PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL INSULATION FOR CONTAINERS

Phase change materials (PCM) such as a liquid salt hydrate may be stored in capsules of various sizes and applied to fabrics and fibers to fabricate PCM features that provide passive temperature control for shipping containers and goods. In one implementation, PCM fabric covers (100) may be placed over palletized cargo (44) and over individual goods. Modular fabric pieces may be combined and interconnected to cover goods. Fabric covers may emphasize thermal performance over comfort or aesthetics when selecting microcapsule size and coating materials. In another implementation, PCM capsules (120) may be combined with fiber filler, shaped as desired, and sealed within an exterior skin to produce rigid PCM panels having various shapes. Panels (400) may be used to line interiors or exteriors of shipping containers or goods. Panels may be shaped to include contours that fit snugly against a desired surface, or to include interior portions in which goods can be fit into.