Passive temperature modulation systems and devices employing solid phase-change materials

An apparatus for absorbing and releasing heat, comprising:

• at least one solid member made of a material that undergoes a phase change from a first phase to a second phase when heat is absorbed or released;
• and
• a locking member that selectively holds the at least one solid member in a desired phase;
• whereby the solid member is held by the locking member in the second phase and is selectively released to permit transition of the solid member from the first phase to the second phase resulting in the solid member absorbing or releasing heat.

A system for absorbing and releasing heat, comprising:

• a plurality of solid members made of a material that undergoes a phase change from a first phase to a second phase, thereby absorbing heat from ambient air in contact with the solid members;
• one or more locking members that holds at least one of the solid members in the first phase, wherein the locking members can be selectively released at a predetermined time allowing the solid members to absorb heat from the ambient air;
• a chassis to hold the solid members in mechanical communication with the locking members;
• and
• a plurality of wheels physically coupled with the chassis to support the chassis, thereby allowing the system to be reversibly moved from a first preselected location wherein the ambient air is below about 60° F. to a second preselected location wherein the ambient air is above about 75° F.;
• whereby, in the first preselected location the solid members transition to the first phase, thereby releasing heat into the ambient air, and the solid members are held in the first phase by the locking members;
• and in the second preselected location one or more locking members can be selectively released to allow transition of at least one of the solid members to the second phase, thereby allowing the solid members to absorb heat from the ambient air.