Thermal Reservoir Using Phase-Change Material For Portable Applications

An apparatus using a phase-change material for thermal management in portable applications is described. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a phase-change material, a thermal reservoir, and a heat transport element. The thermal reservoir has a cavity therein to contain the phase-change material in the cavity. The heat transport element is made of a thermally conductive material. A first portion of the heat transport element traverses through the thermal reservoir and in contact with the phase-change material. A second portion of the heat transport element extends outside the thermal reservoir. Accordingly, at least part of the thermal energy from an object in contact with the heat transport element can be transported to the phase-change material via the heat transport element and be absorbed by the phase-change material as latent heat. The phase-change material may release at least part of the absorbed thermal energy at a later time.