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Vending Miser Proposal for Queens Sustainability Trevor Shah 1.

Description of Project The purpose of this proposal is to request the implementation of Vending Misers on vending machines throughout the Queens University campus. A Vending Miser is a simple plug-and-play device that can be easily installed in beverage machines. A Vending Miser unit ultimately powers down machines and shuts off the lights if no motion is detected for a certain programmable period of time. 2. Project Overview A Vending Miser utilizes a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) to power down the vending machine when the surrounding area is vacant, while maintaining the temperature of the vended product. The device has been recognised and approved by both Coke and Pepsi. Additionally, the device: Monitors room temperature and periodically re-powers the machine to maintain the desired product temperature Detects if the compressor is operating, and will not power down until it has completed running. This eliminates compressor short cycling Immediately powers up the machine if a person approachesif in power down mode. Helps the machine create less heat when lights and motors are powered down, so drinks in the machine stay cold and can even get colder by 1 degree. Helps extend the life of a vending machine and reduce maintenance costs (how? See below) Increase the life of the front panel fluorescent lamps

3. How Vending Misers Reduce Maintenance Costs During standard operation, the machine's compressor typically cycles three to four times per hour, running each time for about 10-15 minutes. This means that in a two-hour period, a compressor will run through as many as eight short duration cycles. While the vending machine area is occupied, the Vending Miser leaves the vending machine powered, and the compressor will operate in this same fashion. However, when the area around the machine is vacant, Vending Miser will typically cycle the compressor only once every two hours for a longer cycle, usually about 20-30 minutes in length. Running fewer but longer cycles will extend the life of the compressor. 4. Important Facts About Vending Misers In perspective, an average vending machine uses about 3,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, the use of a Vending Miser saves 46% energy on average and can reduce electrical consumption by 1,800 kWh of electricity in a year. Furthermore, the device reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 1.26 tons (2500 lbs) and decreases nitrogen oxide emission by approximately 3,600 grams; these reductions help keep our air quality high. In addition, Vending Misers are sustainable solutions as they use less energy. Saving energy benefits the university environmentally and economically. Please see the chart on page two for a comparison of having a Vending Miser versus not having one. This chart was found in a report created by Tufts University in Massachusetts which implemented 90 Vending Misers. Tufts University recommends them wholeheartedly. The report can be found at:

http://sustainability.unc.edu/Portals/0/Documents/Vending%20Miser%20Handout.pdf Vending Machines Electricity Use Per Week on Average Electricity Use Per Year The cost of a Vending Miser Cost of Electricity over 52 weeks @1.3 lbs/kWh Savings C02 emissions per year N/A 2.52 tons $192/Yr ($381-$189) 1.26 tons Without Vending Miser 66.71 kWh 3468 kWh n/a $381 U.S. With Vending Miser 33 kWh 1716 kWh $165 U.S. $189 U.S.

The primary objective of implementing the Vending Miser is to reduce carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, electrical consumption (and consequently electrical waste) by using a simple device that can be installed in minutes. In fact, Trent University staff from the Sustainability Office installed all Vending Misers themselves! It is well known that harmful greenhouse gas emissions are ubiquitous in our environment. Whether these emissions derive from motor vehicles or vending machines, they pose threats to our health and natural environment. Hundreds of universities have implemented Vending Misers on campus. Please visit http://www.usatech.com/energy_management/energy_customers_unis.php for a list of all universities using Vending Misers. 5. Implementation Plan The first step that must be taken to implement the Vending Miser is to determine which locations on campus would produce the highest savings. For instance, Queens could select all ten residences and use them as pilot projects to test the viability of Vending Misers. The vending machines in these residences are located in enclosed rooms where there is little traffic and are thus opportune for significant cost savings. Upon determining the particular locations we would then purchase and install the Vending Misers. Next, our goal would be to focus on promoting this product to students and faculty to increase awareness of sustainable initiatives. True action on the environment can only take place if everyone collectively identifies the merits in conserving energy and spreading awareness. A simple promotional campaign that we could use would involve placing a sign next to each vending machine (using a Vending Miser) discussing how Vending Misers are sustainable and cost-efficient products. For instance, this machine is using a Vending Miser which reduces energy consumption by about 46%. This initiative is just another way that we at Queens University are becoming more sustainable and friendly to our environment. We could also publish an article in the Queens Journal or university newspaper to improve awareness of this project.

The last step in this project would be to monitor results. We could assess the performance of Vending Misers each year to ascertain which areas are most effective in reducing energy consumption and producing the highest savings. http://www.dwebcrm.com/login/upload/3/vm_savings_chart_-_all_markets_6.3.04.pdf

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