Coca-Cola Japan Develops Peak-Time Power-Free Vending Machine

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July 5, 2012

Coca-Cola Japan Co. Ltd. and Fuji Electric Retail Systems Co. Ltd. have successfully developed a cooling power-free vending machine.

The A011 peak-shift vending machine can operate without using power for cooling for up to 16 hours per day. The machine -- which shifts use of power for cooling from the usual peak midday times to the nighttime when there is relative surplus power capacity --began field-testing this week.

In conventional vending machines, the temperature rises slowly if cooling was stopped for long periods of time. However, in the peak-shift vending machine, all products stored in it are cooled during the nighttime. By cooling products stored in it even after cooling functions have stopped, the rise in temperature in the storage unit is limited even after cooling has been stopped for a long period of time, the companies reported.

Because the machines uses more vacuum insulation, the machine also is not affected as much by outside temperature. The doors are also more air-tight to reduce cold air escaping.

The new vending machine will be field tested for two months in Saitama Prefecture's Kumagaya City and Gifu Prefecture's Tajimi City, the hottest regions in Japan. After verifying the new model's performance, Coca-Cola Japan will work to maximize the peak-shift functionality, extending the amount of time they can go without using power for cooling during time slots when power is generally in short supply.

Since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Coca-Cola Japan has led the industry in implementing specific round-robin cooling suspension measures in its vending machines. In winter 2011, the geographical scope of these power saving efforts was expanded. In summer 2012, Coca-Cola Japan will use round-robin cooling suspension in all areas except Okinawa Prefecture, cutting power usage by 15 percent.

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