Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

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, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

Abstract: In one aspect, systems for storing and/or transporting a payload are described herein. In some embodiments, systems have a portable storage vessel having an internal cavity, the internal cavity having: a central zone for receiving the payload; a first cooling zone disposed radially outward from the central recess, with a first phase change material disposed in the first cooling zone; a second cooling zone disposed radially outward from the first cooling zone, with a second phase change material disposed in the second cooling zone, wherein the first phase change material has a first phase transition temperature; wherein the second phase change material has a second phase transition temperature; and wherein the second phase transition temperature is between 10° C. and 15° C. higher than the first phase transition temperature; and wherein each of the first phase transition temperature and the second phase transition temperature are below 0° C.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition: comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein which include a first phase change material (PCM) component comprising an organic PCM, a second PCM component comprising an inorganic PCM, and a crosslinker linking the first PCM component to the second PCM component. In another aspect, a thermal energy storage system is described herein which comprises a container, a heat exchanger disposed within the container, and a composition described herein disposed within the container. The heat exchanger and the composition of such thermal energy storage systems are in thermal contact with one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

Abstract: In one aspect, temperature control sheets are described herein. In some embodiments, such a sheet comprises a first film; a second film facing opposition to the first film; and a phase change material (PCM) component disposed in between the first film and the second film. The sheet comprises one or more PCM-containing zones in a lateral plane of the sheet and also comprises one or more PCM-free fold or cut zones or lines in the lateral plane of the sheet.

Abstract: District energy systems, also known as district heating and cooling networks, are utilized to provide distributed heating and cooling through an infrastructure of pipes and connectors from source points to destination addresses. The application of PCM within the network of pipes and connectors and with the surrounding environment improves the thermal regulation goals of transferring thermal energy in fluid form from source to destination, often times over great distances and through varying environmental conditions.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermal energy storage compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises 0.5-10 wt. % polysaccharide and 88-99.5 wt. % water, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition. Moreover, in some cases, the composition is shape stable at 20° C. and 1 atm.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermal management units are described herein which, in some embodiments, offer one or more advantages compared to other units for managing or controlling thermal energy. In particular, units and systems described herein incorporate one or more phase change materials (PCMs), such as one or more PCMs having a certain phase transition temperature, latent heat, and/or phase transition type. The PCMs are contained in equipment housing with the application of various components to provide management or controlling of thermal energy.

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: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a phase change material, a hydrophobic sorption material, and a viscosity modifier. In some embodiments, a composition comprises a foam and a latent heat storage material dispersed in the foam, the latent heat storage material comprising a phase change material and a hydrophobic sorption material.

Abstract: In one aspect, thermal management devices are described herein. In some embodiments, the thermal management device is a thermal management plate comprising an exterior surface defining an interior volume, and a thermal management material disposed within the interior volume. Additionally, the plate includes a fill spout. The fill spout (when in an open configuration) provides fluid communication between the interior volume and the external environment of the plate. The exterior surface of the plate includes a front side, a back side, and at least four corners. The fill spout is disposed at one of the corners of the exterior surface. The plate can have a generally polyhedral shape, and the specific shape of the plate is not particularly limited.

Abstract: In one aspect, a food delivery temperature charging system, temperature charging cradle systems and food transportation system are described herein. In some embodiments, the food delivery temperature charging system contains a temperature charging cradle system including a base unit including a first temperature adjustment unit generating hot or cold air, a backing affixed to the base unit, and a channel duct affixed to the backing, wherein the first temperature adjustment unit is connected to the channel duct so that the channel duct permits free flow of the first temperature medium to a charging station. The food delivery temperature charging system further includes a charging station containing a horizontal shelf for holding a food storage system including a shelf temperature medium portal, which is connected to a channel duct so that the first temperature medium is conveyed from the fully enclosed channel duct to the temperature medium portal.

Abstract: In one aspect, food transport systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a system comprises an interior compartment defined by a floor, one or more side walls, and optionally a lid. The lid has open and closed configurations. The lid, or a bottom surface thereof, is in facing opposition to the floor when the lid is in the closed configuration. The side walls comprise fold lines or seams substantially parallel to the floor. Further, the side walls have reduced thickness or rigidity or self-supporting ability at the fold lines. The interior compartment has an extended configuration and a folded configuration. When the interior compartment is in the extended configuration, the side walls are substantially orthogonal to the floor. When the interior compartment is in the folded configuration, the side walls are folded or collapsed onto themselves along the fold lines, in a direction orthogonal to the floor.

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.