Hasta La Gadget!

This summer has already set temperature records around the nation, and we’re still in the dog days of August. With money tight, and temperatures high, there’s a temptation to test out unconventional ways to beat the the heat. But these odd home remedies can end up wasting energy and costing more money. Here’s how to know what really works when you want to keep cool for cheap. More »

Kitchen accessories that do double-duty are the best way to maximize the space in your drawers and cabinets. But the only thing this lovely Polar Ice Bucket does—besides keeping your ice dry while it melts—is to remind you of the dwindling polar ice caps and rising sea levels thanks to global warming. More »

A company called Perlick is now offering a range of 15-inch refrigerated bathroom vanity drawers for safely storing and extending the life of organic or other personal hygiene products, like makeup or even medication. More »

Few things are more refreshing than a drink of water on a hot day. The latest and greatest way Hydrapak is keeping that water extra cool is using PrimaLoft—the same fluffy material that keeps mountaineers from freezing to death in the snow. More »

As part of the “Apollo” ultra-energy-saving vending machine development project, Coca-Cola parterned with Fuji Electric Retail Systems to develop the “A011” peak-shift vending machine that can keep products cool without using power for up to 16 hours per day. The vending machines shift their use of power for cooling away from peak daytime to nighttime hours when power capacity is high.

By taking advantage of the surplus power capacity at night and cooling all products stored in the machine during that time, the rise in temperature is limited during the day–even after hours without power. The cooling process continues and the machine’s vacuum insulation keeps it from being affected by outdoor temperatures.

A two month-long filed testing period has been scheduled to begin on July 2 and will take place in a couple of Japan’s hottest regions including Gifu Prefecture’s Tajimi City and Saitama Prefecture’s Kumagaya City. Once the initial testing phase has been completed, Coca-Cola has future plans to test the machines and their cooling performance when there is shorter supply of power.

Coca-Cola’s power-free vending machines keep stuff cool for hours is written by Elise Moreau & originally posted on SlashGear.
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