Versa Drives, an India-based manufacturer of electric motors, drives and appliances, has licensed an innovative fan blade design developed at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) a research institute of UCF. Under the direction of Danny Parker, principal research scientist at FSEC who developed the design concept, the fan blade is based on aviation propeller innovations. It is an aerodynamic design that produces maximum performance and energy efficiency.
Versa Drives, which recently received global recognition by DuPont for its exemplary performance and dedication to energy sustainability, will incorporate the UCF-developed fan blade design into its award-winning Superfan series of ceiling fans. Marketed as India’s first super-efficient ceiling fan, Superfan uses less than half the power required by a conventional fan to deliver the same or greater air flow.
“We are excited about the opportunity to combine this energy efficient fan blade design with our super-efficient fan motors and drives—it’s a winning combination,” said Sundar Muruganandhan, managing director, Versa Drives. “As a company, we are committed to energy saving and green products—right down to the recyclable materials we use for our packaging. Adding this UCF-developed aerodynamic blade technology to our Superfan series will significantly enhance energy savings and open the door to new, international markets.”
FSEC is well-recognized within the industry for its research and development of energy-efficient building technologies, hydrogen research, renewable energy technologies and its innovative ceiling fan blade technology. The FSEC-developed Gossamer Wind® series of ceiling fans—which offer 40 percent higher airflow with no additional energy use—feature the prestigious Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star designation for energy efficiency. Through several licensing agreements, more than 1.9 million Gossamer Wind® ceiling fans have been purchased, saving consumers more than $20 million annually.
The average ceiling fan using 25 – 100 watts is in operation 6-12 hours or more each day. Thanks to advances in motor, drives and blade technologies, energy efficient ceiling fans can run on lower power consumption using only 4 – 40 watts and enhance overall air circulation. With improved air flow, these fans also allow consumers to adjust their cooling thermostats to more efficient settings.
“UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center is on the forefront of energy research developing some of the most advanced technologies,” said Thomas O’Neal, Ph.D., associate vice president of UCF’s Office of Research and Commercialization. “Companies such as Versa Drives recognize the groundbreaking work being conducted right here in Central Florida and are looking to the Florida Solar Energy Center for continued innovation and energy savings.”
The license agreement with Versa Drives was executed through the UCF Office of Technology Transfer.
Photo: Celebrating the licensing agreement were (seated L to R), Thomas O’Neal, UCF and Sundar Muruganandhan, Versa Drives, along with members of UCF’s Office of Technology Transfer (standing L to R) Andrea Adkins, Narasimha Nagaiah (Raju), Durgasharan Krishnamurthy, Versa Drives, Svetlana Shtrom, and Shan Venkatachalam, Versa Drives.
Versa Drives Private Limited (VDPL) is a Coimbatore, India-based company specializing in custom designed motor control solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturers and super-efficient appliances. The company features a highly experienced team of engineers who understand the requirements of its customers to develop variable frequency drives and BLDC motors & drives using state-of-the-art design and simulation tools. VDPL is ISO 9001:2008 certified for design and manufacturing of super-efficient motors & drives and appliances. Versa Drives has manufactured and supplied more than 100,000 drives to date that are working in the field. For more information, visit www.versadrives.com & superfan.in