The College of Charleston’s 60 beverage vending machines are now equipped with the energy-saving VendingMiser system. This was a result of research by senior Stefan Koester, as part of a sustainability course. This new feature is expected to save the College of Charleston an estimated $2,500 per year in energy costs.
Using technology similar to a light motion sensor, the VendingMiser powers down the cooling compressor on a vending machine when the motion sensor has not been activated for more than fifteen minutes. At night or during summer vacation when the machines are not used as frequently, the college will be saving money without sacrificing the convenience of a chilled soda.
Koester found that the College’s 60 machines consume more than 200,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, at an annual cost to College of almost $12,500. Data was first gathered through the use of a watt meter which gave readings of energy consumption both with and without the VendingMiser for each model of vending machine.
“This demonstrates the process of deep learning and multi-dimensional thinking that we at the College are trying to instill, “says Brian Fisher, Director of the Office of Sustainability.
This project was funded by the Office of Sustainability’s ECOllective fund, which provides money to student sustainability projects on campus. Coca-Cola contributed $2000 and the Office received $3000 through the SCE&G Energy Wise Rebate program, a program that helps fund energy efficiency upgrades in the Lowcountry by providing monetary rebates upon installation. In total, the VendingMiser project will pay for itself in less than 2 years.
“This project offered a wonderful opportunity for the College to work collaboratively with our suppliers to reduce our carbon footprint,” states Jan Brewton, Director of Business and Auxiliary Affairs at the College.
