A traction elevator design where the drive machine, controller, and associated equipment are housed within the hoistway or at the top of the shaft, eliminating the need for a dedicated machine room.
Full Definition
Machine room-less (MRL) technology places a compact gearless PMSM traction machine at the top of the hoistway (either on the guide rail or on a dedicated beam), with the controller mounted on the landing or in a controller cabinet adjacent to the top landing. This eliminates 5–15 m² of building space previously occupied by the machine room, reducing construction costs and freeing the top floor for lettable use. MRL elevators are predominant in new low-to-mid-rise construction globally. EN 81-20 includes dedicated provisions for MRL installations including access for maintenance from the car top, remote machine access requirements, and alternative pit clearances. The compact machine typically operates at rated speeds up to 2.5 m/s. Maintenance access requires the car top inspection station.
