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, 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, 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: Various aspects and embodiments of a temperature control cart (100) are disclosed. The temperature control cart (100) comprises a top portion (116) with one or more wells (202), wherein the one or more wells (202) is operable to receive one or more pans (102). The wells (202) are configured to hold pans (102), wherein the pans (102) often contain a payload, such as food or medicine, that requires temperature control. Further, the top portion (116) is disposed in a tank (108) that contains phase change material (PCM). In another aspect, a method for controlling temperature of a payload is disclosed. A temperature control cart (100) is further provided with one or more heat exchangers. Wherein the one or more heat exchangers circulate a heat exchange fluid, thereby heating or cooling the PCM disposed in the tank (108) of the temperature control cart (100) to above or below a transition temperature of the PCM.

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 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, 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.