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 If someone comes up with an invention that will benefit the country greatly, one would expect the inventor to be recognised and encouraged. Not if the invention happens in India and the inventor resides in India, too. He/she is denied an opportunity to even take it to the right fora, not to talk of recognition or encouragement. This same fate has befallen
S. Gopalakrishnan, like many before him. What is Gopalakrishnan's story?
Environmental pollution from automobile emissions is increasing every day, whether they are running on petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG. The CO in the
emissions can cause heart attacks. The un-burnt hydrocarbons are carcinogenic, while the oxides of
nitrogen can trigger asthma attacks. Environmentalists all over the world are waging a big battle for implementation of pollution control measures. In this context,
S. Gopalakrishnan's Hydrodrive Electronic Converter is almost 'what the doctor ordered'.
This electronic catalytic converter, when fitted on four wheelers and trucks, not only reduces the toxic substances from auto emissions, but saves on fuel too. The device does not harm the engine in any way. On the contrary it helps. The catalytic converters now in use are of poor quality, says Gopalakrishnan. The Hydrodrive Electronic Converter can be fitted on any vehicle, petrol or diesel. He is wistful that no one has recognised this invention. In his own words .....
"The new vehicles are not fitted with proper catalytic converters. Studies done by the London Transport authority prove that converters are essential. The pollution control board does emission testing of all the vehicles, but the hydrocarbon percentage in the exhaust fumes is not recorded. The cost of fitting a Hydrodrive Electronic Converter is Rs. 6000 for cars and Rs. 12,000 for trucks. Our oil import bill can be substantially reduced. We can save at least Rs. 10,000 crore from our current oil bill of Rs. 50,000
crores.
I have written about this to the government a number of times. I have written directly to the PM and President, explaining in detail how this device works. So far I have not got any response and for reasons best known to them are hesitant to reply. The majority of vehicles on the road, in our country, are diesel vehicles. They are not fitted with catalytic converters. They are the major polluters. The sad truth is, nowhere in the world are diesel vehicles fitted with converters.
 In the Delhi Corporation, only CNG vehicles are fitted with catalytic converters. They also claim that CNG and LPG are non-polluting, which is not a fact. When I asked them why converters are not fitted in diesel and petrol vehicles, I did not get a proper reply. The cost of fitting the converter on petrol and diesel vehicles is much less compared to CNG and LPG driven vehicles. Hence converters should be made mandatory for petrol and diesel vehicles. There should be a law making it compulsory for 'pollution under control' certificate from The Pollution Control Board to be produced for accepting road tax, but this will not be done!
There are only two companies that manufacture catalytic converters in the world, today. We are the only company manufacturing this in India. I cannot understand why auto manufacturers are reluctant to use our Hydrodrive Electronic Converter, which is not only economical, but also suitable for all types of automobiles. There are about 7000 vehicles, fitted with our Hydrodrive Electronic Converter on the road. The owners are happy with the improved pick-up and fuel economy. The government on the other hand has so far not responded favourably," says Gopalakrishnan
A 1973 batch mechanical engineer, from Coimbatore, Gopalakrishnan has a marketing management degree from the Madras University. Hydrodrive Systems & Controls (P) Ltd. was started in 1980. The Hydrodrive Electronic Converter was first manufactured in 1996. He has got patents in
Philippines and in India. He has applied for an international patent. He is looking for investments from a VC or Institution to fund his growth and expansion plans. He is also having talks with a Chinese company for a joint venture.
 "I have tried enough. The government keeps saying it is making all efforts to control pollution, but I am at a loss to understand why the government is reluctant to implement my suggestions," laments a disappointed Gopalakrishnan. Why the reluctance? The answer is only too obvious.
For more details, contact:
S. Gopalakrishnan
Hydrodrive Systems and Controls Pvt. Ltd
PO Box 5076, No 69, Industrial Estate
Perungudi, Chennai-600 096, (India)
E-mail: hydrodrive@vsnl.com
Phone: (091-44) 4960287
Fax: (091-44) 4915110
Saravanan
Tr.Ellar
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