INVT EC160A Elevator Intelligent Machine for International Brand Elevator Retrofit Project in India

Abstract: This case study presents how INVT EC160A intelligent integrated elevator controller was used to retrofit an International Brand elevator in India. The project successfully replaced International Brand proprietary system, improving control performance, reducing operational cost, and demonstrating the potential to break the brand's service monopoly.

Keywords: EC160A, International Brand elevator retrofitting, intelligent integrated machine.

Customer Background
The customer operates a commercial building in India, equipped with International Brand elevators. International Brand is one of the top 5 elevator brands globally, holding a significant market share in India. However, its proprietary control system and motor design result in high maintenance costs, as customers are forced to rely on expensive original parts.

Challenges

• The elevator had stopped working due to a failure in the International Brand control system.

• The customer could not reach a maintenance agreement with International Brand (AMC negotiation failed).

• No compatible third-party controller was available for retrofitting.

• High costs and long service delays led to dissatisfaction and operational downtime.

Solutions
INVT provided the EC160A intelligent integrated machine to replace the entire control system and motor interface of the International Brand elevator.

Key steps included:

• Installing EC160A-011-4(A) control cabinet with enhanced thermal capability.

• Adding a new encoder, sensor, and handheld operator for configuration and debugging.

• Performing encoder adaptation and auto-tuning.

• Setting critical parameters including motor specifications, encoder resolution, and control mode.

Implementation Details

• Lift specifications: 1.7 m/s, 16 floors, 10-person capacity, 10.2 kW synchronous motor.

• Hardware: EC160A control panel, brake resistor, display boards, encoder.

• Debugging: Manual brake release, encoder pulse testing, parameter tuning.

• Special configuration: TCP/IP module added for remote diagnostics.

Component Summary:

Site Motor & Name plate Photos:

Fig 1 International Brand motor nameplate

Fig 2 EC160A control panel

Result

• Elevator successfully restored to full operation.

• Smooth performance with precise motor control and door operation.

• Reduced after-sales service dependency on International Brand.

• Enhanced customer satisfaction due to cost-effective and reliable alternative.

Customer Feedback
The customer expressed high satisfaction with the retrofit results. The project demonstrated the feasibility of EC160A as a reliable replacement for proprietary systems. The customer plans to adopt INVT solutions for future elevator modernization projects.

Conclusion
The project shows that EC160A can effectively replace KONE’s closed elevator control system, offering stable operation and significantly lowering maintenance costs. It opens the market for cost-effective retrofit solutions, giving customers more freedom and flexibility.