CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Coffee vending machines are one of the fastest spreading businesses in the

Philippines. Mr. Joel Chua, a Chinese Filipino business man who owns Barista Choi,

believes in three basic needs which are free enterprise free enterprise, guidance, and the

power of coffee in the morning, lunch, evening and even dawn. It is considered a business

that has minimum investment which requires a low capital, easy to operate, no franchise

fees and guarantees larger income.

The average vending machine is running twenty-four (24) hours a day. Coffee

machines have either permanent or auto-switched thermal sensors to keep the coffee

warm all day consuming energy from the power source even no one is drinking coffee.

Vending machines are usually connected to power grid for its energy wherein most

likely this energy comes from processing fossil fuels. The burning of these fuels may

contribute to the rising of carbon footprint.

Most vending machines requires minimal human interventions, thus vending

machine may be prone to fraud cases wherein customers formulate means of hacking

into the system of the machine to dispense at no cost or worse, the offenders might steal

it.

To address the issue, a system which is more resistant to these frauds may

have to be installed or integrated to the vending machine in order to minimize or even

eradicate these kind of fraud.

 Background / Setting of the Study

Coffee has been part of the day-to-day lives of almost every Filipino. According to

Lourdes Deocareza, business development head of Kantar Worldpanel Philippines that

coffee remains to be the go-to-beverage of Filipinos for an instant pick-me-up energy

boost. Tracking the shopping behavior of 3,000 household across the country from June

2015 to June 2015, Kantar Worldpanel discovered that for every P100 spent for

beverages, P30 is allotted for coffee. (CNN Philippines)

Vending machines operates almost 24 hours a day. In their hour of operation they

are also consuming energy even at idle time. Vending machines power output usually

ranges from 800 watts to several thousands of watts. The small coffee vending machine

we usually see on stores have a power output of 820 W with a hot water volume of only

1600 mL. (http://windsor.ph/Sapoe-Coffee-Vending-Machine). It would be very much

helpful if we find a way to lessen the power consumption by making the design of the

machine more energy efficient.

Today, the combination of the new technology with the new source of power, solar

power, is the main concern in the industry. Solar power can play a role as an alternative

energy source. The technology would allow businesses to place vending machines in

locations otherwise impossible, such as on a beach, or on a golf course or anywhere

possible.

Exploiting the usage of the solar power in a vending machine, the proponents aim

to improve the existing coffee vending machine that operates on dual power with power
management features. Since vending machines should be running continuously

throughout the day, having the ability to be on power saving mode helps in saving power.

With the depleting energy resources, it is imperative to shift to alternative source

of energy that promotes green engineering. Solar power is a swiftly developing energy

resource. As efficiency increases and cost decreases, solar cell systems are increasingly

appealing to small and medium scale consumers according to Wikerman (2014).

The development of solar-based vending machines are quite limited to certain

locations due to some acts of vandalism. With this problem, it is necessary that the

machines should be equipped with security features. The proponents opted to equip the

machine with gyroscope that in the event the machine is moved or change its position, it

will give notification to the owner/operator about this change.

Research Framework

Theoretical Framework

Vending machines have revolutionized the way we sell goods. Its popularity was

brought about by its portability, user interactivity, flexibility and even its economic impact

to the owner by giving better revenue do to lesser human interaction. Nowadays, the

coffee vending machine is one of the most popular and most used among the vending

machines. However, since these machine should be operating 24 hours a day, it

consumes a lot of power and they are subject to security threats because of lesser human

interventions when selling goods.

 Microcontroller
Theory
Proximity Sensing
Theory
Infrared Theory
Gyroscope Theory
Level Sensing Theory

Solar Powered
Coffee Vending
Machine with
Photovoltaic Theory GSM Theory
Power
Management
and Notification

Figure 1.1: Theoretical framework of Solar Powered Vending Machine

To make innovation particularly on the existing vending machine, it is imperative

to understand the laws and theories relevant the study.

Solar power systems or photovoltaic system is a power system designed to supply

usable solar power by means of photovoltaics. It consists of an arrangement of several

components, including solar panels to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, a solar

inverter to change the electric current from DC to AC, as well as mounting, cabling and

other electrical accessories to set up a working system. It maHuy also use a solar tracking

system to improve the system's overall performance and include an integrated battery

solution, as prices for storage devices are expected to decline. Strictly speaking, a solar

array only encompasses the ensemble of solar panels, the visible part of the PV system,
and does not include all the other hardware, often summarized as balance of

system (BOS). Moreover, PV systems convert light directly.

Sensors have been very vital in any intelligent machine. They serve as input device

in any system. There are wide variety of sensors available in the market, one of these is

a proximity sensor. Proximity Sensor includes all sensors that perform non-contact

detection in comparison to sensors, such as limit switches, that detect objects by

physically contacting them. It converts information on the movement or presence of an

object into an electrical signal. Proximity sensors exhibits inductive and capacitive

detection principles. Inductive Proximity Sensors detect magnetic loss due to eddy

currents that are generated on a conductive surface by an external magnetic field. An AC

magnetic field is generated on the detection coil, and changes in the impedance due to

eddy currents generated on a metallic object are detected. Capacitive Proximity Sensors

detect changes in the capacitance between the sensing object and the Sensor. The

amount of capacitance varies depending on the size and distance of the sensing object.

An ordinary capacitive proximity sensor is similar to a capacitor with two parallel plates,

where the capacity of the two plates is detected. One of the plates is the object being

measured (with an imaginary ground), and the other is the sensor's sensing surface.

The level of liquids and other fluids is detected by float sensors. Float Sensors

operate on a direct and simple principle. In most models, a float encircling a stationary

stem is equipped with powerful, permanent magnets. As the float rises or lowers with

liquid level, the magnetic field generated from within the float actuates a hermetically

sealed, magnetic reed switch mounted within the stem. The stem is made of non-

magnetic metals or rugged, engineered plastics. When mounted vertically, this basic
design provides a consistent accuracy of ±1/8 inch. Multi-station float switches use a

separate reed switch for each level point being monitored.

The orientation of the machine is detected by the gyroscope. Gyroscope operates

on a basic principle of a spinning wheel or disc in which the axis of rotation is free to

assume any orientation by itself. When rotating, the orientation of this axis is unaffected

by tilting or rotation of the mounting, according to the conservation of angular momentum.

Gyroscopes have been introduced into consumer electronics. Since the gyroscope allows

the calculation of orientation and rotation, designers have incorporated them into modern

technology. The integration of the gyroscope has allowed for more accurate recognition

of movement within a 3D space than the previous lone accelerometer within a number of

smartphones. Gyroscopes in consumer electronics are frequently combined with

accelerometers (acceleration sensors) for more robust direction- and motion-sensing.

GSM / Global Service Mobile for Communication is an open, digital cellular

technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data services, With the help of Arduino

/ gizduino, It is preferable to use and interact other devices with the GSM since the GSM

is the most and widely used for communication. Using hardware serial of an Arduino is

the best ways to use by the GSM for reliability, accuracy, and better response of the data

transmission.

Switching mechanisms are handled by a relay module. A relay is usually an

electromechanical device that is actuated by an electrical current. The current flowing in

one circuit causes the opening or closing of another circuit. All relays contain a sensing

unit, the electric coil, which is powered by AC or DC current. When the applied current or

voltage exceeds a threshold value, the coil activates the armature, which operates either
to close the open contacts or to open the closed contacts. When a power is supplied to

the coil, it generates a magnetic force that actuates the switch mechanism. The magnetic

force is, in effect, relaying the action from one circuit to another. The first circuit is called

the control circuit; the second is called the load circuit.

A photo emissive component is used in the coin acceptor. The photo emissive

device in the coin acceptor is an infrared sensor. An IR sensor can measure the heat of

an object as well as detects the motion. These types of sensors measures only infrared

radiation, rather than emitting it that is called as a passive IR sensor. Usually in the

infrared spectrum, all the objects radiate some form of thermal radiations. These types of

radiations are invisible to our eyes but that can be detected by an infrared sensor. The

emitter is simply an IR LED (Light Emitting Diode) and the detector is simply an IR

photodiode which is sensitive to IR light of the same wavelength as that emitted by the IR

LED. When IR light falls on the photodiode, the resistances and its output voltages,

change in proportion to the magnitude of the IR light received.

 Statement of the Problem

The design project generally aims to know how to integrate power management,

security system and notification to the existing coffee vending machine.

Specifically, the design project will answer the following questions:

1. How to create a system that will have a dual power that will switch on and off to off

grid and on grid

2. How to create a system that will have a power management function that turns on the

system when in use and turn off the system when idle.

3. How to create a system that will secure the vending machine unit.

4. How to develop a system that will notify the owner if supplies are at critical level.

5. What is the assessment of system in terms of:

5.1. Functionality?
5.2. Effectiveness?
5.3. Efficiency?
5.4. Ease of Use?
5.5. Dependability?
Conceptual Framework

Input Process
Output

Solar panel senses Microcontroller

light intensity compares the Relay module
voltage of battery switches on/off to
Coin acceptor to critical level solar power mode
accepts payment

Level Sensor
Microcontroller GSM module
detects level of
interprets the sends notification
water
input from as SMS
Proximity sensor sensors
detects presence
of cups and coffee
granules Microcontroller
Relay module
determines
Gyroscope senses turns off/on the
necessary action
change in heater
orientation

Real Time Clock

monitors time of
machine in idle

Figure 1.2: Conceptual Framework of Solar Powered Coffee Vending Machine

The figure shows the conceptual framework of the Solar-Powered Coffee Vending

Machine with Power Management and Notification. When coin is inserted to the coin

acceptor, the microcontroller will determine if there is enough power of the battery to

operate the machine thereby turn on the system, otherwise it will switch on to the power

grid for the source of power. The microcontroller also monitors the usage of the machine.
When the machine is in idle, the heater will turn off. The machine is also equipped with

sensor network to monitor the level of water, number of cups and presence of coffee

granules for the owner to be notified if any or both is at critical level. An orientation sensor

is also integrated to determine if there is a change in position or orientation of the machine

and will notify the owner for a possible irregularity of the position or possibly theft.

Notification is sent through GSM as SMS.

 Objectives of the Study

The design project generally aims to improve an existing coffee vending machine

with the following specific objectives:

1. To create a system that is dual powered which utilize solar energy as main source to

generate power of the machine and eventually switch to grid power when the storage

battery is not enough to supply the power of the machine

2. To create a system will have a power management function in terms of switching on

in time of operation and switching off in idle time.

3. To equip the system with security features to protect it from unauthorized use.

4. To create a system that will notify the owner if supplies are running out.

5. To know the assessment of system in terms of:

5.1. Functionality;
5.2. Effectiveness;
5.3. Efficiency;
5.4. Ease of Use;
5.5. Dependability.
 Assumptions

In this study, the proponents assumed that:

1. If the solar energy and the battery does not compensate the energy needed by

the machine, only the AC power line will run the machine.

2. The machine accepts five-peso coin only. It does not accept bills.

3. Messages for notification will depend on the available load balance of the SIM

card for a particular network.

4. GSM module is dependent on the strength of signal of the cellular network.

5. The solar panel is strategically located in order to receive maximum intensity of

light from the sun.

 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This project was developed with an aim of creating a prototype of a solar powered

coffee vending machine with power Management and notification features.

The machine uses solar energy as a primary source of power. The 220 power line

will be a backup source. It has a switching mechanisms that will switch to the power line

when storage battery is at critical level and is not enough to supply the power of the

machine.

The machine can be placed anywhere possible for as long as there is solar

radiation.

The microcontroller shuts off the heater when it is in idle to minimize energy usage

and it will turn on when the machine is being used.

A coin selector for five-peso is provided so that exact amount of pay per cup will

be given to the users. It has no coin changer, thus, once you insert coins there is no

means of getting it back. The coin selector also serve as a switch in turning on and off of

the heater once the machine is put into idle mode.

GSM module is used to send notification to the owner once supplies are at critical

level and need for replacement. Also it is used to alarm the owner when there is

irregularity on the use of the system such as theft.

This design project employs power management features that switches on and off

during its use and during idle time, hence it will have a waiting time when it is used coming

from idle state.

 The machine will only accept full payment. It cannot give a change to any over

payment.

This GSM module will not send notification if the load of the SIM card runs out.

Furthermore, it will not also send notification if there is no cellular signal in the area of that

particular telecommunication network.

Significance of the Study

The Solar Powered Coffee Vending Machine with Power Management and

Notification enables the proponents to promote the use of green engineering and uses

solar energy for power. The following will benefit from this design project.

Future Researchers

This design project can serve as a guide or reference of future researchers about

any proposal or project related to the system. It will help the proponents to gain more

related literature for their study.

Coffee Lovers

This design project will benefit anyone who loves to drink coffee since the machine

can be made available in any place as long as there is solar power such as parks,

hospitals, ports and a lot of places where people usually stay longer.
Entrepreneurs

This design project will benefit entrepreneurs particularly those engaged in the

coffee business. Since this machine requires less human intervention, they will minimize

the labor cost. It will also lessen their power consumption that is dependent to the power

grid.

Government

The design project promotes green engineering, thus it will help the government in

achieving its thrust to promote a cleaner environment.

 Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined for better understanding of this study:

Conceptual Term

Photovoltaic. Photovoltaic (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting

solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the

photovoltaic effect.

Photovoltaic System. It is a power system designed to supply usable solar power by means

of photovoltaics. It consists of an arrangement of several components, including solar panels to

absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, a solar inverter to change the electric current from DC

to AC

Solar Panel. It is a packaged interconnected assembly of solar cells, also known as

photovoltaic cells. The solar panel is used as a component in a larger photovoltaic system

to offer electricity for commercial and residential applications.

Solar Energy. It is the energy derived from the sun’s radiation which may be used to

supply electricity commercially.

Vending Machine. It is an automated machine that provides items such

as snacks, beverages, alcohol, cigarettes and lottery tickets to consumers after money

or a credit card is inserted into the machine. It requires lesser human interaction.

Real-time Clock. It is a computer clock that keeps track of the current time. RTCs are

present in almost any electronic device which needs to keep accurate time
Gyroscope. It is a device consisting of a wheel or disk mounted so that it can spin rapidly

about an axis that is itself free to alter in direction. The orientation of the axis is not affected

by tilting of the mounting; so gyroscopes can be used to provide stability or maintain a

reference direction in navigation systems, automatic pilots, and stabilizers.

Coin Acceptor. It is a device that can recognize various types of coins based on its

weight, shape or size. It is usually used on vending machines.

Microcontroller. It is a compact integrated circuit designed to govern a specific operation

in an embedded system. A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory and

input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip.

Operational Term

Arduino. A device that acts as the main brain of the design project

GSM Module. An interface the Arduino to send short message services.

Relay. The machine uses relay to switch on and off to power grid or to solar power.

Sensor. Device used by the design project to determine orientation changes, level of

water or presence of cups.

Gyroscope. Device used to detect changes in orientation of the machine.

Proximity Sensor. Device used to detect presence and absence of the cups in the

machine.

Microcontroller. The device that interprets data coming from the sensors.

Coin Acceptor. It is a device that accepts payment necessary in the operation of the

machine.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter covers the review of related local and foreign literatures and studies

that the proponents gathered from the internet, articles, studies and other unpublished

theses conducted by particular research groups or individuals. This chapter expands the

concepts and ideas of what the reader has in mind.

Conceptual Literature

Related Literature (Foreign and Local)

Vending Machine

In the article written by Verma (2012) Greek mathematician and engineer Hero of

Alexandria seems to have got the ball rolling in 215 BC when he invented a machine to

vend holy water in Egyptian. During the early 1880s, the first commercial coin-operated

vending machines were introduced in London, England which dispenses post cards.

English publisher and post card owner Richard Carlisle, invented a vending machine for

selling books around the same time.

Vending machines started to be popular in the US when New York City became

part of revolution that was being brought around by the vending machines. It was the first

city in US to get vending machines for selling gums in the subways. These bulk candy

machines are entirely mechanical machines that vend a handful of candy, a bouncy ball,
or perhaps a capsule with a small toy or jewelry for one or two coins. The item may be

unsorted; in that case what the customer exactly gets is subject to chance. In other

instances, the customer is guaranteed a specific type of candy.

Vending machines have changed the way of selling goods. This machine soon

offered almost everything including cigars, postcards, stamps, etc. In Philadelphia, a

completely coin-operated restaurant called Horn & Hardart was opened in 1902 and

stayed open until 1962.

These machines has evolved from selling gumball to drinks too. In early 1920s,

the first automatic vending machines started dispensing sodas into cups. Machines for

offering chilled soft drinks were introduced in 1930s. In 1937 Coca Cola came up with

vending machine by a company called Vendorlator Manufacturing Company of Fresno

California. Vendorlator made a series of classic vending machines during the 40s and

50s that mostly sold Coca-cola and Pepsi. Famous vendorlators included the VMC 27

and VMC 33. It then followed by the much used vending machine, the coffee vending

machine.

With the fast changing technology vending machines developed progressively due

to the availability of newer technology which has been adopted and integrated and paved

a way of transforming itself from a mechanical vending machine to a smart vending

machine. Technologies such as internet connectivity, camera and various types of

sensors, cost effective embedded computing power, various cash and cashless payment

system, wide range of identification technology and others enable this vending machines

more user interactive. Furthermore, it also reduces operating cost while improving its
efficiency of the vending operations due to remote access manageability and intelligent

back-end analytics. (Wikipedia)

Solar Powered Vending Machine

Solar powered vending machine uses solar panels on top to keep the machine

running and a rechargeable battery provides power at night or during prolonged cloudy

periods. If the power cut occurs, it will continue operating even when the rest of the

vending machines stops.

Vending machine that is solar powered can be placed almost anywhere possible

for as long as there is sunlight. They are portable that they can be placed in parks, in

beaches in subways, schools and many more. These vending machines also promotes

green engineering for they don’t emit greenhouse gas in their power production.

Since most of the vending machines have high power consumption and do not

practice good energy conservation behavior when operating, there is a significant

opportunity for these machines to give more savings to the owner or operator.

(http://www.solarvending.com/pages/product.htm, July 24, 2017)

The Future of Vending Machines

Over the years, vending machines have evolved and all over the place. Be it

markets, schools, airports, parks, bus stations and even rest rooms. From mechanical

vending machines have evolved into electronics and now we have smart ones.

According to Silkron (2017) smart vending machines should be designed with

attributes such as sensors for machine movement, remote monitoring, security and

diagnostics. Internet connectivity for remote manageability and telemetry. Camera for

video analytics.

Vending machines continue to grow as demands for convenience continue to

grow. According to the market research by Frost and Sullivan (2011), next year by 2018

global shipment of around 2 million units of vending machines are forecasted and further

to 3.6 million units by 2020 with penetration rate of 20.3 percent. Based on the research

analysis the rise of these demands increase due to the increased user interactivity

features. Their remote management features enables them to contact vending operators

by sending and receiving real-time notifications through the internet which decreases

maintenance cost. This also increases machine availability and automatic restocking.

Machines that are connected through the internet facilitates dynamic route optimization

and other logistics efficiencies when they are low on products.

Photovoltaic Cells

Photovoltaic (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar

radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic
effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels comprising a number of cells

containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaic include

mono-crystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicone, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride,

and copper indium selenide/sulfide.

Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, manufacturing of solar

cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years. As of 2010,

solar photovoltaic generates electricity in more than 100 countries and while yet

comprising a tiny fraction of the 4800 GW of total global power generating capacity from

all sources. Photovoltaic power generation is the fastest growing industry today.

Driven by advances in technology coupled with increase in manufacturing scale

and design sophistication, the cost of photovoltaic has declined steadily since the first

solar cells were manufactured.

Solar power is pollution-free during its use. Production end wastes and emissions

are manageable using existing pollution controls. End-of-use recycling technologies are

under development. (Shahan, 2013)

PV installations can operate for many years with little maintenance or intervention

after their initial set-up, so after the initial capital cost of building any solar power plant,

operating costs are extremely low compared to existing power technologies.

Solar electric generation is economically superior where grid connection or fuel

transport is difficult, costly or impossible. Long standing examples include satellite, island

communities, remote locations and ocean vessels. (Wikipedia, Photovoltaic)

Notifications

According to Honan (2014), in smartphones, notifications are the way to know

about everything that happens without having to fire up an app. A notification lets you

know you have a new email, a new text message, a new Snapchat. Notifications are

becoming more interactive. They're not just simple announcements or even calls to action

anymore. They are actions in and of themselves. Entirely new windows onto our data. It's

nearly impossible to overstate how much this will change the way you use your phone.

Interactive notifications will spur all sorts of new behaviors. Android already has

interactive notifications. Some of these will be simple, like the ability to reply to an email

or text message. But they're powerful in that you can do this without quitting whatever

you're already doing. And this interactivity is not just limited to system apps. Third-party

developers can take advantage of this new capability as well, so you could comment on

something on Facebook or respond to a tweet. You probably don't think much of them,

but the lowly notification has already had some pretty dramatic effects. It has wrought

massive changes in telecom, for example, where it made possible the rise of messaging.

We give messaging apps the credit, but ultimately it is notification that caused SMS to

shed billions in revenue.

Companies like Facebook and Twitter already rely on notifications to drive usage

and growth in the developing world. That presents a model for how they can be used in

developed markets. If you're the first person in your village to sign up for Facebook, you

aren't going to find much reason to come back again. So the notification that your

neighbor just joined becomes hugely important. And that act of messaging someone

almost has to be done from the operating system level. It's just the most efficient way.
After all, someone coming online for the first time may not have an email address. If your

user base is at all significant, sending SMS alerts to everyone is cost prohibitive. And

while the Short Message Peer-to-Peer protocol is an option, it requires direct deals with

carriers which won't happen on a global level without a massive business development

footprint. Notifications are what make your app grow. And when you consider what kinds

of radical things people have done with static notifications, interactive ones are really

exciting.

Vending machines are getting a lot smarter and tougher to shake down. Machines

equipped with wireless, web-based monitoring systems are helping to stop thieves. Some

operators of vending machine have resorted to technology to keep a tighter control on

inventory, saving unnecessary trips to stock machines and stopping theft from inside or

outside sources. (Smith, 2013), Equipping the machine with security and notification

features is necessary since these machines are usually stand alone and unmanned.

Related Studies (Foreign)

Vending Machine

Vending machines have long been a convenient and relatively low cost method of

delivering food and drink. With time many features are being added to the machine day

by day. In the work of Balwinder et. al (2012) they were able to design and develop

vending machine using AVR ATMega 8515 microcontroller. This microcontroller based

vending machine have been integrated with several sensors. The inputs of these sensors
was process and interpreted accordingly by the microprocessor according to their

programmed operation. The vending machine was able to vend liquid products such as

coffee or tea. Infrared sensor are used to detect the presence of cups while relays are

used as a switch to open activate the solenoid valve to opens the orifice for the pouring

of the liquid.

In the study of Sasikala et. al (2014), they were able to design a real time

embedded based drinking water vending machine through the integration of different

devices, and mechanisms. They were able to use the mechanisms used in optical mouse

generate different signals to the different sensors inserted in the coin discriminator.

These signals then processed by the microcontroller. Sensor network is also integrated

to control the level of water from the tanks.

Solar Power

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the

world’s renewable energy. Solar power system are used in stand-alone or a grid tied. .

A grid-connected photovoltaic power system, or grid-connected PV power system is

an electricity generating solar PV power system that is connected to the utility grid.

Huiying et. al (2013) focus their study on solar photovoltaic energy generation and

conversion from devices to grid integration. The grid connected solar PV system in the

study consist of three parts, an array of solar cells, power electronic converters, and an

integrated control system. The control system consists of a maximum power point

tracking and a grid interface control.

 The utilization of solar energy has completely revolutionized how vending

machines has been powered. In the study of Kunju et. al (2016) they have created a

completely independent, off grid vending machines that powers its vending mechanisms

with solar power. It is integration of the solar panel, charge controllers, a storage battery,

microcontroller that processes all the inputs, sensor network notification modules. Their

design dispenses water and pen and also charges a mobile phone.

Notifications

Notification procedures is vital in any intelligent machines. Sasikala et. al (2014)

has integrated their self-serviced drinking water machine with GSM module. The module

is interfaced to the microcontroller and is responsible in the control of water in the tank.

As the water is going to be empty, the IC circuitry will generate a signal and the GSM

module will send SMS to central tank water pump to provide water to the secondary tank.

Same action will do when the water is going to be full in the secondary tank.

GSM is also used as notification system by Kunju et. al (2016) in their study Off

Grid Vending Machine. In this machine, three operations is mainly done: mobile charging,

water dispensing and pen dispensing. This solar power based vending machine is

equipped with GSM module and notifies the responsible person that the coin is almost

full or the selling products are running empty. The sent notification is in the form of an

SMS message.

Power Management
 Energy is very crucial in our everyday lives. It is very important to address a severe

problems and to reduce the consumption of scares and valuable resources. Electricity is

a valuable resource. Employing power management on the use of electricity is important.

In the study of Moser (2009) he addresses power management in energy harvesting

embedded systems. A wireless sensor nodes which are powered by solar cells are used.

He demonstrate that classical power management solutions have been reconceived if

perpetual operations of the system is required. Their study investigates three different

application scenarios, namely real-time scheduling, application rate control and reward

maximization. They were able to identify, formulate and solve the respective problems. r.

For instance, for sensor networks deployed in office buildings or hospitals, the harvested

photovoltaic energy of the indoor illumination can also be predicted to some extent. On

the one hand, lights in corridors and offices are switched on/off according to a fixed

schedule. On the other hand, the different attendance times of employees can be learned

readily by a prediction algorithm (day, night, weekday, weekend, holidays, etc.).

According to Sharma (2013) in his study “Power-Saving Mechanisms to Achieve

Reduced Energy Consumption While Maintaining Effective Communication by Using the

Appropriate Transmission Power in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks” energy conservation

techniques must considered in communication network. One of the promising

mechanisms proposed to reduce the energy consumption in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks is

the transmission power control. The research aimed to reduce energy consumption

during both active communication and idle periods in communication.

General Electric (2011) discuss about the role of an energy management system

in the overall smart grid. Energy management system encompasses the overall reliability
and efficiency of the electric grid. The EMS considers the key operating functions such

as monitoring and control, generation control, load forecasting, load balancing and the

economic factors in generation and transmission of electricity. Another feature of the

energy management system is its security and reliability characteristics during normal

and dynamic systems operations.

Bojanczyk (2013) defines home energy management system as

encompassing any product or service that monitors, controls, or analyzes energy in

the home. This definition includes residential utility demand response programs,

home automation services, personal energy management, data analysis and

visualization, auditing, and related security services. Home energy Management

systems are divided into two categories. The utility solutions and the non -utility

solutions.

Utility solutions include both the utility and the thousands of homes enrolled

in the HEMS program. These solutions require a detailed economic analysis custom -

tailored to each utility, and typically boil down to a single-load-per-home demand

response program or an energy efficiency and customer engagement initiative.

Demand response systems are in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars range, and

base load reduction/energy efficiency programs save 2 percent to 20 percent.

Utilities typically do a one-time hardware purchase with an annual subscription

service for energy management and integration services provided by the vendor.

Non-utility solutions focus solely on the home customer and integrate various

smart-home services, which fall under the broad definition of HEMS proposed

above. The detailed economic analysis used for utility customers is replaced with a
smart marketing campaign targeting the needs of homeowners, vendors often enter

the home with a security solution and then offer HEMS as an add-on sale.

The HEMS sector is no longer about complex hardware solutions focused

solely on maximizing energy reduction in the home while ignoring occupant comfort.

Instead, the space is now a mix of utilities, customers and third -party vendors

looking to find the right balance between energy reduction, cost and cust omer

satisfaction.

Related Studies (Local)

Vending Machine

Vending machines have taken its mark in the market world because of

convenience, lesser human interaction and later due to its user interactivity functions.

From its conventional mechanical controls and evolved into a smart and intelligent

machine system. One of the most in demand vending machine is the coffee vending

machines which revolutionized how we drink our coffee. In the study of Pinili (2010) they

were able to design and implement coin operated coffee vending machine that dispenses

different mixture of hot coffee through dropping a specified number of five-peso coin into

the coin slot. Prices differ depending on the mixture. These mixtures are categorized as

black coffee, sweetened black coffee, and sweetened coffee with creamer. The designers

were able to integrate key major parts such as the heaters, the temperature controller

circuit, the water pumps and the coin slot. Relays and frequently used ICs are used to

control the functions of each part.

 According to Antonio et. Al (2015) the designers were able to design and create a

noodle vending machine specifically a design of the mechanical system with functioning

components: the heater, canister, motors, water injectors and exhaust. The designers

were able to build an electrical and electronic system that includes control system that

maintains the temperature of hot water, a sensor to recognize the placement of cup and

to implement a selection module that allowed the selection of the desired seasoning.

Solar Power

In the study of Exito et. Al (2015) the designers developed a prototype of a

Microcontroller-based Solar Powered Reverse Vending Machine. To promote recycling,

this solar powered prototype enables the user to recycle plastic bottle beverage

containers and in return it will give them mobile charging time. The prototype is an

integration of a sensors, proximity sensor in particular, microcontroller, solar power

system package, a digital display and a lamp. This prototype showcases the potential of

renewable energy while promoting proper waste disposal.

Maroma (2014) design and developed a cellphone charging station that is solely

operated through solar panel by means of solar cells attached to the charging station

through a back-up storage battery. The device is composed of circuits and interfaces that

can safely provide charging power for mobile phones namely solar cell module, switching

circuit for the coin switch, and a regulator circuit for maintaining the voltage used for

charging mobile phones.

In the study of Rubio et. al (2016), authors developed a Solar Powered Reverse

Trash Vendo Machine that aims to encourage people to engage in recycling and to
diminish the practice of improper waste disposal. The device used a Gizduino X ATMega

1281 as its main processing module along with a Gizduino 644 microcontroller board, and

a GSM Shield module for communication. Arduino1.6 IDE is used to program the

Gizduino boards. The device is powered by a 15V rechargeable battery, which is charged

by a solar panel retrofitted at the roof of the device, this is to promote energy conservation,

and green engineering principles in the development of the study. The device can process

empty plastic bottles (500ml. max) with a base diameter of 3.5 inches, and aluminum

cans. These recyclable materials are placed inside the machine and is scanned, then

crushed and placed in a bin. An inductive sensor is used to detect either the material is

a plastic bottle or an aluminum can. To compensate the user for recycling, an equivalent

monetary value will be dispensed. The owner of the device can check the status of the

coin dispenser and bins through an Android messaging application developed using the

Eclipse IDE and the Java programming language, and when a certain limit is reached by

the coin dispenser or the trash bins, an automatic text message notification will be sent

to the owner.

Notifications

Begino et. al (2013) in their study “Wireless Sensor Network Based Remote Water

Level Monitoring System using GSM/GPRS Module with Alarm” has come up with the

system which the main objective is to monitor the water level in the remote site as well as

to provide information and updates about its condition so that the people will have

information regarding the status of the water level. This system is composed of ultrasonic

sensors, microcontrollers, GSM module for transmitting and receiving data, alarm which

serve as warning to the near residents.

 In the transmitting site, it has the ultrasonic sensor that measures the water level.

Those data measures the water level. Those data measured are being transmitted to the

microcontroller to give command in the transmitting GSM module to be able to send the

information in the receiving site through the receiving GSM module. Then it can be viewed

though the web or in any data capable phones. Other means is by manually sending SMS

query to the transmitter SIM and it reply the current water level reading.

In the study of Almanon (2015) a car accident detection device that is equipped

with GPS tracker, GSM module. The said devices are interfaced by an Arduino

microcontroller unit that facilitates in the controlling function. The notification is done

through SMS by informing the nearest possible respondent. The SMS contains data from

the GPS such as the coordinates (longitude and latitude) and distance of the accidents

location.

In study of Salas (2015) entitled SMS Based Electronic Dog Feeder with

Notifier, they have enhanced the existing dog feeder with the use of different technology

that benefits the owner. It focused on the advantage of automation and wireless

transmission that provide more convenience.

The authors was able to design a device that will enable the owner to feed their

dog even their not around. The operation of the device initiates by the dog owner. The

designed device enables the dog owner to monitor the condition of the dog dish and make

a command thru GSM Module that triggered the motors for automatic dispensing of food.

The design utilizes GSM module, Bluetooth module and Gizduino Pro Mini for notification,

through beam sensor and LDR for detection, and servo motor for dog feeder automation.

The through beam sensor is located at the food dispenser and LDR is located at the dog
dish. Through these sensors the condition of the food dispenser and dog dish would be

detected. GSM Module is used to send notification to the owner.

Power Management

Power management is the focus of the study of Garcia et. al (2013) in their work

Smart Home Electricity Management System Using Cloud Computing (SHEMS). Smart

Home incorporates communications network that connects the key electrical appliances

and services, and allows them to be remotely controlled, monitored or accessed. The

SHEMS consists of a Controller (Web server), website, hardware interface and the

software application for monitoring the electrical switch control. The developed system is

integrated with an electricity flow switch which control the appliance switching on and

switching off remotely. The real time monitoring of the overall electricity consumption in

terms of per Kilowatt hour (KWH) and its cost (equivalent price of KWH consumed) are

presented in graphical reports. This feature may encourage households to be watchful on

energy consumption.

Alban et. al (2015) in their study “Automatic Air-Generating Machine Through

Human Detection and Voice Activation”, they were able to make a device that does not

only improve the automation technology present in the industry nowadays but also to

reduce the power consumption and prevent electrical-related accidents at home. It is

constructed using different sensors (Pyroelectric, humidity and temperature) and modules

(Voice Recognition and relay). Each components are interfaced and programmed using

microcontroller to achieve the desired function.

 The main focus of the design project is to enhance the existing automation

technology among electrical appliance as well as prevent electrical-related accidents at

home. As part of this goal, the target of this project is to develop a device that will generate

air depending on the measured surrounding temperature and works only when there is

human presence made possible by using different sensors and modules. These are

interfaced to an Arduino microcontroller unit that aids in the controlling function.

In the study of Gendrano et. al (2015), the authors addressed one of the problems

in electricity transmission and distribution which is the system loss that is mainly caused

by the electricity pilferage. Electricity pilferage is an ongoing problem for every electricity

providers as well to the customers. Most cases of electricity pilferage occur when

violators physically alter the mechanisms inside their power meters or by tapping to the

main power lines. The most basic method of stealing electricity is by direct wire-

connection to a main power route passing by a house or a shop so that electricity can

flow to the consumer without crossing the electric meter installed by a governmental

agency which is responsible for providing electrical services to customers. Other

methods may include opening the meter itself, without damaging its seals and reversing

the dials, a complicated procedure that requires expert skill. There are various types of

electrical power pilfering done all over the world. The various types of electrical power

pilfering are as follows. Direct hooking from the line wherein this method is frequently

used for pilfering electricity. 80% of total power pilferage all over the world is done by

direct tapping from line. The consumer taps into a direct power line from a point ahead

of the energy meter. This energy source therefore is unmeasured in its consumption

and procured with or without switches. Another method is bypassing the energy meter.
In this method, the input terminal and output terminal of the energy meter has been

shorted by a wire. So energy cannot be registered in the energy meter. Third method is

by injecting foreign element into the energy meter. Sometimes skilled individuals inject

foreign elements such as transistors, resistors or IC chips into the electrical meter which

causes a lower consumption of electricity. Also, some meters are manipulated with a

remote control circuit by installing the circuit inside the meter which can be operated

remotely and the meter can be slowed down any time a consumer desires. If someone

tests the meter for its accuracy by external inspection, it is always detected as correct

unless the remote is turned on. Fourth method is by drilling holes in electromechanical

meter. Drilling holes is a visible type of manipulating an electrical meter. This type of

tampering is done to electromechanical types of meters. The individual inserts foreign

material inside the meter to obstruct the free movement of the rotating disc.

As the overall result, violators are not charged for the total number of kilowatt-

hours actually used, causing lost revenue for both utility or distributors and electricity

providers. Mainly, electricity pilferage causes higher monthly bills to consumers

The authors’ main focus is to detect power theft wirelessly. Illegal usage of

electricity can be solved electronically without any human control using ZigBee. To

overcome the theft of electricity, the authors bypassed the energy meter and control the

revenue losses and utility of the electricity authorized agency. Furthermore, the authors

exploit the use of mobile phone in the notification process of their study by sending

information through SMS to notify the authorized agency of an electricity pilferage that

has happened.
Synthesis

As a summing up of information that we gather in published and unpublished

materials. We, the proponents gain ideas, credible principles and reliable source of

technical information on how we can come up on our design project.

The stated theses, research papers, and articles supplies the proponents the

important details and different perspective of enhancing the design of a conventional

coffee vending machine and seek for more energy efficient and imposes green

engineering technology.

The idea of using sensors such as level sensor, infrared sensor, gyroscope and

proximity sensor particularly in monitoring the state of the vending machine give the

proponents better understanding on how the components will be connected to each other.

It also helped in knowing the important things to consider in the process of designing and

installing the project. It also helped in the familiarization of the electronic components and

their operation.
References:

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