ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR VENDING MACHINES

摘要

An energy management system for a chilled product vending machine for controlling the cycling of the refrigeration system therefor and the ON-OFF status of the machine is described. The energy management system includes a microcomputer for controlling the above-described cycling and ON-OFF functions. A hand-held programmer is provided to input machine ON-OFF times to the microcomputer, the ON times defining sales periods. The microcomputer has data stored therein related to cooling characteristics of different types of machines which may be selectively accessed by manually-actuated selector switches. This enables retrofitting of the energy management system into various types of vending machines. The energy management system also provides increased cooling during high volume sales periods, morning warm-up prior to the beginning of a sales period, periodic continuous cool-downs to maintain acceptable product temperatures, and continuous cool-down following individual vends during a non-sales period. Safety features are also provided in case of microcomputer malfunction or power failures to protect the vending machines.