A lift system that moves the car by creating a pressure differential above and below the car within a sealed cylindrical tube — atmospheric pressure below pushes the car up, and a partial vacuum above draws it up.
Full Definition
Vacuum (pneumatic or air-driven) elevators use a sealed polycarbonate or acrylic tube as the hoistway. To ascend, air is exhausted from above the car, creating a partial vacuum; atmospheric pressure below acts as a piston to push the car upward. To descend, a controlled valve releases air above the car, allowing gravity to lower it while air below is slowly released. The system requires no shaft, pit, machine room, or counterweight — the cylindrical structure is self-supporting. Typical parameters: maximum travel 3–4 floors (up to approximately 10–12 m), car diameter 52–98 cm, rated load 115–240 kg, speed 0.15–0.30 m/s. In the event of power failure, the car descends gently to the lowest floor under gravity (fail-safe). Primary standard is EN 81-43 (Lifts for specific use) or national codes. The system is primarily suited for residential use (home lifts) where minimal structural intervention is desired. Disadvantages include limited load capacity, noise from air turbines, and high energy consumption.
