SRINIVAS UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

(SUBJECT: HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS)

(SUBJECT CODE:19SME731)

A MINIPROJECT REPORT ON

“Application of Hydraulic System in power lift”

Submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Submitted By,
RITHIC SAI
1SU21ME711

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Mr.VARADARAJ S
Professor

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SRINIVAS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

MUKKA, MANGALURU-574146

2023-2024
 SRINIVAS UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Department of Mechanical Engineering

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that, Mr RITHIC SAI USN No. 1SU21ME711

has satisfactorily completed the assessment (Case Study) in
Hydraulics And Pneumatics(19SME731) prescribed by the
Srinivas University for the 7th semester B.Tech course during the
year 2023.

MARKS AWARDED

Staff Incharge
Name:Mr.Varadaraj S
Date:

2
 ABSTRACT
Hydraulic elevators have been a reliable and cost-effective solution for vertical
transportation in low to mid-rise buildings. This abstract provides a concise overview
of hydraulic elevators, including their working principle, components, advantages,
disadvantages, applications, and safety considerations.

These elevators operate on the principle of hydraulic fluid pressure, using a hydraulic
pump to move the elevator car. They are known for their smooth and quiet operation,
making them suitable for residential and office buildings. Cost-effectiveness, ease of
retrofitting, and reliability are key advantages. However, limitations in terms of speed,
height, space requirements, and environmental concerns should be considered. These
elevators operate on the principle of hydraulic fluid pressure, using a hydraulic pump
to move the elevator car. They are known for their smooth and quiet operation,
making them suitable for residential and office buildings. Cost-effectiveness, ease of
retrofitting, and reliability are key advantages. However, limitations in terms of speed,
height, space requirements, and environmental concerns should be considered.

Hydraulic elevators are commonly employed in various buildings, particularly where

space and budget constraints exist. Regular maintenance and attention to safety are
crucial, ensuring the continued performance and safety of these vertical transportation
systems. Understanding the features and considerations associated with hydraulic
elevators is vital for making informed decisions in building design and maintenance.

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 CONTENTS

SI N0 Title Pg. no.

1 Introduction 05

2 What Is Hydraulic Elevators and Working 06

Principle
3 What are the Components of Hydraulic 07

Elevators
4 Applications of Hydraulic Elevators 08

5 Advantages Of Hydraulic Elevators 09

6 Disadvantages Of Hydraulic Elevators 10

7 Conclusion 11

8 References 12

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 Introduction
Hydraulic elevators are a type of vertical transportation system used to move people
and goods between different levels of a building. They operate on a simple yet
effective principle: the use of hydraulic fluid to lift and lower an elevator car within a
hoistway. This technology has been in use for many years and remains a popular
choice for specific applications.

The key component of hydraulic elevators is a hydraulic cylinder, typically located

beneath or beside the elevator hoistway. Inside the cylinder is a piston that moves up
and down as hydraulic fluid is pumped into or released from the cylinder. This
movement of the piston results in the vertical motion of the elevator car.
One of the primary advantages of hydraulic elevators is their smooth and quiet
operation, making them suitable for residential and low to mid-rise commercial
buildings. They are cost-effective to install and maintain, and they are often the
preferred choice when retrofitting elevators into existing structures.
However, hydraulic elevators also have limitations, including their relatively slower
speed and height capabilities compared to other elevator types. They require a
separate machine room and a pit, which can be space-consuming, and the hydraulic
oil used can pose environmental concerns if not managed properly.
Despite their limitations, hydraulic elevators play a vital role in various building
scenarios, providing a practical and reliable means of vertical transportation.
Understanding their features and considerations is essential when determining their
suitability for specific applications.

What is Hydraulic Elevators and Working Principle?

Hydraulic elevators are a type of vertical transportation system commonly used in
various buildings to move people and goods between different levels. They operate

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on the principle of using hydraulic fluid to lift and lower an elevator car within an
elevator hoistway.
Hydraulic lifts work on a basic principle: to go up, a pump pushes oil into the
cylinder, pushing the piston (which pushes the lift car) up. To go down, the valve
opens and oil is allowed to flow back into the reservoir, and is pushed back using the
gravitational force of the lift car.

What are the Components of Hydraulic Elevators?

Hydraulic elevators consist of several key components that work together to facilitate
vertical transportation. These components include:

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1.)Elevator Car:The elevator car is the platform that carries passengers or goods
between different floors. It's the visible part of the elevator that occupants enter and
exit.

2.)Hoistway:The hoistway is the vertical shaft within which the elevator car moves.
It provides a guided path for the car's movement and ensures safety.

3.)Hydraulic Cylinder:The hydraulic cylinder is a steel tube or shaft located either

beneath or beside the hoistway. Inside the cylinder is a piston, which is responsible
for moving the elevator car. The hydraulic fluid exerts pressure on the piston to lift
the car.

4.)Hydraulic Fluid:Hydraulic elevators use a specialized hydraulic fluid, typically

oil, which is pressurized and released to facilitate the movement of the piston. The
hydraulic fluid is essential for the elevator's operation

5.)Hydraulic Pump:The hydraulic pump is responsible for pressurizing the hydraulic

fluid. When the pump activates, it pushes hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinder,
which in turn moves the piston and lifts the elevator car. The pump is controlled by
the elevator's control system.

6.)Control System: The control system manages the operation of the elevator. It
includes controls for starting and stopping the elevator, as well as ensuring that it
levels correctly at each floor. Safety features, such as emergency stop buttons and
interlocks, are also part of the control system.

7.)Counterweight: Some hydraulic elevators include a counterweight. The

counterweight helps balance the elevator car's load, reducing the energy required to
lift it and enhancing the overall efficiency of the system.

8.)Safety Mechanisms: Hydraulic elevators are equipped with several safety

mechanisms, including pressure relief valves, safety valves, and emergency brakes.
These features ensure the safety of passengers in the event of a malfunction or
emergency.

9.)Machine Room (if applicable): In some hydraulic elevator installations, a

separate machine room is provided to house the hydraulic pump, control equipment,
and other necessary components. The machine room can be located near the hoistway
or at some distance from it, depending on the design.

Applications of Hydraulic Elevators:

Hydraulic elevators have a range of applications in various types of buildings and
structures, particularly in scenarios where their specific features and advantages are
valuable. Some common applications of hydraulic elevators include:

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1.)Low to Mid-Rise Buildings:Hydraulic elevators are commonly used in buildings
with a moderate number of floors, typically up to five or six stories. They provide
efficient vertical transportation in such structures.

2.)Residential Buildings:Hydraulic elevators are frequently installed in residential

settings, including single-family homes, apartment complexes, and condominiums.
They offer residents a convenient and reliable means of moving between floors.

3.)Educational Institutions:Schools, colleges, and universities utilize hydraulic

elevators to make multiple floors accessible to students, teachers, and staff, including
individuals with mobility challenges

4.)Medical Facilities:Hospitals and healthcare institutions employ hydraulic

elevators for patient transport, the movement of medical equipment, and the
convenience of medical personnel.

5.)Small to Mid-Sized Office Buildings:In office complexes with a limited number

of floors, hydraulic elevators are cost-effective and practical, providing employees
and visitors with vertical transportation.

6.)Hospitality Industry:Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments use

hydraulic elevators to facilitate guest access to different floors and accommodation
levels, along with their luggage.

7.)Retail and Shopping Centers:Some shopping malls and retail structures with a
moderate number of floors employ hydraulic elevators to enhance the shopping
experience and goods transportation.

8.)Public Buildings:Government buildings, municipal facilities, and community

centers utilize hydraulic elevators to improve accessibility for the general public.

9.)Private Residences:Hydraulic home elevators are increasingly popular for

residential use, offering homeowners a convenient and space-saving method of
moving between floors within their homes.

Advantages of Hydraulic Elevators:

Hydraulic elevators offer several advantages that make them a practical choice for
specific applications. Some of their key advantages include:

1.)Smooth and Quiet Operation:Hydraulic elevators are known for their quiet and
vibration-free operation. This makes them particularly suitable for residential
buildings, schools, and settings where noise is a concern.

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2.)Cost-Effective:Hydraulic elevators are often more cost-effective to install and
maintain compared to other elevator types. They have lower initial costs, making
them a preferred choice for budget-conscious projects.

3.)Reliability:Hydraulic elevators have a history of reliable performance. They are

well-suited for buildings where reliability is a top priority.

4.)Ease of Retrofitting:Retrofitting hydraulic elevators into existing buildings is

relatively straightforward. They typically require fewer structural modifications,
making them a practical option for older structures

5.)Energy Efficiency:Hydraulic elevators are energy-efficient, especially during

standby periods. Their design allows for the efficient use of power, contributing to
energy savings.

6.)Safety Features:Modern hydraulic elevators come equipped with a range of safety

features, including emergency brakes, pressure relief valves, and safety interlocks,
ensuring the safety of passengers.

7.)Flexibility in Pit Depth:Hydraulic elevators provide flexibility in pit depth

requirements, allowing them to be installed in buildings with varying foundation
depths.

8.)Sustainability:Some hydraulic elevator systems use biodegradable hydraulic

fluids, reducing environmental impact. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan,
contributing to sustainability efforts.

9.)Space-Saving:Hydraulic elevators do not require a machine room, making them

space-efficient and allowing for more usable floor area.

10.)Residential Use:Hydraulic home elevators are becoming increasingly popular

due to their quiet operation and compact design, providing homeowners with a
convenient means of vertical transportation within their residences.

Disadvantages of Hydraulic Elevators:

Hydraulic elevators, while offering several advantages, also come with certain
disadvantages and limitations. It's essential to consider these drawbacks when
determining whether hydraulic elevators are suitable for a particular application.
Some of the disadvantages of hydraulic elevators include:

1.)Limited Speed and Height:Hydraulic elevators are typically slower than other
types of elevators, such as traction elevators. They are best suited for low to mid-rise
buildings and are not suitable for tall structures due to their speed limitations.

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2.)Space Requirements:Hydraulic elevators require a separate machine room or a
significant space beside or below the hoistway for the hydraulic equipment. This can
limit their use in buildings with space constraints.

3.)Environmental Concerns:The hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic elevators can

pose environmental concerns if not managed properly. Spills or leaks of hydraulic
fluid can be harmful to the environment and require careful handling and containment.

4.)Maintenance and Repairs:While hydraulic elevators are generally reliable,

maintenance and repairs can be more complex and costly than some other elevator
types. This is because servicing the hydraulic components, such as the hydraulic
cylinder and pump, may require specialized knowledge and equipment.

5.)Energy Consumption During Operation:Hydraulic elevators consume more

energy during operation, particularly when the hydraulic fluid needs to be pressurized.
This can lead to higher energy costs, especially in high-traffic buildings.

6.)Elevator Pit and Machine Room:The need for a pit below the hoistway and a
machine room or space for hydraulic equipment can result in additional construction
and design requirements.

7.)Reliance on Hydraulic Oil:The hydraulic system depends on hydraulic oil to

operate. A failure or leakage of this fluid can disrupt elevator operation and pose
maintenance challenges.

8.)Safety and Emergency Evacuation:Hydraulic elevators may not offer the same
level of emergency evacuation capabilities as other types of elevators, which can be a
concern in certain buildings.

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 Conclusion
In In conclusion, hydraulic elevators represent a practical and reliable solution for
vertical transportation in various buildings and structures, particularly those with
specific space and budget considerations. These elevators operate on the principle of
hydraulic fluid pressure, providing quiet and smooth movement between different
floors.

The advantages of hydraulic elevators, such as cost-effectiveness, smooth operation,

and ease of retrofitting, make them a preferred choice for low to mid-rise buildings,
residential structures, and applications where noise control and budget constraints are
paramount. Their history of reliability further underscores their value.

However, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of hydraulic elevators,

including speed and height constraints, space requirements, and environmental
considerations. Careful maintenance and attention to safety are essential for ensuring
the long-term performance of these systems.

Ultimately, the decision to use hydraulic elevators should be made based on the
specific needs and constraints of the building or project. Understanding the
advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic elevators is crucial for making informed
decisions in elevator design and installation, ensuring that the chosen system aligns
with the unique requirements of the structure and its occupants.

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 References
1. https://www.crownelevator.com/hydraulic-elevators/
2. https://www.stanleyelevator.com/blog/hydraulic-elevators/
3. https://homeelevators.com/hydraulic-elevators/
4. https://riseaboveelevator.com/2020/07/20/hydraulic-elevators-what-you-need-
to-know/
5. https://youtu.be/rKp4pe92ljg?si=mEPt_UZEfGyDXxK3
6. https://youtu.be/jF6JS4qwBt0?si=knxMBh9wRZ_mXd_-

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