US 20140054297A1
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0054297 A1
`
` Patstone (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 27, 2014
`
`
`(54) THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND
`METHODS
`
`(52) US. Cl.
`USPC ........................................ 220592.01; 29/428
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Christopher H. Patstone, Northampton,
`MA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Pelican BioPharma,LLC
`
`(21) APPL NOJ 13/593,432
`
`22‘
`)
`
`Filed:
`
`An . 23 2012
`g
`,
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int Cl
`B6:5D 81/18
`32 gP 19/04
`
`(2006 01)
`(2006'01)
`
`,
`,
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A hermal management system 1nc1udes a case; an insulation
`material provided within the case,
`the insulation material
`de fining an interior volume ofthe insulation material; a liner
`arranged in the interior volume, the liner having an inner
`surface that extends toward a center of the case; an outer
`container of phase Change material provided in the liner, the
`ou er container comprising a plurality of outer panels con-
`tainin a first hasc chan 0 material, the
`luralitv of outer
`g
`p
`g
`p
`.
`panels comprising a bottom outer panel, a top outer panel, and
`site outer panels; and an inner container of phase change
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`material provrded m the outer containen the imler container
`
`comprising a plurality of inner panels containing a second
`phase change material; wherein an outer surface ofeach ofthe
`sic e outer panels is parallel with the imler surface ofthe liner.
`
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`43 (42)
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`300 /
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`FIG. 5
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`FIG. 6
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`FIG. 7
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`FIG. 9A
`FIG. QB
`FIG. 9C
`FIG. 9D
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`US 2014/0054297 A1
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`THERlVIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND
`METHODS
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The disclosure relates generally to the field ofther-
`mal management systems and methods, and, in particular, to
`phase change material systems and methods.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Passive shippers typically use a phase change mate-
`[0002]
`rial (PCM) that changes from solid to liquid and Vice versa
`(e.g., ice to water and water to ice), where the PCM’s tem-
`perature changes minimally while the PCM absorbs or
`releases energy due to extemal/internal temperature differen-
`tial. This is how ice is able to maintain a beverage cold, by
`absorbing heat from the beverage (which itself is absorbing
`heat from the environment or the user’s hand) while the ice
`turns into a liquid (at zero degrees Celsius/thirty—two degrees
`Fahrenheit). This is also how commonly available water-
`based gel packs or packets are able to maintain temperatures
`near zero degrees Celsius inside of an insulated lunch box or
`camping cooler.
`[0003] The term “passive” is used in “passive shippers”
`because these types of systems are only able to maintain one
`temperature (the phase change temperature, such as for
`example zero degrees Celsius) and only in one direction per
`phase change condition. In this way, a frozen block ofice can
`only maintain zero degrees Celsius and protect against a
`temperature differential that is above the phase change tem—
`perature of the material (zero degrees Celsius or above). For
`example, a frozen block of ice cannot maintain zero degrees
`Celsius when exposed to a temperature below zero degrees
`(e.g., negative twenty degrees Celsius). Using frozen ice to
`protect a product that cannot be exposed to, for example,
`negative twenty degrees Celsius may not be ideal because no
`phase change will occur in the ice from zero degrees Celsius
`to negative twenty degrees Celsius.
`[0004] However, the same frozen block ofice can protect a
`product that must be at zero degrees Celsius against warm
`temperatures. for a time period, because melting occurs at
`zero degrees Celsius, and the temperature of zero degrees is
`maintained during the time period while the ice melts.
`[0005] Typical “passive” systems are not able to adjust to
`outside temperatures in order to maintain the appropriate
`temperature range. For example, consider a product that
`needs to be maintained between negative ten degrees Celsius
`and ten degrees Celsius. If only frozen ice were used in a
`passive shipping system,
`then only protection over ten
`degrees Celsius could be provided, and for a certain amount
`of time (the time for the ice to melt). Thus, frozen ice may be
`effective in the summer, where an ambient temperature of
`thirty degrees Celsius would otherwise wann the product.
`Ilowever, the frozen ice would not protect against a negative
`ten-degree temperature.
`[0006] An option to overcome this problem could be to
`combine frozen ice with liquid water in the same shipping
`container. Because both liquid water and frozen ice will
`equilibrate at zero degrees Celsius (thus no temperature dif-
`ferential, therefore no heat transfer and no change in tempera -
`ture, for the time period while melting or freezing occurs)
`zero degrees Celsius can be maintained for a certain period of
`time in both winter and summer environmental conditions.
`This can be a very cost effective and efficient way of accu-
`
`rately maintaining zero degrees Celsius inside of a shipper.
`However, the fact that a frozen and refrigerated water shipper
`is excellent for zero degrees Celsius means that it may not be
`suitable for a range of two to eight degrees Celsius since this
`range is above or outside zero degrees Celsius.
`[0007] Various types of passive shippers for shipping
`refrigerated products use PCMs, including water-based PCM
`gel packs or packets and custom PCM packs.
`[0008] Water-based PCM gel packs or packets: An insu-
`lated shipper with a passive water-based PCM may be used to
`maintain a constant temperature inside ofa payload chamber.
`The advantages of water-based PCM gel packs or packets are
`low cost, low toxicity, and minimal environmental impact
`(disposability). Water-based PCM gel packs can be easily
`gelled to prevent leakage in the event of a puncture and can
`make the gel pack more rigid. These gel packs are usually
`tested against standard temperature profiles that simulate, for
`example, twenty-four, forty-eight, seventy-two, or ninety-six
`hours environmental conditions for worst-case winter and
`summer conditions.
`[0009] However, with this type of shipper, water changes
`phase at zero degrees Celsius (thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit),
`which may be too low for pharmaceutical products or other
`products and can lead to freezing ofthe product. Accordingly,
`a buffer component can be added between the zero—degrees
`Celsius frozen water-based gel pack and the product (which
`requires a temperature of, for example, two to eight degrees
`Celsius). Such buffer components can include, for example,
`refrigerated water-based gel packs, bubble wrap, an air gap to
`avoid freezing the product.
`[0010] Custom PCM Packs: An insulated passive shipper
`with a passive custom PCM may be used to maintain a con-
`stant temperature inside of the payload chamber. A custom
`PCM is a chemical, other than plain water, which is chosen for
`its freeze and melt point to maintain a temperature other than
`zero degrees Celsius, the freeze and melt temperature of
`water. Custom PCM packs are advantageous in that they are
`less expensive than active shippers (e.g., compressor-driven
`systems, Peltier-bascd devices, heater/cooler devices, etc.).
`Custom PCM packs usually have a much lower (half or less)
`heat of fusion (amount of energy required to melt or freeze a
`quantity of mass of material, or how long the material will
`maintain a certain temperature or ‘last’) when compared to
`water. This means that there is much less energy involved in
`the freezing and melting process, and therefore it can take
`more mass of custom PCM (as compared to waster-based
`PCM), which in turn means that the overall scale of the
`shipper may be larger and heavier. Custom PCM packs typi-
`cally control temperature for a shorter period than water—
`based PCM packs.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`[0011] A thermal management system may include any one
`or more of a case, an insulation material, a liner, an outer
`container of phase change material, and an inner container of
`phase change material. The insulation material is provided
`within the case. The insulation material defines an interior
`volume ofthe insulation material. The liner is arranged in the
`interior volume ofthe liner. The liner has an inner surface that
`extends at an angle inward toward a center of the liner. The
`outer container of phase change material is provided in the
`liner. The outer container comprises a plurality of outer pan—
`els containing a first phase change material. The plurality of
`outer panels comprises a bottom outer panel, a top outer
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`panel, and side outer panels. The inner container of phase
`change material is provided in the outer container. The inner
`container comprises a plurality of inner panels containing a
`second phase change material. An outer surface ofeach ofthe
`side outer panels is parallel with the inner surface of the liner.
`[0012]
`In various embodiments, for each of the side outer
`panels, a thickness between the outer surface of the side outer
`panel and an inner surface of the side outer panel at a bottom
`end ofthe side outer panel is less than a thickness between the
`outer surface and the inner surface at a top end of the side
`outer panel.
`[0013]
`In various embodiments, for each of the side outer
`panels. a thickness between the outer surface of the side outer
`panel and an inner surface of the side outer panel increases
`from a bottom end of the side outer panel to a top end of the
`side outer panel.
`[0014]
`In various embodiments, for each of the side outcr
`panels, an inner surface of the side outer panel is perpendicu—
`lar to the bottom outer panel, and the outer surface of the side
`outer panel is not perpendicular to the bottom outer panel.
`[0015]
`In various embodiments, for each of the side outer
`panels, an inner surface ofthe side outer panel is not parallel
`with the inner surface of the liner.
`[0016]
`In various embodiments, the plurality of imier pan—
`els comprises a bottom innerpanel, a top inner panel, and side
`inner panels. A11 outer surface ofeach ofthe side imier panels
`is parallel with the inner surface of the liner.
`[0017]
`In some embodiments, for each of the side inner
`panels, a thickness between the outer surface of the side inner
`panel and an inner surface of the side inner panel at a bottom
`end ofthe side irmer panel is less than a thickness between the
`outer surface and the imier surface at a top end of the side
`inner panel.
`[0018]
`In some embodiments, for each of the side inner
`panels, a thickness between the outer surface of the side inner
`panel and an i1mer surface of the side inner panel increases
`from a bottom end of the side inner panel to a top end of the
`side inner panel.
`[0019]
`In some embodiments, for each of the side inner
`panels, an inner surface of the side inner panel is perpendicu—
`lar to the bottom outer panel, and the outer surface ofthe side
`inner panel is not perpendicular to the bottom outer panel.
`[0020]
`In some embodiments, for each of the side inner
`panels, an inner surface ofthe side inner panel is not parallel
`with the inner surface of the liner.
`the first phase change
`[0021]
`In various embodiments,
`material is the second phase change material.
`[0022]
`In various embodiments,
`the first phase change
`material is a different phase change material from the second
`phase change material.
`[0023] A method of mam] fa cturing a thermal management
`system includes (but is not limited to) any one or combination
`of: (i) providing a case; (ii) providing an insulation material
`within the case, the insulation material defining an interior
`volume ofthe insulation material; (iii) arranging a liner in the
`interior volume of the liner, the liner having an inner surface
`that extends at an angle inward toward a center of the liner;
`(iv) providing an outer container of phase change material in
`the liner, the outer container comprising a plurality of outer
`panels containing a first phase change material, the plurality
`of outer panels comprising a bottom outer panel, a top outcr
`panel, and side outer panels; and (V) providing an imier con—
`tainer of phase change material in the outer container, the
`inner container comprising a plurality of limer panels con-
`
`taining a second phase change material; wherein an outer
`surface of each of the side outer panels is parallel with the
`inner surface of the liner.
`[0024] A thermal management system may include one or
`more of a case; an insulation material; a liner; an outer con-
`tainer of phase change material; and an inner container of
`phase change material. The insulation material may be pro—
`vided within the case. The insulation material defines an
`interior volume. The liner is arranged in the interior volume of
`the insulation material, the liner defining an interior volume.
`The outer container of phase change material is provided in
`the interior volume ofthe liner. The outer container defines an
`interior volume. The outer container comprising a plurality of
`outer panels containing a first phase change material. The
`plurality ofouterpanels comprises a bottom outer panel, a top
`outer panel, and side outer panels. The inner container of
`phase change material is provided in the interior volume of
`the outer container. The inner container defines an interior
`volume in which a payload is to be received. The inner con-
`tainer comprising a plurality of inner panels containing a
`second phase change material. The plurality of ilmer panels
`comprises a bottom inner panel, a top i1mer panel, and side
`inner panels. A first non-linear path is formed between the
`interior volume of the liner and the interior volume of the
`outer container where one or more ofthe outer panels meet at
`least one other of the outer panels. A second non-linear path
`is formed between the interior volume of the outer container
`and the interior volume of the inner container where one or
`more of the inner panels meet at least one other of the inner
`panels.
`In various embodiments, the bottom outer panel has
`[0025]
`at least one recess for receiving a portion ofone or more of the
`side outer panels. Each recess and the portion of one or more
`of the side outer panels defines at least a portion of the first
`non—linear path.
`[0026]
`In some embodiments, the bottom inner panel has at
`least one recess for receiving a portion of one or more of the
`side imier panels. Each recess of the bottom inner panel and
`the portion of one or more of the side inner panels defines at
`least a portion ofthe second non-linear path.
`[0027]
`In various embodiments, the bottom outer panel is
`configured to interlock with the side outer panels along the
`first non—linear path.
`[0028]
`In some embodiments, the bottom inner panel is
`configured to interlock with the side inner panels along the
`second non-linear path.
`[0029]
`In some embodiments, at least one ofthe inner pan—
`els includes a raised portion provided on an irmer surface of
`the at least one of the inner panel. A surface of the raised
`portion defines a portion ofthe second non-linear path.
`[0030] A method of manufacturing a thermal management
`system includes (but is not limited to any one or combination
`of): (i) providing a case; (ii) providing an insulation material
`within the case, the insulation material defining an interior
`volume; (iii) arranging a liner in the interior volume of the
`insulation material, the liner defining an interior volume; (iv)
`providing an outer container of phase change material in the
`interior volume of the liner, the outer container defining an
`interior volume; the outer container comprising a plurality of
`outer panels containing a first phase change material, the
`plurality of outer panels comprising a bottom outer panel, a
`top outer panel, and side outer panels; and (iv) providing an
`inner container of phase change material in the interior vol-
`tune of the outer container, the limer container defining an
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`interior volume in which a payload is to be received, the inner
`container comprising a plurality of inner panels containing a
`second phase change material, the plurality of inner panels
`comprising a bottom inner panel, a top inner panel, and side
`inner panels; wherein a first non-linear path is formed
`between the interior volume of the liner and the interior
`volume ofthe outer container where one or more of the outer
`panels meet at least one other ofthe outer panels; and wherein
`a second non-linear path is formed between the interior vol-
`ume ofthe outer container and the interior volume ofthe inner
`container where one or more of the imier panels meet at least
`one other of the inner panels.
`
`
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is perspective view ofa themial management
`[0031]
`case according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
`[0032]
`FIG. 2 is an exploded View of the hermal manage-
`ment case of FIG. 1.
`[0033]
`FIG. 3A is a cross-section View of he thermal inan-
`agement case of FIG. 1.
`[0034]
`FIG. 3B is a cross-section view of he thermal man-
`agement case of FIG. 1.
`[0035]
`FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a portion of the ther—
`mal management case ofFIG. 1.
`[0036]
`FIG. 5 is a View ofa portion ofa hermal manage-
`ment case according to various embodiments of the disclo-
`sure.
`
`
`
`FIG. 6 is a View ofa portion ofa herrnal manage-
`[0037]
`ment case according to various embodiments of the disclo—
`sure.
`
`FIG. 7 is a View ofa portion ofa hermal manage-
`[0038]
`ment case according to various embodiments of the disclo-
`sure.
`
`FIG. 8 is a View ofa portion ofa PCM panel for a
`[0039]
`thermal management case according to various embodiments
`of the disclosure.
`[0040]
`FIGS. 9A-9H are cross-section views of various
`phase change material panels according to various embodi-
`ments of the disclosure.
`
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a thermal management case 10
`[0041]
`according to various embodiments. The case 10 may be made
`of any suitably rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, composite
`materials, resins, etc.). The case 10 includes a base 12 for
`receiving one or more articles and a lid 14. In some embodi-
`ments, the lid 14 may be operatively connected to the base 12
`(e.g., via a hinge member, latches, clip members, or the like).
`[0042]
`FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded View of the case 10.
`An insulation material, such as VIP subassembly 20, may be
`arranged within the base 12 . A liner 30 may be provided in the
`VIP-subassembly 20. One or more layers of panels of phase
`change material (PCM) may be provided in the liner 30. In
`particular embodiments, an outer container 40 of panels of
`PCM may be provided in the liner 30. An inner container 40
`of panels of PCM may be provided in the inner container 30.
`[0043]
`FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-section views of
`the case 1 0. With reference to FIGS. 1-3B, in various embodi-
`ments, one or more vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) 22 may
`be arranged within the base 12. TheVIPs 22 form five sides of
`the VIP subassembly 20 (e.g., a box—like structure or the like)
`in the base 12 ofthe case 10. A sixthVIP 22 is attached to the
`lid 14 to form a sixth (upper) side ofthe insulation subassem-
`
`bly 20 when the lid 14 is closed on the base 12 ofthe case 10.
`In other embodiments, any number ofVIPs 22 may be used to
`form any suitable number of sides of the insulation subassem-
`bly 20. In particular embodiments, the VIP subassembly 20 in
`the base 12 is pre-assembled to ensure proper arrangement of
`the VIPs 22 to maximize thermal performance. In particular
`embodiments, the VIP subassembly 20 is fitted to the base 12
`to become one structurally coherent assembly, to maximize
`durability and survivability in rough handling tests. In some
`embodiments, other insulation materials (e.g., fiber-based
`materials, foams, Styrofoam, etc.) may be used in addition to
`or in place of the VIPs 22. In some embodiments, the subas-
`sembly 20 may be a single continuous unit. In other embodi-
`ments, two (or more VIPs 22) may be formed as a single unit.
`[0044]
`In particular embodiments, each VIP 22 includes a
`core material (e.g., glass fiber, foam material, silica, etc.)
`provided in a multi-layercd envelope, for example, as known
`in the art. The envelope may include (but is not limited to) any
`one or combination of one or more layers of: polyethylene
`terephthalate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide, polyolefin,
`polyvinylidene chloride, metallic foil (e.g., aluminum), and/
`or other material for preventing air from entering inside the
`VIP 22. The core material may support the envelope against
`atmospheric pressure once air from within the envelope is
`evacuated.
`
`In some embodiments, an insert 17 may be provided
`[0045]
`between the base 12 and the VIP subassembly 20 to fit (e. g.,
`friction fit) the VIP assembly 20 to the base 12. In particular
`embodiments, the insert 17 is configured and/or arranged to
`retain the VIP subassembly 20 in place within the base 12
`during handling ofthe case 10, yet float slightly during a drop
`to prevent shear between the VIP subassembly 20 and the
`base 12, which could damage the VIP subassembly 20. The
`insert 17 may be a foam or the like for cushioning the VIP
`subassembly 20 (and/or other components ofthe case 10), for
`example, caused by impacts (e. g., from dropping the case 10).
`In some embodiments, the insert 17 may be a thermal insu-
`lator.
`
`[0046] The liner 30 may be fitted inside an interior volume
`24 of the VIP subassembly 20. The liner 30 may protect the
`VIPs 22 from damage (e.g., from other components of the
`case 10). In some embodiments. the liner 30 may be config-
`ured to have thermal insulation (or thermal conductive) prop-
`erties. The liner 30 may define an interior volume 34. In some
`embodiments, the liner 30 includes an outer peripheral edge
`32 that is arranged over an upper surface of the VIP subas—
`sembly 20. In particular embodiments, the liner 30 is made of
`a rigid material, such as (but not limited to) plastic, metal,
`glass, composite material, resin, etc., to protect the VIPs 22
`from damage. In some embodiments, a liner 37, which may
`be made of a similar material as the liner 30, may be arranged
`on the lid 14 to protect the VIP 22 provided on the lid 14. In
`various embodiments, one or more ofthe liners 30, 37 may be
`configured for removal from the case 10, for example, to
`allow inspection of the VIPs 22, cleaning of the liners 30, 37,
`replacement of the liners 30, 37, and/or the like.
`[0047]
`In some embodiments, the lid 14 includes a gasket
`16 arranged to contact and seal against a surface of a portion
`or component of the case 10 (e.g., a surface of the liner 30)
`when the lid 14 is closed on the base 12. In other embodi-
`ments, the gasket 16 is arranged on the case 10 to contact and
`seal against a surface ofthe lid 14 when the lid 14 is closed on
`the base 12. In yet other embodiments, the gasket 16 seals
`against both the lid 14 and the base 12 (or other portion ofthe
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`case 10). In particular embodiments, the gasket 16 has a
`mushroom—shaped cross—section
`(when uncompressed),
`which has a rounded head portion that is compressed against
`the opposing surface when the lid 14 is closed on the base 12,
`In other embodiments, the gasket 16 may have any suitable
`cross—section. In some embodiments, the gasket 16 includes
`compressible material (e.g., fiberglass) within its interior vol-
`ume. In some embodiments, the interior volume ofthe gasket
`16 is generally hollow.
`[0048]
`FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the outer
`container 40 and the inner container 50. With reference to
`FIGS. 1—4, the one or more layers of panels of phase change
`material (PCM), such as the outer container 40 and the inner
`container 50, may be provided in the interior volume 34 ofthe
`liner 30.
`
`[0049] A primary PCM panel 42 (e.g., a double-walled
`container) or bottle includes an interior volume containing a
`primary (first) PCM. In some embodiments, the primary
`PCM panel 42 may have a generally rectangular form. How—
`ever, in other embodiments, the primary PCM panel 42 may
`assume any suitable shape or size. The primary PCM panel 42
`may be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal,
`glass, resin, composite material, etc.) for containing the pri—
`mary PCM within the interior volume of the primary PCM
`panel 42. Multiple primary PCM panels 42 maybe placed in
`the interior volume 34 of the liner 30 to form the outer PCM
`container 40 nested in the interior volume 34 of the liner 30.
`For example, six separate primary PCM panels 42 may form
`a bottom, a top, and four sides of the outer PCM container 40.
`For instance, a bottom primary PCM panel 44, a top primary
`PCM panel 44, and four side primary PCM panels 43 may
`form the outer PCM container 40. In some embodiments, two
`or more PCM panels 42 may be fixed or formed as a single
`unit.
`
`[0050] A buffer PCM panel 52 (e.g., a double-walled con-
`tainer) or bottle includes an interior volume containing a
`buffer (second) PCM. In some embodiments, the buffer PCM
`panel 52 may have a generally rectangular form. However, in
`other embodiments, the buffer PCM panel 52 may assume
`any suitable shape or size. The buffer PCM panel 52 may be
`made ofany suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, glass, resin,
`composite material, etc) for containing the buffer PCM
`within the interior volume of the buffer PCM panel 52. Mul—
`tiple buffer PCM panels 52 may be placed in an interior
`volume 45 of the outer PCM container 40 to form the inner
`PCM container 50 nested in the interior volume 45 of the
`outer PCM container 40. For example, six separate buffer
`PCM panels 52 may form a bottom, a top, and four sides ofthe
`inner PCM container 50. For instance, a bottom buffer PCM
`panel 54, a top buffer PCM panel 54, and four side buffer
`PCM panels 53 may form the inner PCM container 50. In
`some embodiments, two ormore PCMpanels 52 may be fixed
`or formed as a single unit.
`[0051] The inner PCM container 50 may define a payload
`volume 55 for receiving the one or more articles (also referred
`to as payload) to be shipped. The buffer PCM panels 52 may
`inhibit the article(s) in the payload voltune 55 from being
`thermally damaged by the primary PCM panels 42. For
`example, the buffer PCM panels 52 may inhibit the article(s)
`from being chilled below a minimum temperature while the
`primary PCM panels 42 warm up to their phase change tern-
`perature.
`[0052] The PCM panels 42, 52 may be filled with PCMs
`through an opening in each ofthe PCM panels 42, 52. In some
`
`embodiments, the opening is permanently sealed after filling
`the PCM panel 42, 52. In other embodiments, the opening is
`re-sealable such that the PCM panel 42, 52 can be emptied
`and/or refilled through the opening. For example, the PCM
`panels 42, 52 may include a cap, plug, or the like.
`[0053]
`In some embodiments, one or more (or each) PCM
`panel 42, 52 may include a neck 48 or 58 having the opening
`for filling the PCM panel 42, 52. In particular embodiments,
`a webbing (e.g., 59 in FIG. 8) may be provided on one or more
`sides ofthe neck 48, 58. The webbing 49 may extend from the
`neck 48, 58 to an outer peripheral surface of the PCM panel
`42, 52. In some embodiments, the webbing 49 can be trimmed
`or otherwise removed from the PCM panel 42, 52, for
`instance, during manufacture thereof. In other embodiments,
`the webbing 49 may remain on the PCM panel 42, 52 during
`use thereof. In such embodiments, for example, the webbing
`49 may reduce air flow past the neck 48, thus reducing
`unwanted air circulation in the case 10.
`[0054]
`In some embodiments, the primary PCM is a differ—
`ent PCM from the buffer PCM. For instance, in particular
`embodiments, the primary PCM is water/ice, which changes
`phases at around 0 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments,
`the buffer PCM is a custom PCM, such as Phase STM, which
`is designed and manufactured by TCP Reliable, Inc., and has
`a phase change point (melting/freezing point) at around 50 C.
`In such embodiments, the primary PCM and the buffer PCM
`may be used to maintain a temperature range, for example, of
`2° C. and 8° C. in the payload volume 55 of the inner PCM
`container 50. In other embodiments, other suitable PCM may
`be used as the primary PCM and/or the buffer PCM. In further
`embodiments, the primary PCM is a same PCM as the buffer
`PCM.
`
`In some embodiments, the primary PCM is condi-
`[0055]
`tioned (e.g., prior to insertion in the case 10) to a phase that is
`different from a phase to which the buffer PCM is condi-
`tioned. For example, the primary PCM may be conditioned to
`be in a solid phase by freezing the primary PCM, and the
`buffer PCM may be conditioned to be in a liquid phase by
`heating the buffer PCM (e.g., leaving the buffer PCM at room
`temperature). As another example, the primary PCM may be
`conditioned to be in a liquid phase by heating the primary
`PCM (e.g., leaving the primary PCM at room temperature),
`and the buffer PCM may be conditioned to be in a solid by
`freezing the buffer PCM. In other embodiments, the buffer
`PCM and the primary PCM are conditioned to be in a same
`phase (e.g., both in a solid phase or a liquid phase).
`[0056] Throughout various embodiments, selection of the
`primary PCM and/or the buffer PCM (and/or phases thereof)
`may be based on one or more factors, such as (but not limited
`to), the desired temperature range in the payload volume 55,
`the anticipated ambient
`temperatures (i .e.,
`temperatures
`external the case 10) during shipping of the case 10, the
`expected duration of shipping the case 10, thermal properties
`of the PCMs, VIPs, and/or other components of the case 10,
`and/or the like.
`
`[0057] Throughout various embodiments, in preparation to
`ship the payload in the case 10, the primary PCM panels 42
`may be conditioned by a shipper to a temperature (e.g., —20
`degrees Celsius) below a minimum temperature of a prede-
`termined temperature range (e.g., 2-8 degrees Celsiu s or other
`desired ranged) suitable for shipping the payload. The buffer
`PCM panels 52 may be conditioned by the shipper to a tem—
`perature (e. g., 22 degrees Celsius) that is within or higher than
`the predetermined range.
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`in various embodi-
`[0058] With reference to FIGS. 1-6,
`ments, the liner 3 0 may be tapered (dr