Coca-Cola in collaboration with Fuji Electric Retail Systems has developed the "A011" peak-shift vending machine as part of the "Apollo" ultra-energy-saving vending machine development project.
A001 Peak-Shift Vending Machine Field Test Design
Cooling in the A011 vending machine can be maintained for 16 hours without using power. The power for cooling is shifted from noontime to the nighttime as the power capacity is high during the nights.
As an increasing amount of power is available in the night, the cooling effect in the A011 vending machine is spread to all the products stored in it. Even after the machine’s cooling functions stop, the cooling process continues in the machine, and increase in the storage unit’s level of temperature is also limited. Outside temperature does not affect the machine as it has a number of vacuum insulation materials that enhance its insulation efficiency. The A011 vending machine has air-tight doors that prevent escape of cold air. These features in the A011 vending machine will indeed satisfy the governments request to provide cold products and save energy.
A field-test for the A011 peak-shift vending machine will be conducted for two months commencing from July 2. This test will take place in Japan’s hottest regions that include Gifu Prefecture's Tajimi City and Saitama Prefecture's Kumagaya City. After this test, Coca-Cola will next test the vending machine’s cooling performance during short supply of power.
Round-robin cooling suspension measures have been implemented by Coca-Cola Japan in its vending machines. This initiative started after last year's earthquake in Japan. Coca-Cola Japan’s power-saving initiatives were further expanded in winter 2011. As a part of this year’s power saving measures, Coca-Cola Japan has decided to use round-robin cooling suspensions in order to cut the usage of power in all areas other than Okinawa Prefecture.