The Sustainability of Automated Parking with EV Charging  

Answering today's questions on how EV charging integrates with automated parking systems for a more sustainable environment

Sponsored by Westfalia Technologies, Inc. | By Kathy Price-Robinson

Required Equipment

A common question about automated parking revolves around what equipment and elements are required for the system. Let us first consider the requirements of conventional parking garages. They may seem simple, but there are actually numerous elements. There is the concrete deck, of course, and lines painted to delineate each space. But so much more is required: tall ceilings to accommodate the human stature, wide lanes for drivers to safely traverse the garage, wide spaces to accommodate opening of doors, bumpers to delineate where to stop, wide ramps for drivers to get from floor to floor, lighting for safety and security, exhaust systems, elevators, stairways, and so on.

An automated system does not require these elements, but it does have a different set of requirements. An APS generally requires, at the minimum:

  • A support structure for the vehicles and equipment within the APS;
  • A transfer area;
  • A turntable;
  • A vehicle lift;
  • A transfer car (t-car) with satellite;
  • software controls; and
  • An electric vehicle (EV) charging system.

We will now consider each of these requirements separately.

 

 

Support Structure for Vehicles and Equipment

The support structure can be a concrete slab, a steel frame with a steel or composite deck, or a hybrid structure. The choice of structure type is project specific and dependent upon such factors as its location, other structural loads in the proximity of the APS, client preference, and code requirements.

Transfer Area

While not technically a piece of equipment, the transfer area is a necessary element of the system. Transfer areas are roughly the size of a single-car garage and designed to be aesthetically pleasing to ensure each user feels safe and welcome. The transfer area is equipped with sensors to ensure that the vehicles do not exceed the allowable dimensions or weight that can be safely stored, motion sensors providing additional safety for the users, a display screen to instruct the users where to position their vehicles and other pertinent information, and automated doors to allow vehicles to enter and leave the transfer area.

 

Because the transfer area is the only part of the system that users experience, creating a luxury, stylish transfer environment makes sense.

Turntable

Turntables rotate vehicles within the APS so that they are facing in an outward direction when leaving the APS. Turntables are generally located within the transfer areas but can also be in other areas of an APS.

 

A turntable rotates a vehicle in an APS so it is facing in an outward direction when the user arrives for retrieval.

Transfer Car with Onboard Satellite

The transfer car (t-car) provides the horizontal movements within an APS. Its onboard satellite with clasp arms collects and deposits vehicles to and from the t-car directly onto a flat surface. There is no need for a pallet or car stand in every storage location. The satellite has two parts, which can move independent of one another, providing the ability to adjust its clamp arms to accept a wide variety of vehicle wheelbases.

 

A vehicle is retrieved from its storage location and transported onto a transfer car.

Once a vehicle has been collected from a transfer area or lift, the t-car moves horizontally to position the vehicle in front of a designated storage position. Once the t-car is positioned, the vehicle is stored using the satellite, which drives into the storage lane and deposits the vehicle. There can be multiple vehicles stored in each storage lane, which can be located on both sides of the t-car aisle.

Architect Tip: Depending on the development type and throughput and redundancy requirements, a rough rule of thumb is 50 to 60 parking spaces per t-car.

Vehicle Lift

The vehicle lift(s) provides the vertical movement of all vehicles within the APS. There are two types of vehicle lift types: an end-of-aisle (EOA) lift and a side-of-aisle (SOA) lift.

EOA lifts are positioned at one or both ends of the t-car aisles and can move a t-car, with or without a vehicle, to any parking level within the APS. EOA lifts allow t-cars to move from level to level within the APS. A maximum of two EOA lifts can be used in an APS.

SOA lifts are positioned to the side of the t-car aisle and can also be located within a transfer area. SOA lifts only move vehicles between the different levels of an APS but never move t-cars.

 

The vehicle lift moves the vehicle from the transfer area to its designated storage level.

Architect Tip: Often one EOA lift is fitted to an SOA lift APS to provide system redundancy.

SOA lift systems generally provide a higher throughput or speed than EOA lift systems, and t-cars generally operate only on designated parking levels.

Software Controls

These are comprised of:

  • The programmable logic controller (PLC) or machine-control system, with associated software, that is responsible for turning on motors and receiving/interpreting signals from the sensing devices located on each piece of parking equipment.
  • The parking controls system (PCS), a PC-based upper-level management software, is responsible for issuing instructions to the PLCs and other equipment and managing data, such as mission logs, occupancy levels, EV charging data, and user information. The PCS is typically stored locally on a server within the APS facility.
  • The human machine interface (HMI) allows operators and maintenance technicians to interface with the machinery in automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes and with users to confirm that their vehicles are authorized for storage within the APS. The HMI also gathers required EV charging information from users when applicable.

Watch a video of the operation here.

When Can Users Charge EVs?

Increasingly in building codes, charging stations for EVs are mandatory, with minimum requirements for the number of EV charging spots that need to be provided, with California leading the way.

Therefore, questions arise concerning the process for charging EVs within an APS where the user does not drive the vehicle around looking for a charging port. How do EVs get charged in the modern scenario of an APS?

Each automated parking company has developed its own solution to the opportunity of charging EVs during a parking session. Here is how EV charging works in a leading APS manufacturer’s system:

Benefits of EV Charging in an APS:

  • Less EV Charging infrastructure required
    • With a fully automated charging system you can cycle a vehicle underneath the charging gantry at the appropriate time
  • DC Fast charging
    • Ability to charge an EV up to 80% within 30 minutes
  • Entire system can be 100% EV charging accessible
  • Can be used in any development application (Private & Public garages)
Example of an APS enhancing green space with 400 spaces below grade

 

What Features are Built in For Reliability and Redundancy?

Some developers and designers considering an APS wonder: How reliable are these systems, and what happens when there is a power outage or other challenge?

A well-designed, properly installed, and correctly serviced APS should have a system availability of more than 99 percent, which is a function of both minimizing downtime and high reliability.

A system’s downtime can be minimized through:

  • Automated fault recognition;
  • Automated fault location identification;
  • Simple fault diagnosis;
  • Availability of spare parts; and
  • Properly trained and qualified service personnel.

The first three points above can be achieved through a vendor’s high-quality operating and machine-control software that ideally would have been developed by experienced industrial automation programmers who understand the extra steps necessary to write the code that makes the recovery from faults as quick as possible. The latter two points can be achieved 1) by the vendor utilizing commercially available off-the-shelf parts that are readily available in most locations (rather than specialty items that are difficult to find or items that can only be purchased from the vendor), and 2) by the vendor having its own spare parts and service organization that is properly staffed and trained, and can develop critical and recommended spare-parts lists.

High system reliability can be achieved through:

  • Use of high-quality materials;
  • Proven designs;
  • High-quality manufacturing and installation;
  • Properly trained operators; and
  • Correct implementation of a preventive maintenance plan.

The use of high-quality materials is obviously going to provide higher reliability than low-quality materials, but these inevitably come at a higher cost. It is simply not possible to provide a highly reliable system at a low cost. Vendors can reduce the capital cost of their systems by choosing to use low-quality materials or components, but this will likely lead to much higher lifetime costs for the customer due to replacing these low-quality components more frequently or an unreliable system. There are several examples of lower-cost APSs being replaced or overhauled a few years after installation due to the unreliability of the “low-cost” system. As the adage goes: buy cheap, buy twice.

Using proven designs increases reliability simply because the system design is based on tried and tested technology that has worked reliably before. Utilizing groundbreaking, state-of-the-art technology can seem appealing, exciting, or cutting edge to some. However, implementing too many unproven designs within an APS can have catastrophic implications on the system itself and the success of the whole development.

The most well-designed, highest-quality APSs still require properly trained and qualified operators to improve reliability and minimize downtime. This is one element where a building operator can make a huge difference in the reliable operation of an APS. Even though an APS typically requires no human intervention to operate, no automated system or machine is completely fault free. Having properly trained operators on-site to quickly deal with issues that arise and liaise with service personnel if required is essential to a system’s reliable operation. In most instances, the smooth operation of a high-quality APS is interrupted by user faults rather than system faults. Typical user faults may be forgetting to complete the parking process and walking away, losing a key fob or ticket, or simply not following instructions. All of these can easily be resolved by professionally trained, courteous operators or building concierges.

According to Tom Scannapieco, president of Scannapieco Development Corporation, which targets the ultra-high-end residential market, redundancy built into the system at 500 Walnut Street project in Philadelphia was extremely important.

“The advantage with the system is that I have two independent shuttles (t-cars)—one on each level,” Scannapieco says. “So if one becomes inoperative, the one from the other level can be transferred and run in place of the inoperative one. This level of redundancy we found very attractive.”

The most well-designed, highest-quality APSs also require the correct implementation of a preventive maintenance plan to function reliably. If a vendor has its own design engineers and service personnel, these teams can work together to develop a preventive maintenance plan that will maximize reliability based upon intimate knowledge of the system designs and previous projects’ fault logs and service histories.

System Longevity and Maintenance

If properly maintained, an APS can have a lifespan from 20 to even more than 30 years. The lifespan for automated parking technology is greatly increased by quarterly maintenance checks on the system. For instance, APSs in Copenhagen, which house more than 800 vehicles, are still running smoothly after 14 years, allowing the people of Copenhagen to park worry free and enjoy more leisure space in their capital city.

Typical recommendations are for preventative maintenance to be performed two to four times per year. This should include:

  • General inspection of the APS;
  • Review of all safety and operational features;
  • Examination of major components;
  • Replacement of damaged or worn parts; and
  • Lubrication of system components.

Depending on the company, several maintenance packages may be available:

  1. In the most comprehensive and worry-free package, the APS vendor maintains the system, including corrective and preventative maintenance as well as software support, upgrades, and spare-parts replacement.
  2. At the next level, preventative maintenance may be arranged by an annual agreement for planned preventative maintenance, labor, and travel cost. This package is customized to a user’s needs.
  3. The final level may be thought of as “pay as you go.” In this case, the client pays only for the maintenance that is needed, when it is needed.

How Long Does It Take to Retrieve a Vehicle?

One of the most-asked questions about automated parking revolves around how long it takes to get a vehicle back once it is parked in the system.

For a system utilizing t-cars and satellites, sometimes referred to as a rack and rail system, the speed or throughput of the systems depends on a number of factors, including:

  • The number of transfer areas;
  • The number of lifts;
  • The number of transfer cars (t-cars);
  • The lift type used in the system (EOA or SOA);
  • The speed of individual components;
  • The efficiency of the control system;
  • The speed of the transfer area doors; and
  • Whether the lifts are within transfer areas or separated.

Depending on the layout of a structure, storage of a vehicle can take as little as 1 minute. Regarding retrieving a vehicle, machine time takes anywhere from 90 seconds and upward. The position of the car within the garage and the expected wait time for retrieval are noted on the kiosk screen or within the APS app, so users will not be left wondering where their vehicle is located. A typical retrieval time is 2–3 minutes depending on factors such as the number of users calling their vehicles, system components and layout, etc.

 

A smart phone app can be used for vehicle retrieval.

What Type of Developments can Utilize APS?

Historically, automated parking systems (APS) have been associated primarily with high-end luxury residences, where the convenience and efficiency of such technology catered to affluent homeowners seeking premium amenities. However, the landscape of urban development is evolving, and the applications for automated parking systems are expanding significantly. Today, these systems are being integrated into a wide variety of projects, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in various settings.

One of the most promising areas for APS is multi-family developments. In densely populated urban areas, space is at a premium, and traditional parking solutions can be both inefficient and inadequate. Automated parking systems optimize space utilization, allowing developers to maximize the number of residential units while providing residents with convenient and secure parking options. The compact nature of APS enables developers to fit more units into a smaller footprint, addressing both zoning requirements and market demand.

Office projects also benefit greatly from automated parking. As more companies seek to establish their presence in urban centers, efficient parking solutions become essential. An APS can streamline the parking process for employees and visitors, reducing the time spent searching for spaces. This is particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas where parking congestion is common. By incorporating an automated system, office buildings can enhance the overall experience for tenants and guests, making it a competitive advantage in the real estate market.

In the realm of medical office buildings, the need for efficient parking is even more pronounced. Patients often face time constraints and may feel stressed about finding parking. An automated parking system alleviates this burden by providing quick and easy access to vehicles. Additionally, these systems can be designed to handle peak usage during busy hours, ensuring that patients experience minimal delays and have a smoother visit to healthcare facilities.

Public garages represent another significant application for automated parking systems. As urban areas become increasingly congested, cities are looking for innovative solutions to manage parking more effectively. APS can increase capacity in public garages while reducing the physical footprint required for traditional parking structures. This not only addresses the immediate needs of urban populations but also contributes to long-term sustainability goals by reducing the land area dedicated to parking.

Student housing projects are increasingly adopting automated parking solutions as well. With a growing number of students in urban environments, the demand for accessible parking is rising. An APS can provide efficient, space-saving parking solutions that cater to students’ needs, making these developments more attractive. By maximizing available space, developers can accommodate more students while ensuring that parking remains convenient and accessible.

Beyond these specific applications, automated parking systems can be employed in virtually any commercial development. Retail centers, hotels, and mixed-use developments all stand to gain from the efficiency and space-saving benefits of APS. As consumer expectations evolve, the demand for seamless parking experiences will continue to rise, positioning automated systems as a vital component of modern development strategies.

To fully realize the potential of an automated parking system, it is essential to collaborate with a knowledgeable manufacturer. Each development has unique requirements, and a tailored approach is necessary to ensure that the system meets specific operational needs. For projects with higher peak-time usage, implementing strategic design tactics is crucial to achieve the desired throughput and system speed. This attention to detail not only enhances user experience but also optimizes the operational efficiency of the facility.

In conclusion, automated parking systems are no longer limited to luxury residences. Their applicability spans multi-family developments, office buildings, medical facilities, public garages, student housing, and various commercial projects. By embracing this technology, developers can enhance space utilization, improve user experiences, and meet the evolving demands of urban living.

Why Should a Developer Consider an APS?

An APS not only provides a safer environment for users or drivers, but it also allows developers to save money through reduced operating, construction, and land costs, as well as provide added value through the increased space savings.

In search of space and land-saving parking solutions, developers are increasingly turning to APSs because these systems are often proven to reduce land, construction, and operational costs. In addition to public parking garages, APSs can be found in any type of real estate development, such as malls, offices, hotels, airports and residential developments, including mixed-use properties combining commercial and residential use. Although cost is often the most important factor for investors, city planners and municipalities are tasked with improving the ever-growing parking problem in a sustainable way for their residents. For example, Copenhagen in Denmark is aiming to becoming the first city in the world to be CO2-neutral by 2030 and has been using automated parking for more than a decade to vastly reduce emissions and energy consumption. In fact, when looking for a space-efficient, cost-saving, and low-emission parking solution, an APS is the way to go.

Safety and Security

Concerns about personal safety, theft, vehicle vandalism, and vehicle damage are common with users of conventional parking garages. Navigating through a busy parking garage orparking lot is fraught with danger to both the vehicle and the driver walking to and from the vehicle. At night, these dangers increase. Automated parking eliminates these hazards. Without the need to navigate through a garage to find a parking spot, the risk of an accident is eliminated. The inside of an automatedparking facility is inaccessible to the public, so the vehicle itself is safe and secure from outside dangers while it is being stored. By eliminating the dangers associated withconventional parking garages, the parking experience becomes essentially worry free.

The Cost of APSs versus Conventional Parking

Comparing the cost of an APS with a conventional parking lot or parking garage is not an apples-to-apples comparison. It is a mistake to calculate the cost of automated parking merely on cost per parking space, as there are numerous savings to be had with an APS. With less land area needed to build the garage, a developer may save half of the excavation costs. This space saved will allow a developer to increase the earning potential by using the area for more hotel rooms or condos, for example. More money will be saved on lighting and ventilation because of the reduced regulations and requirements for those inside the system. When evaluating the investment in automated parking, first assess the value of the added real estate and other savings to the business. Often, installing this type of system is actually a net gain for a company.

Environmental Benefits of APSs

Automated parking is often a more sustainable option than conventional parking. Everyone knows the struggle of trying to find a parking spot in a typical parking garage and, in this scenario, the car engine is continuously running until a spot is found, putting off toxic fumes. These fumes are not good for the environment, nor are they good for humans to breathe in while parking cars, walking through the parking area, and retrieving cars. Automated parking cuts down on wasted driving time and, as a result, wasted emissions.

One unique feature of an APS is the lights-out environment. There is no lighting required within the system since it is completely operated by machines. The only places that light is needed are the transfer areas and the waiting areas or lobby where the users wait for their vehicle and access the transfer areas.

In a standard parking garage, there are specific ventilation requirements due to the amount of human traffic passing through the system. Automated parking garages have much lower ventilation requirements, typically needing only two air changes per hour. Therefore, companies spend less electricity to operate an automated garage.

In some cases, automated parking garages are built completely underground. What is left is more land for “green” spaces such as parks and playgrounds right on top of the APS. This is especially important in densely populated areas to help preserve the environment.

When to Start Discussion with a Vendor

Discussing Capacity Planning with an APS Supplier

When is the right time to start the discussion about an APS? The short answer is: Now! If a building structure is designed or built before discussions with an APS supplier, it becomes much more difficult to go back and implement automated parking. Depending on the layout, the planning and actual implementation of an APS can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. For a structure to be properly designed, discussions with an APS supplier should occur as soon in the conceptual process as possible. In many cases, the layout of the automated parking will inform the layout and design of the building.

The Planning and Implementation Period

After determining the preferred parking system design, implementation is the next step, which typically takes between 12 to 18 months. Close integration between the developer/architect and the APS provider team assures smooth project handling throughout manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.

All parking systems equipment should be tested at the manufacturing facility before delivery. This ensures that the equipment is manufactured and wired correctly, which results in reduced commissioning time on-site. After the in-house test is completed, computers and related equipment are shipped to the automated parking garage site where final on-site testing and training is conducted.

Conclusion

APSs are a game changer for developers and cities crowded with cars that need to park. Automated parking is an aesthetically pleasing parking method that creates a stress-free and seamless user experience. The stress of driving around looking for a parking spot is eliminated, as are the exhaust fumes emitted. For developers, the benefits of “robotic” car parking are even more pronounced. The space needed for a structure with finely tuned machinery and sophisticated software to move and store cars is about 60 percent less than the space needed for self-parking. No space is needed for people walking around the parking area. No lights are needed. No security guards are needed. The extra space gained from specifying a compact parking solution can then be used for other profitable buildings or assets. Comparing the simple costs of an APS with a conventional parking garage is misleading. Considering the long-term benefits from automated parking, it is more than possible to create a positive ROI for the developer. Add to that the user experience and the “cool factor” of automated parking, and this modern technology is certainly something to consider at the beginning of any design and build project.

In Southern California, a prominent developer faced significant challenges in constructing a new medical center. The project required ample parking to accommodate patients, staff, and visitors, but the site’s unique topography—a canyon location—presented substantial hurdles. Conventional parking garages were proving to be both cost-prohibitive and space-inefficient due to high excavation costs and design limitations.

Photo courtesy of Westfalia Technologies, Inc

 

Challenges

  1. High Excavation Costs: The canyon environment made excavation exceptionally expensive. Traditional parking garages require extensive digging and foundational work, which significantly escalated the overall budget.
  2. Space Limitations: The design of conventional parking garages often necessitates ramps for vehicle access, consuming valuable square footage. This meant that the developer could not meet the required number of parking spaces, limiting the overall capacity of the facility and impacting its usability.
  3. Sustainability Goals: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, the developer also wanted to ensure that the parking solution would support electric vehicles (EVs), aligning with modern environmental standards and community expectations.

 

 

Solution

An APS vendor proposed a fully automated parking system (APS) as an innovative solution to the developer's challenges. This advanced technology not only addressed their immediate issues but also aligned with their long-term goals.

  1. Cost-Efficiency: By utilizing an automated parking system, they significantly reduced the need for extensive excavation. The APS requires minimal excavation compared to conventional garages, effectively lowering the overall construction costs. This allowed the developer to allocate resources more effectively and maintain the project’s budget.
  2. Increased Capacity: The automated system optimized space utilization by eliminating the need for ramps. As a result, they were able to double the number of parking spaces available on-site. This increase meant that the medical center could comfortably accommodate the anticipated traffic without compromising on space or accessibility.
  3. EV Charging Accessibility: Understanding the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, an automated parking solution is designed to be 100% EV charging accessible, providing a sustainable and forward-thinking solution that meets current and future needs.

Results

The implementation of the fully automated parking system will transform the initial challenges into opportunities. The developer will achieve:

  • Significant Cost Savings: By reducing excavation requirements, the developer saved a substantial amount of money, allowing for reinvestment into other areas of the project.
  • Doubled Parking Capacity: The innovative design led to an increase in available parking spaces, enhancing the functionality of the medical center and improving the overall user experience.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure: With 100% EV charging accessibility, the project aligned with environmental goals, contributing to a greener future and appealing to eco-conscious stakeholders.

Transfer Area Layout

 

Typical Parking Level

 

Conclusion

This case study illustrates how innovative parking solutions can address complex challenges in urban development. The developer not only navigated the obstacles posed by the canyon site but also enhanced the value of their medical center project. The plan to successfully integrate a fully automated parking system serves as a model for future developments facing similar constraints, showcasing the potential for technology to drive efficiency, sustainability, and improved design in the construction industry.

Required Equipment

A common question about automated parking revolves around what equipment and elements are required for the system. Let us first consider the requirements of conventional parking garages. They may seem simple, but there are actually numerous elements. There is the concrete deck, of course, and lines painted to delineate each space. But so much more is required: tall ceilings to accommodate the human stature, wide lanes for drivers to safely traverse the garage, wide spaces to accommodate opening of doors, bumpers to delineate where to stop, wide ramps for drivers to get from floor to floor, lighting for safety and security, exhaust systems, elevators, stairways, and so on.

An automated system does not require these elements, but it does have a different set of requirements. An APS generally requires, at the minimum:

  • A support structure for the vehicles and equipment within the APS;
  • A transfer area;
  • A turntable;
  • A vehicle lift;
  • A transfer car (t-car) with satellite;
  • software controls; and
  • An electric vehicle (EV) charging system.

We will now consider each of these requirements separately.

 

 

Support Structure for Vehicles and Equipment

The support structure can be a concrete slab, a steel frame with a steel or composite deck, or a hybrid structure. The choice of structure type is project specific and dependent upon such factors as its location, other structural loads in the proximity of the APS, client preference, and code requirements.

Transfer Area

While not technically a piece of equipment, the transfer area is a necessary element of the system. Transfer areas are roughly the size of a single-car garage and designed to be aesthetically pleasing to ensure each user feels safe and welcome. The transfer area is equipped with sensors to ensure that the vehicles do not exceed the allowable dimensions or weight that can be safely stored, motion sensors providing additional safety for the users, a display screen to instruct the users where to position their vehicles and other pertinent information, and automated doors to allow vehicles to enter and leave the transfer area.

 

Because the transfer area is the only part of the system that users experience, creating a luxury, stylish transfer environment makes sense.

Turntable

Turntables rotate vehicles within the APS so that they are facing in an outward direction when leaving the APS. Turntables are generally located within the transfer areas but can also be in other areas of an APS.

 

A turntable rotates a vehicle in an APS so it is facing in an outward direction when the user arrives for retrieval.

Transfer Car with Onboard Satellite

The transfer car (t-car) provides the horizontal movements within an APS. Its onboard satellite with clasp arms collects and deposits vehicles to and from the t-car directly onto a flat surface. There is no need for a pallet or car stand in every storage location. The satellite has two parts, which can move independent of one another, providing the ability to adjust its clamp arms to accept a wide variety of vehicle wheelbases.

 

A vehicle is retrieved from its storage location and transported onto a transfer car.

Once a vehicle has been collected from a transfer area or lift, the t-car moves horizontally to position the vehicle in front of a designated storage position. Once the t-car is positioned, the vehicle is stored using the satellite, which drives into the storage lane and deposits the vehicle. There can be multiple vehicles stored in each storage lane, which can be located on both sides of the t-car aisle.

Architect Tip: Depending on the development type and throughput and redundancy requirements, a rough rule of thumb is 50 to 60 parking spaces per t-car.

Vehicle Lift

The vehicle lift(s) provides the vertical movement of all vehicles within the APS. There are two types of vehicle lift types: an end-of-aisle (EOA) lift and a side-of-aisle (SOA) lift.

EOA lifts are positioned at one or both ends of the t-car aisles and can move a t-car, with or without a vehicle, to any parking level within the APS. EOA lifts allow t-cars to move from level to level within the APS. A maximum of two EOA lifts can be used in an APS.

SOA lifts are positioned to the side of the t-car aisle and can also be located within a transfer area. SOA lifts only move vehicles between the different levels of an APS but never move t-cars.

 

The vehicle lift moves the vehicle from the transfer area to its designated storage level.

Architect Tip: Often one EOA lift is fitted to an SOA lift APS to provide system redundancy.

SOA lift systems generally provide a higher throughput or speed than EOA lift systems, and t-cars generally operate only on designated parking levels.

Software Controls

These are comprised of:

  • The programmable logic controller (PLC) or machine-control system, with associated software, that is responsible for turning on motors and receiving/interpreting signals from the sensing devices located on each piece of parking equipment.
  • The parking controls system (PCS), a PC-based upper-level management software, is responsible for issuing instructions to the PLCs and other equipment and managing data, such as mission logs, occupancy levels, EV charging data, and user information. The PCS is typically stored locally on a server within the APS facility.
  • The human machine interface (HMI) allows operators and maintenance technicians to interface with the machinery in automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes and with users to confirm that their vehicles are authorized for storage within the APS. The HMI also gathers required EV charging information from users when applicable.

Watch a video of the operation here.

When Can Users Charge EVs?

Increasingly in building codes, charging stations for EVs are mandatory, with minimum requirements for the number of EV charging spots that need to be provided, with California leading the way.

Therefore, questions arise concerning the process for charging EVs within an APS where the user does not drive the vehicle around looking for a charging port. How do EVs get charged in the modern scenario of an APS?

Each automated parking company has developed its own solution to the opportunity of charging EVs during a parking session. Here is how EV charging works in a leading APS manufacturer’s system:

Benefits of EV Charging in an APS:

  • Less EV Charging infrastructure required
    • With a fully automated charging system you can cycle a vehicle underneath the charging gantry at the appropriate time
  • DC Fast charging
    • Ability to charge an EV up to 80% within 30 minutes
  • Entire system can be 100% EV charging accessible
  • Can be used in any development application (Private & Public garages)
Example of an APS enhancing green space with 400 spaces below grade

 

What Features are Built in For Reliability and Redundancy?

Some developers and designers considering an APS wonder: How reliable are these systems, and what happens when there is a power outage or other challenge?

A well-designed, properly installed, and correctly serviced APS should have a system availability of more than 99 percent, which is a function of both minimizing downtime and high reliability.

A system’s downtime can be minimized through:

  • Automated fault recognition;
  • Automated fault location identification;
  • Simple fault diagnosis;
  • Availability of spare parts; and
  • Properly trained and qualified service personnel.

The first three points above can be achieved through a vendor’s high-quality operating and machine-control software that ideally would have been developed by experienced industrial automation programmers who understand the extra steps necessary to write the code that makes the recovery from faults as quick as possible. The latter two points can be achieved 1) by the vendor utilizing commercially available off-the-shelf parts that are readily available in most locations (rather than specialty items that are difficult to find or items that can only be purchased from the vendor), and 2) by the vendor having its own spare parts and service organization that is properly staffed and trained, and can develop critical and recommended spare-parts lists.

High system reliability can be achieved through:

  • Use of high-quality materials;
  • Proven designs;
  • High-quality manufacturing and installation;
  • Properly trained operators; and
  • Correct implementation of a preventive maintenance plan.

The use of high-quality materials is obviously going to provide higher reliability than low-quality materials, but these inevitably come at a higher cost. It is simply not possible to provide a highly reliable system at a low cost. Vendors can reduce the capital cost of their systems by choosing to use low-quality materials or components, but this will likely lead to much higher lifetime costs for the customer due to replacing these low-quality components more frequently or an unreliable system. There are several examples of lower-cost APSs being replaced or overhauled a few years after installation due to the unreliability of the “low-cost” system. As the adage goes: buy cheap, buy twice.

Using proven designs increases reliability simply because the system design is based on tried and tested technology that has worked reliably before. Utilizing groundbreaking, state-of-the-art technology can seem appealing, exciting, or cutting edge to some. However, implementing too many unproven designs within an APS can have catastrophic implications on the system itself and the success of the whole development.

The most well-designed, highest-quality APSs still require properly trained and qualified operators to improve reliability and minimize downtime. This is one element where a building operator can make a huge difference in the reliable operation of an APS. Even though an APS typically requires no human intervention to operate, no automated system or machine is completely fault free. Having properly trained operators on-site to quickly deal with issues that arise and liaise with service personnel if required is essential to a system’s reliable operation. In most instances, the smooth operation of a high-quality APS is interrupted by user faults rather than system faults. Typical user faults may be forgetting to complete the parking process and walking away, losing a key fob or ticket, or simply not following instructions. All of these can easily be resolved by professionally trained, courteous operators or building concierges.

According to Tom Scannapieco, president of Scannapieco Development Corporation, which targets the ultra-high-end residential market, redundancy built into the system at 500 Walnut Street project in Philadelphia was extremely important.

“The advantage with the system is that I have two independent shuttles (t-cars)—one on each level,” Scannapieco says. “So if one becomes inoperative, the one from the other level can be transferred and run in place of the inoperative one. This level of redundancy we found very attractive.”

The most well-designed, highest-quality APSs also require the correct implementation of a preventive maintenance plan to function reliably. If a vendor has its own design engineers and service personnel, these teams can work together to develop a preventive maintenance plan that will maximize reliability based upon intimate knowledge of the system designs and previous projects’ fault logs and service histories.

System Longevity and Maintenance

If properly maintained, an APS can have a lifespan from 20 to even more than 30 years. The lifespan for automated parking technology is greatly increased by quarterly maintenance checks on the system. For instance, APSs in Copenhagen, which house more than 800 vehicles, are still running smoothly after 14 years, allowing the people of Copenhagen to park worry free and enjoy more leisure space in their capital city.

Typical recommendations are for preventative maintenance to be performed two to four times per year. This should include:

  • General inspection of the APS;
  • Review of all safety and operational features;
  • Examination of major components;
  • Replacement of damaged or worn parts; and
  • Lubrication of system components.

Depending on the company, several maintenance packages may be available:

  1. In the most comprehensive and worry-free package, the APS vendor maintains the system, including corrective and preventative maintenance as well as software support, upgrades, and spare-parts replacement.
  2. At the next level, preventative maintenance may be arranged by an annual agreement for planned preventative maintenance, labor, and travel cost. This package is customized to a user’s needs.
  3. The final level may be thought of as “pay as you go.” In this case, the client pays only for the maintenance that is needed, when it is needed.

How Long Does It Take to Retrieve a Vehicle?

One of the most-asked questions about automated parking revolves around how long it takes to get a vehicle back once it is parked in the system.

For a system utilizing t-cars and satellites, sometimes referred to as a rack and rail system, the speed or throughput of the systems depends on a number of factors, including:

  • The number of transfer areas;
  • The number of lifts;
  • The number of transfer cars (t-cars);
  • The lift type used in the system (EOA or SOA);
  • The speed of individual components;
  • The efficiency of the control system;
  • The speed of the transfer area doors; and
  • Whether the lifts are within transfer areas or separated.

Depending on the layout of a structure, storage of a vehicle can take as little as 1 minute. Regarding retrieving a vehicle, machine time takes anywhere from 90 seconds and upward. The position of the car within the garage and the expected wait time for retrieval are noted on the kiosk screen or within the APS app, so users will not be left wondering where their vehicle is located. A typical retrieval time is 2–3 minutes depending on factors such as the number of users calling their vehicles, system components and layout, etc.

 

A smart phone app can be used for vehicle retrieval.

What Type of Developments can Utilize APS?

Historically, automated parking systems (APS) have been associated primarily with high-end luxury residences, where the convenience and efficiency of such technology catered to affluent homeowners seeking premium amenities. However, the landscape of urban development is evolving, and the applications for automated parking systems are expanding significantly. Today, these systems are being integrated into a wide variety of projects, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in various settings.

One of the most promising areas for APS is multi-family developments. In densely populated urban areas, space is at a premium, and traditional parking solutions can be both inefficient and inadequate. Automated parking systems optimize space utilization, allowing developers to maximize the number of residential units while providing residents with convenient and secure parking options. The compact nature of APS enables developers to fit more units into a smaller footprint, addressing both zoning requirements and market demand.

Office projects also benefit greatly from automated parking. As more companies seek to establish their presence in urban centers, efficient parking solutions become essential. An APS can streamline the parking process for employees and visitors, reducing the time spent searching for spaces. This is particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas where parking congestion is common. By incorporating an automated system, office buildings can enhance the overall experience for tenants and guests, making it a competitive advantage in the real estate market.

In the realm of medical office buildings, the need for efficient parking is even more pronounced. Patients often face time constraints and may feel stressed about finding parking. An automated parking system alleviates this burden by providing quick and easy access to vehicles. Additionally, these systems can be designed to handle peak usage during busy hours, ensuring that patients experience minimal delays and have a smoother visit to healthcare facilities.

Public garages represent another significant application for automated parking systems. As urban areas become increasingly congested, cities are looking for innovative solutions to manage parking more effectively. APS can increase capacity in public garages while reducing the physical footprint required for traditional parking structures. This not only addresses the immediate needs of urban populations but also contributes to long-term sustainability goals by reducing the land area dedicated to parking.

Student housing projects are increasingly adopting automated parking solutions as well. With a growing number of students in urban environments, the demand for accessible parking is rising. An APS can provide efficient, space-saving parking solutions that cater to students’ needs, making these developments more attractive. By maximizing available space, developers can accommodate more students while ensuring that parking remains convenient and accessible.

Beyond these specific applications, automated parking systems can be employed in virtually any commercial development. Retail centers, hotels, and mixed-use developments all stand to gain from the efficiency and space-saving benefits of APS. As consumer expectations evolve, the demand for seamless parking experiences will continue to rise, positioning automated systems as a vital component of modern development strategies.

To fully realize the potential of an automated parking system, it is essential to collaborate with a knowledgeable manufacturer. Each development has unique requirements, and a tailored approach is necessary to ensure that the system meets specific operational needs. For projects with higher peak-time usage, implementing strategic design tactics is crucial to achieve the desired throughput and system speed. This attention to detail not only enhances user experience but also optimizes the operational efficiency of the facility.

In conclusion, automated parking systems are no longer limited to luxury residences. Their applicability spans multi-family developments, office buildings, medical facilities, public garages, student housing, and various commercial projects. By embracing this technology, developers can enhance space utilization, improve user experiences, and meet the evolving demands of urban living.

Why Should a Developer Consider an APS?

An APS not only provides a safer environment for users or drivers, but it also allows developers to save money through reduced operating, construction, and land costs, as well as provide added value through the increased space savings.

In search of space and land-saving parking solutions, developers are increasingly turning to APSs because these systems are often proven to reduce land, construction, and operational costs. In addition to public parking garages, APSs can be found in any type of real estate development, such as malls, offices, hotels, airports and residential developments, including mixed-use properties combining commercial and residential use. Although cost is often the most important factor for investors, city planners and municipalities are tasked with improving the ever-growing parking problem in a sustainable way for their residents. For example, Copenhagen in Denmark is aiming to becoming the first city in the world to be CO2-neutral by 2030 and has been using automated parking for more than a decade to vastly reduce emissions and energy consumption. In fact, when looking for a space-efficient, cost-saving, and low-emission parking solution, an APS is the way to go.

Safety and Security

Concerns about personal safety, theft, vehicle vandalism, and vehicle damage are common with users of conventional parking garages. Navigating through a busy parking garage orparking lot is fraught with danger to both the vehicle and the driver walking to and from the vehicle. At night, these dangers increase. Automated parking eliminates these hazards. Without the need to navigate through a garage to find a parking spot, the risk of an accident is eliminated. The inside of an automatedparking facility is inaccessible to the public, so the vehicle itself is safe and secure from outside dangers while it is being stored. By eliminating the dangers associated withconventional parking garages, the parking experience becomes essentially worry free.

The Cost of APSs versus Conventional Parking

Comparing the cost of an APS with a conventional parking lot or parking garage is not an apples-to-apples comparison. It is a mistake to calculate the cost of automated parking merely on cost per parking space, as there are numerous savings to be had with an APS. With less land area needed to build the garage, a developer may save half of the excavation costs. This space saved will allow a developer to increase the earning potential by using the area for more hotel rooms or condos, for example. More money will be saved on lighting and ventilation because of the reduced regulations and requirements for those inside the system. When evaluating the investment in automated parking, first assess the value of the added real estate and other savings to the business. Often, installing this type of system is actually a net gain for a company.

Environmental Benefits of APSs

Automated parking is often a more sustainable option than conventional parking. Everyone knows the struggle of trying to find a parking spot in a typical parking garage and, in this scenario, the car engine is continuously running until a spot is found, putting off toxic fumes. These fumes are not good for the environment, nor are they good for humans to breathe in while parking cars, walking through the parking area, and retrieving cars. Automated parking cuts down on wasted driving time and, as a result, wasted emissions.

One unique feature of an APS is the lights-out environment. There is no lighting required within the system since it is completely operated by machines. The only places that light is needed are the transfer areas and the waiting areas or lobby where the users wait for their vehicle and access the transfer areas.

In a standard parking garage, there are specific ventilation requirements due to the amount of human traffic passing through the system. Automated parking garages have much lower ventilation requirements, typically needing only two air changes per hour. Therefore, companies spend less electricity to operate an automated garage.

In some cases, automated parking garages are built completely underground. What is left is more land for “green” spaces such as parks and playgrounds right on top of the APS. This is especially important in densely populated areas to help preserve the environment.

When to Start Discussion with a Vendor

Discussing Capacity Planning with an APS Supplier

When is the right time to start the discussion about an APS? The short answer is: Now! If a building structure is designed or built before discussions with an APS supplier, it becomes much more difficult to go back and implement automated parking. Depending on the layout, the planning and actual implementation of an APS can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months. For a structure to be properly designed, discussions with an APS supplier should occur as soon in the conceptual process as possible. In many cases, the layout of the automated parking will inform the layout and design of the building.

The Planning and Implementation Period

After determining the preferred parking system design, implementation is the next step, which typically takes between 12 to 18 months. Close integration between the developer/architect and the APS provider team assures smooth project handling throughout manufacturing, installation, and commissioning.

All parking systems equipment should be tested at the manufacturing facility before delivery. This ensures that the equipment is manufactured and wired correctly, which results in reduced commissioning time on-site. After the in-house test is completed, computers and related equipment are shipped to the automated parking garage site where final on-site testing and training is conducted.

Conclusion

APSs are a game changer for developers and cities crowded with cars that need to park. Automated parking is an aesthetically pleasing parking method that creates a stress-free and seamless user experience. The stress of driving around looking for a parking spot is eliminated, as are the exhaust fumes emitted. For developers, the benefits of “robotic” car parking are even more pronounced. The space needed for a structure with finely tuned machinery and sophisticated software to move and store cars is about 60 percent less than the space needed for self-parking. No space is needed for people walking around the parking area. No lights are needed. No security guards are needed. The extra space gained from specifying a compact parking solution can then be used for other profitable buildings or assets. Comparing the simple costs of an APS with a conventional parking garage is misleading. Considering the long-term benefits from automated parking, it is more than possible to create a positive ROI for the developer. Add to that the user experience and the “cool factor” of automated parking, and this modern technology is certainly something to consider at the beginning of any design and build project.

Originally published in Architectural Record

Originally published in December 2024

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  1. Discuss who operates an automated parking system (APS) for safety and welfare of users, and what features are built in for reliability and redundancy.
  2. Describe where users go to park and pick up their cars for a contactless system.
  3. Recall when users can charge their electric vehicles. Explain why a developer should consider an APS for energy and operational savings and wise land use.
  4. Review how an architect or developer can find a reputable APS vendor.

1 AIA LU/HSW

1 AIBD P-CE

0.1 IACET CEU*

AAA 1 Structured Learning Hour
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