Tools to Enhance EnergySavings
Tools to further improve vending machine efficiency.
Such replacement can lead to superior machine brightness, while providing cost savings over the comparable expense of single fluorescent light bulbs. A deluxe LED kit, for example, may cost $150 to $175 initially, but will be expected to provide many years of continuous service as compared to the expenses associated with annual fluorescent bulb replacement.
LED lights consume less energy, reduce carbon emissions, have a longer life, and result in less waste. The lifespan of an LED can be affected by the temperature of its surroundings as well as the energy volume it consumes. From an operational perspective, some vending operators report noticeable savings associated with LED replacement of fluorescents.
For example, in a comparative study, an operator reported that the placement of LED strips in a food machine (with a compressor and motion sensor) consumed 2 to 2.5 fewer amps while a similarly outfitted snack machine (with no compressor) drew correspondingly fewer amps. These savings can amount to significant yearly savings. LED lights provide a platform for enhanced product presentation, given brighter lighting as well as benefits associated with energy conservation.
RETROFIT KITS AVAILABLE FOR LED LIGHTS
LED lighting packages are available for retrofitting in older machines and do not require re-engineering or alternate energy sourcing. Several industry suppliers, including InOne Technology, Vendors Exchange International Inc., and others offer retrofit kits that are compatible with multi-drop bus (MDB) compliant machines and offer uncomplicated installation.
In addition to LED lights and reflector combinations, the installation of a motion sensing (infrared) switch can be used to conserve energy and extend LED life by dimming the light strip when no one is detected in proximity (predetermined radius).
Similar to other sensing devices, the infrared sensor will return the light level to its full potential when occupancy is sensed. LED lighting packages (basic and deluxe) are available from select machine manufacturers as an upgrade option on new vending machines. Labor savings resulting from fewer service calls as well as replacement part costs should also be included in a cost comparison analysis.
MOTION DETECTING SENSOR CONTROLS COMPRESSOR
The Department of Energy has a responsibility to establish energy conservation standards for various consumer products and commercial and industrial equipment, including refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines. An EnergyMiser is a product that can be applied to manage energy consumption in beverage vending machines and coolers by regulating the compressor unit.
A vending machine constantly uses electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even when there are no customers surveying its contents or purchasing product, the machine continues to draw energy.
POTENTIAL SAVINGS OF $300 PER YEAR
Some industry analysts estimate that vending machines typically consume between 7 and 14 kWh/day (kilowatt hours per day) depending on machine capacity and complexity. At a conservative kWh cost rate, vending machine savings may approximate $300 a year when equipped with an EnergyMiser product.
USA Technologies, the producer of EnergyMiser products, claims energy savings can be in excess of $100 per year per machine, thereby paying for itself in about 12 months. The EnergyMiser product line is termed “plug-and-play” technology that can begin saving power immediately.
EnergyMiser products are estimated to have an average life span of 12 years. Other benefits include reduced vending machine run time and lighting burn time, resulting in less wear and tear, thereby extending the machine’s life.
The EnergyMiser product line consists of VendingMiser, CoolerMiser, SnackMiser, and PlugMiser. It is important to note that adding a miser device to older equipment (pre-2003) is not likely to qualify the machine for an Energy Star rating despite possible enhancements in energy efficiency.
VENDINGMISER MONITORS LOCATION ACTIVITY
The VendingMiser is an add-on product that may help reduce the energy consumption of a cold beverage vending machine through the use of sensors. By using an occupancy (motion) sensor to conserve electricity (power down) the device has the ability to adjust the machine’s lights and compressor.
