On 2015\11\15 16:01, Recliner wrote:
Basil Jet wrote:

I wonder if the counterweight balances a half-laden cabin, or an
averagely-laden cabin (which would presumably be much lighter).

This was what the original feasibility study proposed:

- Payload: 1000kg
- Cabin weight: 1400kg
- Counterweight: 1900kg

So the counterweight in the actual lift (which has a smaller payload than
the proposed version) most probably balances a half-laden cabin. That way,
you minimise the required motor torque.

.... but not the total energy consumption, which would be minimised if
the counterweight matched the cabin plus one teenager, since the payload
will typically alternate between empty and 1 woman + 1 child + 1 pushchair.