| 摘要 |
Conventional drinks machines comprise a refrigeration system that is powered by mains electricity. The part of the drinks machine that houses the individual drink containers does not have specific thermal insulation to prevent substantial heat loss. The machines require a large amount of electrical energy, therefore, to sustain an acceptable lowered temperature. A solar powered vending machine (1) comprises a box-like container (2) supported on a framework (4). Housed within the framework (4) is a refrigeration system (6) and a dispensing system (8). The refrigeration system (6) comprises a motor and compressor unit (10), an inverter (12) for converting AC electricity into DC electricity, an electrical battery unit (14), and a regulator (16). A photovoltaic solar panel (18) supplies the battery unit (14) with electricity. The photovoltaic solar panel (18) is connected to the battery unit (14) by an electrical cable (20). The battery unit (14) is capable of storing at least 5 days of electrical power required by the vending machine (1). Also contained within the framework (4) there is a PCB control unit (22). The refrigeration system (6) also comprises a heat exchanger (24) which is disposed within the container (2). The PCB control unit (22) controls when the power stored in the battery unit (14) is used to run the motor and compressor unit (10). The control unit (22) runs the refrigeration system (6) for a maximum of 2 hours per 24 hour day. The 2 hour running time may take place over a 12 hour period. The 12 hour period would normally be during daylight hours as this is when the outside temperature will be greatest. The motor required for the refrigeration system preferably has a power rating of 80W. |
