings ranging from 1.5 kW to 55 kW, organised into different enclosure sizes and electrical supply classes.

The published range includes single-phase 220 V AC input configurations and three-phase 380 V AC input configurations.

The model groups can be described according to power rating and enclosure size:

• Single-phase 220 V input models: Available in 1.5, 2.2, and 3 kW ratings with B-size enclosures. These models use a single-phase 220 V AC input and provide a three-phase 220 V motor output.
• Three-phase B-size models: Include 1.5, 2.2, 3, 4, and 5.5 kW ratings. They are designed for the three-phase 380 V input and output voltage class.
• C-size models: Cover 7.5, 11, and 15 kW ratings and are intended for evaluation with compatible three-phase motors according to the rated output current and operating requirements.
• D-size models: Include 18.5, 22, and 30 kW ratings within the three-phase 380 V class.
• E-size models: Cover the higher power ratings of 37, 45, and 55 kW, representing the largest power group documented in the published L-Series brochure.

This grouping describes the electrical power range and enclosure sizes rather than identical control capabilities across all models.

Motor compatibility, encoder support, gearless motor control, and specialized floor approach functions must be evaluated separately for each drive configuration.

Selecting an appropriate XIMA elevator drive requires consideration of rated motor current, voltage, motor type, control method, and the motion control requirements of the installation.

For detailed model information, rated currents, dimensions, and technical characteristics, refer to the XIMA L-Series Technical Overview.

XIMA Elevator Drives for Geared and Gearless Motors

Geared Elevator Motor Control

In a geared traction elevator, the electric motor is connected to the traction sheave through a gearbox.

These systems commonly use asynchronous induction motors, with the drive regulating motor speed and torque according to the elevator’s operating conditions.

Compatible XIMA drive models can be configured for geared motor applications using open-loop or closed-loop control, depending on the available drive functions.

The control method should be selected according to the motor specifications, feedback equipment, and required motion characteristics.

Gearless Elevator Motor Control

In a gearless elevator, the traction sheave is connected directly to the motor assembly without an intermediate reduction gearbox.

Many gearless systems use Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs).

In these applications, rotor position information and encoder feedback are particularly important for motor torque production and movement control.

XIMA models designed for closed-loop synchronous motor control include settings related to motor parameters, encoder direction, encoder offset, and motion control.

Gearless motor control capabilities must not be attributed to every L-Series model.

Compatibility depends on the drive hardware, firmware, feedback interface, and selected motor control method.

Applications of XIMA Elevator and Lift Drives

Passenger Traction Elevators

In passenger traction elevators, controlling startup, acceleration, rated travel speed, deceleration, and stopping is essential to the drive system’s operation.

The XIMA elevator drive receives the necessary commands from the elevator controller and regulates motor output according to the configured motion profile.

Motor type, car capacity, rated speed, and mechanical design all influence drive selection and configuration.

Freight Elevators

In freight elevators, variations in transported load may significantly affect the torque required during startup and travel.

Drive selection must therefore consider motor rated current, overload capability, loading conditions, and the mechanical characteristics of the system.

Two motors with identical rated power may have different startup and control requirements depending on their applications.

Industrial Lifting Equipment

In industrial lifting systems, a lift inverter may be used to regulate motor speed and torque while coordinating motion with the control and braking equipment.

Load type, starting frequency, direction changes, and stopping conditions are important considerations in these applications.

For equipment carrying suspended loads, the drive and its control method must be integrated with the mechanical design and safety requirements of the lifting system.

Cranes and Load Handling Equipment

XIMA’s lifting drive family is also described for suitable crane and load-handling applications.

Motor control requirements in such equipment depend on the motor type, braking system, load characteristics, and operating conditions.

The suitability of a specific drive model for a crane must be established according to the equipment’s technical requirements and applicable safety standards.

Not all cranes and lifting systems share the same control or protection requirements.

XIMA Elevator Drives vs. General-Purpose Industrial VFDs

General-purpose industrial variable frequency drives are used to control electric motors in applications such as conveyors, fans, machinery, and production equipment.

An elevator drive, by comparison, must also coordinate motor operation with brake sequencing, travel commands, speed profiles, and stopping requirements specific to elevator systems.

XIMA L-Series drives incorporate application-oriented functions, including:

• Configurable travel speeds and acceleration profiles for different movement stages.
• Control functions associated with mechanical brake sequencing.
• Digital inputs and outputs for communication with elevator control equipment.
• Inspection mode configuration.
• Emergency rescue functions in compatible configurations.
• Closed-loop motor control and encoder feedback in equipped models.
• Floor approach and stopping functions.

These features distinguish application-specific elevator drives from many conventional industrial VFDs in terms of operating software and commissioning requirements.

However, correct operation still depends on proper controller integration, suitable safety equipment, and specialized configuration.

Engineering Considerations for Selecting a XIMA Elevator Drive

Electric Motor Specifications

Rated motor power, current, voltage, frequency, and nominal speed are essential inputs for selecting a suitable drive.

The drive’s rated output current must be compatible with the electrical characteristics of the motor and the torque requirements of the elevator system.

Overload capacity and the current required during startup and acceleration must also be considered.

Selecting a drive solely according to the power indicated on the motor nameplate is not sufficient.

Geared or Gearless Motor Configuration

The motor construction determines the control methods that may be required.

For asynchronous induction motors, open-loop or closed-loop operation can be evaluated according to the capabilities of the selected drive.

For gearless synchronous motors, support for the required motor control method and compatible encoder feedback must be confirmed.

Elevator Capacity and Mechanical Characteristics

Rated elevator capacity, travel speed, suspension ratio, car weight, counterweight configuration, and traction system characteristics affect motor loading conditions.

Evaluating the appropriate drive capacity requires information about both the motor and the actual mechanical system.

Encoder and Feedback Requirements

In closed-loop applications, encoder type, signal configuration, pulse resolution, feedback interface compatibility, and encoder direction settings are important.

These considerations are particularly relevant to gearless installations and applications requiring precise motor feedback.

Elevator Controller Compatibility

Digital input and output requirements, direction commands, predefined speeds, enable signals, and brake-related outputs must be compatible with the elevator controller.

Coordination between the drive and the elevator controller is part of the overall motion control design and must be evaluated before commissioning.

Mechanical Braking and Regenerative Energy

In traction elevators, the motor may operate in a regenerative condition during certain parts of the travel cycle, depending on movement direction and the relationship between the car load and counterweight.

In these conditions, the management of regenerated electrical energy and the operation of the braking circuit become important.

XIMA includes provisions for the connection of braking resistors in the documented L-Series configurations.

Resistor value, power rating, and installation requirements must be determined according to the drive model, expected regenerated energy, and manufacturer specifications.

Installation and Commissioning Requirements

XIMA elevator drives must be installed and commissioned by qualified personnel with appropriate knowledge of motor control, elevator controllers, and electrical safety.

As part of the elevator’s power electronic control system, incorrect wiring or inappropriate parameter settings can affect the operation of the installation.

During installation, cabinet ventilation, protective earthing, input protection, motor wiring, control cables, and feedback equipment must be evaluated.

In encoder-based systems, suitable cable routing and electromagnetic interference control are especially important.

Following electrical installation, motor parameters, travel speed profiles, braking sequences, command inputs and outputs, and operating modes must be configured for the actual elevator system.

Where applicable, operation in normal travel, inspection mode, and emergency rescue mode should be evaluated according to the relevant commissioning procedures and safety requirements.

The manufacturer’s published specifications identify an IP20 enclosure protection rating for the documented drive configurations.

An IP20 drive is not intended for direct exposure to moisture, water spray, or substantial dust without an appropriately rated protective enclosure.

Technical Documentation and XIMA Drive Configuration

Official technical documentation is an essential reference for evaluating drive specifications, electrical connections, motor settings, and control functions.

The XIMA elevator drive documentation covers:

• Mechanical and electrical installation requirements.
• Power and control terminals.
• Encoder connections and PG feedback cards.
• Motor parameter configuration and Auto Learning.
• Open-loop and closed-loop motor control.
• Travel speed, acceleration, and brake sequence settings.
• Emergency rescue operating parameters.
• Protective functions, fault codes, and troubleshooting procedures.

The manufacturer’s documentation also provides information about feedback control settings, monitoring functions, and relevant drive parameter groups.

Before applying wiring instructions or parameter values, the documentation revision must be checked against the installed drive model, hardware, and firmware version.

The relevant manuals and technical brochures can be accessed through the XIMA Technical Documentation Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About XIMA Elevator Drives

What Is the Function of a XIMA Elevator Drive?

A XIMA elevator drive regulates the motor’s electrical output to control speed and torque.

It operates according to commands from the elevator controller and contributes to the management of startup, travel, deceleration, and stopping.

Are XIMA Drives Suitable for Geared Elevators?

Yes. Compatible XIMA drive models are designed for asynchronous induction motors used in geared traction elevators.

The appropriate model depends on motor specifications, rated current, power requirements, and the selected control method.

Do XIMA Elevator Drives Support Gearless Motors?

XIMA models equipped with suitable closed-loop synchronous motor control can be used in compatible gearless elevator systems.

This capability is not universal across all L-Series models. The specific drive configuration and encoder system must be evaluated.

What Is the Difference Between Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Elevator Control?

In open-loop control, the drive operates the motor without direct encoder feedback, using the selected control algorithm and configured parameters.

In closed-loop control, motor feedback is incorporated into the control process, allowing more precise regulation of motor operation in compatible applications.

Do XIMA Elevator Drives Support Mechanical Brake Control?

Yes. XIMA elevator drives include functions associated with brake sequencing.

Correct operation depends on appropriate wiring, parameter configuration, and coordination with the elevator controller and mechanical brake.

Do XIMA Elevator Drives Include an Emergency Rescue Mode?

The L-Series documentation describes emergency rescue functions and methods of operating with a suitable alternative power source.

Implementing these functions requires compatible equipment, properly designed circuits, and compliance with the elevator’s safety requirements.

Can a Three-Phase Motor Be Operated from a Single-Phase Supply Using a XIMA Drive?

Specific XIMA models accept a single-phase 220 V AC input and provide a three-phase 220 V motor output.

In such applications, motor rated voltage, current, winding configuration, and system torque requirements must be evaluated before selecting a drive.

Can XIMA Elevator Drives Be Used for Industrial Lifts and Cranes?

The L-Series is described for elevator and lifting applications.

However, the suitability of a particular model for an industrial lift or crane must be determined according to motor control requirements, load characteristics, braking equipment, and the safety requirements of the installation.

Conclusion

The XIMA L-Series Elevator and Lift Drives are designed to manage motor speed, torque, and motion sequences in traction elevators and suitable lifting equipment.

Dedicated travel profile settings, brake sequencing functions, motor parameter identification, and, in equipped models, closed-loop control with encoder feedback are among the principal technical characteristics of this drive family.

The published L-Series technical range extends from 1.5 kW to 55 kW, covering different motor capacities and electrical configurations.

Nevertheless, selecting a suitable drive requires a coordinated assessment of motor characteristics, elevator mechanical design, control method, feedback equipment, and applicable safety requirements.

For technical clarification or to evaluate the compatibility of a XIMA elevator drive with a particular motor, elevator controller, or lifting installation, project specifications can be shared through the XIMA Technical Contact Page.