Abstract: In one aspect, thermal energy storage systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system includes at least one active thermal storage battery and at least one passive thermal storage battery. The at least one active thermal storage battery includes a container, a heat exchanger disposed within the container, and a first phase change material disposed within the container and in thermal contact with the heat exchanger. The at least one passive thermal storage battery comprises a plurality of thermal storage cells, individual thermal storage cells comprising a container having an interior volume, and a second phase change material disposed within the interior volume of the container.

Abstract: A spray nozzle includes a first conduit that provides a first flow path for a first type of fluid, a second conduit that provides a second flow path for a second fluid that is different from the first fluid, a first dispensing aperture that ejects therefrom a spray that includes the first type of fluid and/or the second type of fluid, and at least one balancing outlet in fluid communication with the second conduit. The at least one balancing outlet permit the second type of fluid to exit therefrom to balance a force of ejection of the spray from the first dispensing aperture.

Abstract: Thermal energy management kits are described herein. A thermal energy management kit described herein includes one or more thermal storage cells. Individual thermal storage cells have a container. The container may be formed from a thermally conductive material and has an interior volume. The thermal storage cell further includes a phase change material disposed within the interior volume of the container. Thermal energy management kits described herein may optionally further include one or more mounting structures.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermal energy storage systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system comprises a container, a heat exchanger disposed within the container, and a phase change material (PCM) disposed within the container. The heat exchanger comprises an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe; and a number n of plates in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, wherein n is at least 2. The inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and plates are arranged and connected such that a fluid flowing from the inlet pipe and to the outlet pipe flows through the plates in between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The PCM disposed within the container is also in thermal contact with the plates.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermal energy storage systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system includes at least one active thermal storage battery and at least one passive thermal storage battery. The at least one active thermal storage battery includes a container, a heat exchanger disposed within the container, and a first phase change material disposed within the container and in thermal contact with the heat exchanger. The at least one passive thermal storage battery comprises a plurality of thermal storage cells, individual thermal storage cells comprising a container having an interior volume, and a second phase change material disposed within the interior volume of the container.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermal energy storage systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system includes at least one active thermal storage battery and at least one passive thermal storage battery. The at least one active thermal storage battery includes a container, a heat exchanger disposed within the container, and a first phase change material disposed within the container and in thermal contact with the heat exchanger. The at least one passive thermal storage battery comprises a plurality of thermal storage cells, individual thermal storage cells comprising a container having an interior volume, and a second phase change material disposed within the interior volume of the container.

Abstract: In one aspect, composite construction materials are described herein. In some embodiments, a composite construction panel comprises a substrate layer, a cover layer separated from the substrate layer by one or more spacers, and at least one mat disposed between the substrate layer and the cover layer, wherein the mat comprises at least one phase change material disposed in at least one phase change region.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided according to one aspect of the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container sized to be carried during a food delivery. The container defines an interior area and an opening to the interior area. The delivery apparatus further includes an electrical device configured to change the temperature of the interior area relative to an ambient temperature. The electrical device is positioned within the interior area of the container. The electrical device is powered by a power source remote from the container. The electrical device is configured to remain with the container during a food delivery, and is transportable. The delivery apparatus further includes a connection apparatus residing within the delivery apparatus. The connection apparatus includes a retractable connection pad electrically connected to the electrical device. The pad is movable between a retracted position and an exposed position, and is biased in the retracted position by a biasing member.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus is provided by the invention. The delivery apparatus includes a container for holding an article to be delivered and a heater. The container includes a housing forming an interior area and an opening. The opening is provided with a size sufficient to allow movement of the article from outside the container to within the interior area, and from within the interior area to outside the container. The heater is provided for placement within the interior area for heating the article. The heater includes an electrically conductive coil for providing an electric current when exposed to a magnetic field, and an electrical resistance heating element for generating heat. The electrical resistance heating element is provided in electrical connectivity with the electrically conductive coil. A delivery apparatus assembly is provided which includes an induction range for generating a magnetic field. A heater and a method for delivering food are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus comprising a container and a heater is provided. The container is provided for holding an article in thermally conductive contact with the heater. The heater includes a heating grid constructed to provide a output watt density of greater than 2.5 watts per square inch. A heat sink is provided in thermally conductive contact with the heating grid for receiving and storing heat energy from the heating grid. The heater also includes a cover and a power cord. In another embodiment a delivery apparatus includes a controller. The controller provides information to the user about the status of the delivery apparatus by changing the state of a light source. A method of delivering food is also provided.