Method and apparatus for the pre-conditioning of latent heat storage elements

A process is for the pre-conditioning of one or more latent heat storage elements in the case of which the temperature or the narrow temperature range of the phase transition defines a target temperature and the latent heat storage elements are heated up to the target temperature. The latent heat, storage elements are cooled to an initial temperature below the target temperature and this initial temperature is determined. The latent heat storage elements at the initial temperature are introduced into a thermally insulated container and the container is then closed. The interior of the closed container is, or has been, connected to a heating device of which the thermal output which takes effect in the interior of the closed container is known. The initial temperature of the latent heat storage elements, the thermal capacity of the latent heat storage elements located in the container and also the target temperature of the latent heat storage elements are used to calculate the quantity of heat which has to be fed to the interior of the container in order for the latent heat storage elements to reach the target temperature (desired quantity of heat). The heating device is switched on and is operated continuously, or at intervals, until the desired quantity of heat has been fed to the interior of the dosed container.