Is Elevator Energy Consumption Hard to Measure? Acrel Bidirectional Metering Solutions Make Power Management More Accurate

21 01, 2026

Whether it is the cost allocation after installing elevators in old residential buildings, or the energy-saving management of elevators operating at high frequency in office buildings and shopping malls, accurate energy metering is always the core requirement.
Elevators consume electricity when moving upward, while during downward travel or braking, energy can be regenerated and fed back into the power system. Traditional meters often fail to capture this bidirectional energy flow, leading to inaccurate data, disputes over cost sharing, or missed energy-saving opportunities. Acrel’s dedicated metering solutions are designed to effectively solve these challenges.

Designed for Elevator Applications: Bidirectional Metering Without Data Loss

Elevator operation is characterized by two-way energy flow. Power is drawn from the grid during upward movement, while excess energy is fed back during downward travel or regenerative braking.
The Acrel ADW300 Wireless Power Meter and the DTSD1352 DIN-rail Multifunction Energy Meter both support accurate forward and reverse active energy measurement, clearly distinguishing energy consumption and energy feedback. This ensures complete and reliable energy data for elevator systems.

In retrofit projects such as elevators added to older residential buildings, accurate bidirectional metering enables transparent and fair cost allocation, preventing disputes caused by unclear data. For modern elevators equipped with energy storage or regenerative systems, recorded feedback energy data allows users to quantitatively evaluate energy-saving performance.

Beyond Metering: A Practical Tool for Elevator Energy Management

In addition to precise bidirectional measurement, Acrel meters offer multiple features tailored to elevator energy management:

• Smart energy optimization: Support for up to 8 time-of-use tariffs and multi-rate statistics, enabling strategies such as off-peak charging and peak discharge to reduce operating costs.

• Flexible installation: Both ADW300 and DTSD1352 adopt DIN-rail mounting, ideal for limited elevator machine-room space. A wide range of external current transformers is available to suit different current ratings.

• Remote monitoring and control:

  • ADW300 supports 4G, WiFi, and LoRa communication;
  • DTSD1352 is equipped with an RS485 interface.
    These options allow remote data reading and parameter configuration without on-site intervention.

• Enhanced safety monitoring: Built-in over-voltage, over-current, and other alarm functions help monitor power supply conditions in real time and provide early fault warnings.

• Historical data traceability:

  • ADW300 supports up to 12 months of historical energy statistics;
  • DTSD1352 supports up to 48 months.
    Extreme values and corresponding timestamps can be reviewed to support maintenance and operational optimization.

Reliable Quality: Compliant With Standards and Adaptable to Diverse Needs

Both meters offer high accuracy (Class C or 0.5S), ensuring trustworthy and consistent data. From simple metering requirements in residential elevator retrofits to complex energy management in large commercial complexes, Acrel solutions can flexibly support three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire systems. With years of product iteration and extensive market validation, these meters deliver stable and reliable performance.

Accurate Data Is the Foundation, Intelligence Is the Key

Effective elevator energy management starts with accurate measurement and evolves through intelligent analysis. Acrel’s bidirectional metering solutions address the critical challenges of energy statistics, cost allocation, and energy-saving optimization, ensuring that every kilowatt-hour is clearly accounted for and efficiently utilized.

If you are selecting meters for elevator applications or looking to upgrade your existing elevator energy management system, Acrel is ready to provide professional technical support and customized solutions to meet your specific needs.