How does the operation of geared and gearless traction elevators differ, specifically regarding speed and torque?

Geared and gearless traction elevators differ significantly in their operation, particularly regarding speed and torque characteristics. A geared traction elevator uses a gearbox between the motor and the drive sheave (the grooved wheel that the hoisting ropes run over). This gearbox reduces the motor's speed while increasing its torque. Torque is a twisting force that is needed to lift the elevator car. The motor spins at a higher speed, and the gearbox converts that high speed into a lower speed with higher torque at the drive sheave. This makes geared elevators suitable for lower to mid-rise buildings and for elevators that do not require very high speeds. Geared elevators are generally less expensive to install than gearless elevators, but they are less energy-efficient and require more maintenance due to the mechanical wear and tear on the gearbox. In contrast, a gearless traction elevator does not use a gearbox. The drive sheave is directly connected to the motor. This means the motor must operate at a relatively low speed to directly drive the sheave at the desired speed for the elevator car. Because there is no gearbox to increase torque, the motor in a gearless elevator must produce a high level of torque at that low speed. This requires a larger and more powerful motor than would be used in a geared elevator. Gearless elevators are typically used in high-rise buildings where high speeds and smooth rides are required. They can achieve much higher speeds than geared elevators. Gearless elevators are more energy-efficient than geared elevators and require less maintenance because there is no gearbox to wear out. However, they are more expensive to install due to the higher cost of the motor and related control equipment. In summary, geared elevators sacrifice speed for increased torque through a gearbox, making them suitable for lower-speed, lower-rise applications. Gearless elevators, on the other hand, provide high speed and smooth operation by directly driving the sheave with a high-torque, low-speed motor, making them ideal for high-rise, high-speed applications.