What is BLDC Ceiling Fan? How does it work?
A BLDC Fan consumes 35 watts of power. Whereas a normal AC Induction fan consumes 85 watts of power.
A BLDC Ceiling Fan is developed with the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine technology. With constant field current, a Brushless DC motor’s characteristics resemble that of a DC Shunt motor and hence the name BLDC motor. The variable DC source is used to power a BLDC motor. Static switches are used to commutate instead of brushes.
On the other hand, a normal ceiling fan is developed with the AC induction motor technology. In the last 4-5 years, BLDC technology has evolved to become a mainstream technology. And therefore it is no surprise that motors whether they are used in the ceiling fans, or air conditioners, or refrigerators are developed with the BLDC technology instead of the AC induction technology. The main difference between the BLDC (Brushless DC) technology and the AC induction technology is the source. In BLDC technology, the variable DC source is used to power the motor, whereas, in AC induction technology, the AC source is used to power the motor.
In the past, the DC motors were designed with brushes, and that used to lead to spark, wear and tear, and heating. However, BLDC technology overcomes these drawbacks. BLDC motors are Brush Less, and therefore, the issues related to spark, wear and tear, and heating are now the things of the past. With BLDC technology, motor life increases, and operation is smooth.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India has set a goal to support manufacturing, introduction, deployment of super-efficient BrushLess DC ceiling fans in the Indian marketplace as against the normal AC induction fans that consume more energy. Just like old bulbs & lights were replaced with energy-efficient LED bulbs & lights over a course of time, the goal is to replace normal AC induction ceiling fans with energy-efficient BLDC fans. The goal is to achieve at least 50% less energy consumption by fans. And Brushless DC fans consume 50% + less energy than the normal AC induction fans.
Here are some of the basic calculations:
Power consumption by a normal AC Induction ceiling fan = 75 - 85 Watt
Power consumption by a BLDC Fan = 35 Watt
Savings on Power consumption = 85 - 35 = 50 Watt
Daily usage of a ceiling fan in a typical home = 15 Hours
Therefore, daily savings on power consumption = 50 Watt x 15 Hours = 750 WH = 0.75KWH
Therefore, monthly savings on power consumption = 22.5 KWH
Therefore, yearly savings on power consumption = 270 KWH
The unit cost of 1 kWh of power = Rs 7
Therefore, yearly savings on 360 kWh of power = 270x7 = Rs 1890
In nutshell, yearly savings on electricity bills with 1 BLDC Fan = 1800 Rupees
Now, in a typical home, about 4 to 5 fans are used. Therefore, in a typical home, the amount of money that can be saved on the electricity bill on a yearly basis by replacing AC induction ceiling fans with BLDC ceiling fans can be huge, approximately Rs 8000 per year. At the same time, less energy consumption means less energy generation. And that can have a positive impact on the global emissions level. Therefore, it makes sense to switch from AC induction fans to BLDC fans.
Because of the in-built electronics in BLDC ceiling fans, it is relatively easier to provide remote-controlled operations such as speed control and on/off functions. The installation process for a BLDC fan is exactly like that for a normal AC induction fan.
Aluminum material is used to construct the blades and other body parts in a BLDC fan. The blades are aerodynamically designed to enhance air delivery. For a typical 1200 mm or 48 inches sweep size BLDC fan, the air delivery is upward of 200 CMM (Cubic Meter per Minute). The fan speed ranges from 350 to 385 RPM (Revolution Per Minute). While choosing a fan, a typical customer desires high air delivery and a low noise level. Brushless DC fans provide that with an additional benefit of the lower electricity bill.
As far as color combination is concerned, one can choose from a variety of standard colors as well as a combination of colors to suit the needs of the interior design of a room or living room. The BLDC fans are made in India without any dependence on other countries for parts. One can buy a BLDC fan online or from the nearby retail electrical store.
With regards to the sweep size of the fan, one can choose from 3 sizes: 900 mm (36 inches), 1200 mm (48 inches), 1400 mm (56 inches). Now, depending on the size of the room, the following sizes of fans should be used. For a room size of less than 100 sq. Ft., a 36 inches fan is sufficient. For a room size of 100 sq. Ft. to 200 sq. Ft., a 48 inches fan is sufficient. For a room size of greater than 200 sq. Ft., a 56 inches fan is sufficient. In case the room is bigger than 350 sq. Ft., 2 fans with a sweep size of 48 inches are needed.
Because of constant usage, the fan blades gather dust, and therefore, the anti-dust coating is provided. This anti-dust coating helps in reducing dust around fan blades. For smooth operations of fans, ball bearings are used. One can ascertain all these parameters before opting for a BLDC ceiling fan for his/her home.
Many companies, branded and non-branded, sell BLDC ceiling fans in India. However, instead of looking at a brand, a customer should assess the specifications and features. Sweep size, power consumption, air delivery, noise level, warranty period, the material used, and color combinations are some of the specifications and features that a customer should focus upon before purchasing the BLDC fan. If all these specifications and features are satisfactory, then, one can purchase the fan irrespective of the brand.
India is a large country with approximately 26 Crores households. Being a tropical country, fans are a necessity. No household can live without fans. From the fiscal year 2012 to the fiscal year 2017, the fan industry grew at a CAGR of 9%. In the fiscal year 2017, approximately 55 million (5.5 Crores) fans were sold across India. Out of which 72% were ceiling fans, 19% were table and pedestal fans, 9% were industrial and domestic exhaust fans. In other words, nearly 40 million ceiling fans were sold in India in the fiscal year 2017. However, rising rural penetration with increased electrification, higher disposable incomes, and shorter replacement cycles are some of the factors that will drive the fan industry at a faster rate in the coming years.
The savings on the energy front by replacing old normal fans with BLDC fans in a country like India can be huge. Energy saved means lower energy generation. Lower energy generation means lower carbon emissions. Therefore, the environmental impact of buying BLDC ceiling fans is huge. Replacing all normal ceiling fans with BLDC fans in a large country like India will take years if not decades. However, this wonderful initiative must start now.
As per the Frost and Sullivan analysis, here are some of the numbers on the Indian fan industry.
As can be seen from the above graph, the Indian fan industry was 4160 Rupees Crores industry in the fiscal year 2012. The overall fan industry is expected to grow to Rupees 12900 Crores by the fiscal year 2022.
Here is the data related to the Indian fan market by type of products:
The share of ceiling fans is expected to grow from 72% in the fiscal year 2017 to 75% in the fiscal year 2022.
Here is the data related to the Indian fan market by price segment:
The share of premium fans is expected to grow from 15% in the fiscal year 2017 to 20% in the fiscal year 2022.
As can be seen from the data above, with growth in the ceiling fan industry and with premiumization, the BLDC fan market is expected to grow in India. Not only will this result in reduced electricity bills for homeowners but also will result in reduced carbon emissions. Therefore, the benefits are massive.
For a low-income household in rural as well as in urban areas, switching to a BLDC ceiling fan may seem an expensive proposition at first. However, the savings on electricity bills over a course of 2-3 years may in fact result in economic gains.
Even though the BLDC ceiling fan price may be slightly higher than the normal AC induction fan, the money saved on electricity bills in one year alone can offset that initial higher BLDC fan price. As we saw in the calculations above, one can easily save approximately Rupees 1800 per year on electricity bills by using a BLDC fan. And the fans generally last for 8-10 years, therefore, money saved on electricity bills during the entire lifespan of a BLDC fan is massively high.
However, as a customer, one should first assess the specifications and features offered by different manufacturers of Brushless Fans. Only after that, a customer should compare the prices offered by the different manufacturers. If one is buying this fan online, then, certainly, that’s going to cost slightly higher because of packaging, delivery, and return issues. However, if one is buying this product from the local retail store, then, the price for the BLDC fan will be slightly lower.
At SGL Innovation and Technologies, we mass manufacture high-quality BLDC fans with superior specifications and features, and therefore, we are able to achieve the lowest price for the BLDC Fan.
The retail price for a BLDC fan varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the most basic BLDC Ceiling fan with a sweep size of 1200 mm (or 48 inches) starts from a price tag of Rs 2800. The price also varies depending on the size, features, and design.
