Coca-Cola (Japan), together with Fuji Electric Retail Systems have succeeded in developing the “A011”peak-shift vending machine. This vending machine, developed as part of the Apollo ultra-energy-saving vending machine project, can operate without using power for cooling up to 16 hours per day.
Key Concept
The successfully developed peak-shift vending machine shifts use of power for cooling from the usual peak mid-day to night time, when there is a relative surplus power capacity.
In conventional vending machine, temperature would rise slowly if cooling was stopped for long period of time since only a portion stored were cooled in response to sales to limit electricity consumed.
However, in peak-shift vending machine, all products stored are cooled during night time when relatively more power available.
In addition, by using more vacuum insulation materials, insulation has improved and the machine less affected by outside temperature.
In preparation for full-fledged market launch, the peak-shift vending machine will be field tested until the end of August in Kumagaya City and Tajimi City, the hottest regions in Japan.
After verifying the new model’s performance, Coca-Cola said it will work to maximize their 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.
Great East Japan Earthquake
Since 2011, Coca-Cola Japan has been implementing specific round-robin cooling suspension measures in its vending machines in all areas except Okinawa, cutting power usage by 15%.
All newly purchased vending machines have been HFC-free since 2011, and LED lighting is being used since 2012.
Latest Development : Hydrogen-Powered Peak Shift Technology
In a major update unveiled at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Fuji Electric and Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan introduced the world’s first vending machine powered by replaceable hydrogen cartridges
This model represents the next evolution of peak shift technology, allowing the machine to operate off-grid or reduce grid reliance by using hydrogen to power cooling and dispensing functions, thereby shifting energy consumption away from peak electrical demand times
