Solar Powered Kiosk meets German Engineering
Hoeft & Wessel announces new generation of compact ticketing kiosks and a special solar-powered version.The new solar-powered ticketing kiosks are powered by solar energy so do not need to be connected to the electricity grid.
Solar-powered Kiosk | KIOSK EUROPE
The Group´s Almex business division will present the new product for the first time at InnoTrans in Berlin.
Known as almex.midi, the vending machine extends the successful almex.station series, of which more than 10,000 units are in operation across Europe on railway platforms and public transport stations. Whereas the almex.station has a width of 90cm, the new model measures only around 68cm. Although smaller, it offers the same functions as the larger model owing to the optimised arrangement of modules.
The almex.midi will be available in two versions: a conventional one powered by electricity and a version which is fitted with a solar panel and can therefore be operated independently of the electricity grid.
nergy savings
By using highly efficient components and heating only individual parts rather than the entire device, it has been possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% in the solar-powered version.
Further energy savings are achieved by shutting the terminal down overnight and when it is not in use. The utilisation of LEDs instead of neon lights also saves energy and, despite higher initial costs, pays off because of the lower energy costs. The illumination also appears better and has a longer life expectancy. They recently developed and integrated a new LED lighting system for the 1,100 ticket vending machines operated by London Bus at the bus stations in the UK capital.
In developing the solar-powered version of almex.midi, Almex was also able to rely on experience gained by their subsidiary Metric. Its car park ticketing kiosks are a good example of the role which alternative energies can have. Around 60% of the parking kiosks sold already include a solar module, with this figure set to rise in the future. As early as in the 1990s, more than 15,000 solar-power car park ticketing kiosks had been sold. As these machines do not have to be connected with the electricity grid, the cost-intensive infrastructure preparations can be avoided. At the same time, CO2 emissions are reduced.
Passengers can pay for tickets in cash, by card or with e-tickets complying with the ITSO or VDV-KA standard. A large touchscreen and language support make the kiosks easy to use. Transports Publics Genevois, Geneva´s public transport company, has already opted for the new almex.midi.
Posted by staff at September 9, 2010 03:24 PM