Energy efficiency of car lifts

There is a wide variety of forklifts on the market with multiple functions, some are designed to move heavy or bulky loads within a company and others are specially designed for the vertical mobility of people. We can also highlight the car lift, a special type of forklift that is used to move vehicles vertically, with or without people inside. They are usually chosen mainly because they occupy a very small space and can be adapted to any location, providing comfort and safety for users. However, one thing that often puts many people off is the energy consumption that can be associated with their use, but there are energy-efficient car lifts,that save energy through various forms of operation.

Saving energy in forklift trucks

When we talk about car lifts, we ultimately mean nothing more and nothing less than a specific model of lift. For this reason, we can say that energy-saving car lifts follow the same energy-saving principles as conventional elevators.

In recent decades, we have become aware as a society of the importance we must attach to the climate emergency. It is imperative to advocate the responsible use of the energy available to us. One way of doing this is to reduce our expenditure by using this type of forklift, which can also mean considerable savings in our pockets. Technological development can be our greatest ally in this respect.

Car lifts that save energy do so in a variety of ways. A key point to ensure optimum consumption is to take into account the operating system they are equipped with. Normally, electric or hydraulic technology is used. However, nowadays we have energy-saving forklifts that implement differences that considerably reduce energy consumption, using similar mechanisms, but which represent an improvement over the first versions of their predecessors.

Typically, one of the most energy-intensive features is elevator lighting. As a result, a dreary space is often created because proper lighting is sacrificed in favour of savings and the user experience suffers. This is not necessary, as there are more attractive alternatives, such as replacing traditional lighting with energy-saving lighting or installing devices that suspend the light when not in use, so that it does not illuminate a space that is completely empty.

In addition, energy-saving car lifts, as the lifts that they are, can be adjusted to a series of measures in order to achieve the highest possible efficiency, for example, through the Eco Inverter system. This method collects the energy produced when the motor is running, i.e. when it is in motion, and reuses it by feeding it back into the electricity grid.

The energy efficiency of car lifts

The energy efficiency of car lifts depends closely on the above characteristics, although it depends on other factors. However, energy-saving car lifts stand out for their efficiency due to the large load capacity they can move over a relatively large range of distance while maintaining a considerable speed.

The most widespread vehicle lifts, due to their power and efficiency, are those that work through the hydraulic method, following Pascal's physical principle. This states that, when pressure is exerted on a liquid body, the resulting force is transmitted to the entire container of the liquid and, in turn, is redirected to the only point available to release it. In lifts, there is an oil, which acts as the liquid, on which the pressure is exerted, and which is transmitted to the pistons or valves by the activation of a hydraulic pump by an electric motor.

The engine is only started when climbing, while no energy is consumed when descending. The valve simply opens, which causes the cabin to lower, releasing its potential force due to the effect of gravity and gradually emptying the pistons of oil, which returns to the hydraulic power unit. Due to the way the lift works, the hydraulic power unit, consisting of the motor and hydraulic unit, is usually located on the lowest floor of the building to facilitate its activity.

In Hidral we have several models of energy efficient car lifts, which adapt to the needs of our customers, whether you are an individual, a community of neighbours or a company. Ideal to solve the problem of vertical mobility of vehicles and their respective occupants in those places where you do not want or it is not possible, due to space limitations, the construction of an access ramp for cars. You do not need to invest a great energy effort in order not to give up your comfort and safety, which is fundamental for us, as we can offer you energy-saving car lifts.