INVT GD390L Lift-dedicated VFD in OTIS Elevator Modernization Project in Peru

Background 

As elevator technology advances, aging branded elevator systems face rising maintenance costs and declining performance. In the Peruvian market, there is increasing demand for cost-effective and modern elevator retrofit solutions. INVT GD390L elevator drive, a next-generation high-performance elevator-specific drive, was developed using advanced control technology to address such needs.

The GD390L integrates multiple safety and performance-enhancing functions including:
•    Standard STO (SIL3) and electronic star shorting for PM motors
•    Support for open/closed loop control, geared and PM motors
•    Static and rotational motor tuning
•    Multiple encoder types: incremental, SIN/COS, ENDAT, SSI
•    Advanced S-Curve acceleration/deceleration algorithm for ride comfort
•    Emergency rescue mode with light-load direction search
•    Built-in LCD keypad, optional LED keypad
•    CAN bus/RS485 communication, optional built-in C2 filter

This case involves the modernization of an OTIS elevator in a multi-story villa-style residence in Peru, where ride comfort and system stability are especially important due to the single-elevator configuration. 

Customer Needs

The customer faced several challenges with the aging OTIS elevator system:

1.  Declining Reliability: The original system had become unstable after years of use.
2. Rising Maintenance Costs: High ongoing costs prompted the need for an affordable alternative.
3. Need for Smooth Operation: The residence required improved ride quality and quiet performance.
4.  Space and Safety Compliance: A compact system with built-in safety features was essential.

INVT Solution 

To address these needs, INVT provided the GD390L inverter solution with enhanced features tailored for the retrofit:

•    Open-loop vector control mode for precise motion and speed regulation
•    Advanced S-Curve algorithm for soft starts/stops, boosting ride comfort
•    Torque compensation to prevent rollback during startup
•    Emergency rescue function with AC220V UPS support
•    Built-in LCD keypad and flexible debugging methods

Elevator system configuration:
•    Drive: GD390L-7R5G-2-C2 (1 unit)
•    Geared Motor: OTIS, 5kW, AC220V (1 unit)
•    Brake Resistor: 20Ω / 2000W (1 unit)    

Value of the Solution

After upgrading to the INVT GD390L drive, the elevator system demonstrated clear benefits:

•  Operational Stability: Smooth, interruption-free daily operation
•  Enhanced Ride Comfort: Reduced vibration and optimized acceleration/deceleration transitions
•  Noise Reduction: Noticeable decrease in motor and system noise
•  Owner Satisfaction: The customer was highly satisfied with performance, value, and reliability

This successful retrofit highlights the GD390L’s potential in Peru’s elevator modernization market. With more projects adopting this solution, INVT continues to establish itself as a trusted provider in legacy system upgrades.