Bladeless fans more efficient than traditional fans

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WLFI) - A new bladeless ceiling fan invented by Purdue researchers is about to make life more comfortable – and energy more efficient.

A Georgetown, Ind.-based firm affiliated with the Purdue Research Park of Southeast Indiana is launching its fan for residential and industrial consumers online.

Exhale Fans LLC builds ceiling fans that use spinning discs to generate a laminar flow, or a non-turbulent streamline flow of air, that maintains a stable room temperature. The six-speed fans are operated by wireless remote, and do not vibrate or create noise. Inventor Nik Hiner based the design on work by Nicola Tesla, a 19th-century inventor. Hiner is the company's president, and Richard Halsall is the CEO.

Hiner said Exhale Fans are more efficient than traditional ceiling fans.

"They create complete air movement in a room that bladed fans cannot," he said. "Our fans are more effective than a traditional fan at reducing the number of cycles required by an air conditioning unit. They use only 34 watts at their highest speed and hang only seven-and-a-quarter inches from where they are attached to the ceiling."

Hiner said Exhale Fans will be manufactured in New Albany, Ind., and the company has made connections with local, national and global firms for distribution.

"We are dedicated to producing the Exhale Fan in the local community, which in turn will support economic growth in the area," he said.

The company began selling the fans Nov. 5 on Indiegogo.com , a group funding website.