A method and system for transporting and/or storing temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the system may be a hybrid system that includes an active temperature-control system and a passive temperature-control system. The active temperature-control system may be, for example, a portable refrigerator that includes an internal chamber for maintaining contents within a desired temperature range. The passive temperature-control system, which includes at least one phase-change material (PCM) member and space for receiving one or more temperature-sensitive materials, may be removably positioned entirely within the internal chamber of the active temperature-control system. When temperature-sensitive materials are loaded into the passive temperature-control system and the passive temperature-control system is loaded into the active temperature-control system, the active temperature-control system keeps the temperature-sensitive materials within a desired temperature range and charges the PCM members for when the passive temperature-control system is thereafter removed from the active temperature-control system.

In addition, the thermoelectric element may be a cascade type thermoelectric element in which two thermoelectric elements having the same or different specifications are coupled to each other.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an inlet port and an outlet port which are formed in a sink body forming a heat sink, so as to guide coolant inflow and coolant outflow respectively, wherein the center line of the inlet port passes through the center of a thermoelectric element attached to the heat sink.

A vacuum adiabatic body, a refrigerating or warming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body are provided. The vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a second temperature different from a first temperature of the first space, and at least one conductive resistance sheet connecting the first and second plates to each other. At least one of a flange of the first plate coupled to the at least one conductive resistance sheet or a flange of the second plate coupled to the at least one conductive resistance sheet is bent.

A vacuum adiabatic body, a refrigerating or warming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a vacuum adiabatic body are provided. The vacuum adiabatic body includes a first plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a first space, a second plate defining at least a portion of a wall for a second space having a second temperature different from a first temperature of the first space, and at least one conductive resistance sheet connecting the first and second plates to each other. At least one of a flange of the first plate coupled to the at least one conductive resistance sheet or a flange of the second plate coupled to the at least one conductive resistance sheet is bent.

A portable container has a payload chamber for holding goods and a lid operable to access the payload chamber. The portable container also has an electronic system with one or more power storage devices, circuitry that wirelessly communicates via a cell radio with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device, and an electronic display screen. The electronic system also has a button or a touch screen configured to be actuated by a user to a) automatically switch sender and recipient information on the electronic display screen to facilitate return of the portable container to the sender or b) automatically contact a parcel carrier to alert the parcel carrier that the portable container is ready for pickup.

A portable container has a payload chamber for holding goods and a lid operable to access the payload chamber. The portable container also has an electronic system with one or more power storage devices, circuitry that wirelessly communicates via a cell radio with a cloud-based data storage system or a remote electronic device, and an electronic display screen. The electronic system also has a button or a touch screen configured to be actuated by a user to a) automatically switch sender and recipient information on the electronic display screen to facilitate return of the portable container to the sender or b) automatically contact a parcel carrier to alert the parcel carrier that the portable container is ready for pickup.

A temperature controlled container includes a case which has a storage space formed therein; a thermoelectric element; a heat transfer body in communication with the thermoelectric element and facing the storage space. The heat transfer body includes a heat transfer case which has an enclosed space formed therein and is wider than the thermoelectric element, and includes a portion facing the thermoelectric element; a phase change material which is accommodated in the enclosed space; and a heat transfer body which is disposed in the heat transfer case so as to be positioned in the enclosed space. The heat transfer body has a first body portion which is in communication with the portion of the heat transfer case facing the thermoelectric element and a second body portion, and the first body portion in communication with the second body portion.

A temperature controlled container includes a case which has a storage space formed therein; a thermoelectric element; a heat transfer body in communication with the thermoelectric element and facing the storage space. The heat transfer body includes a heat transfer case which has an enclosed space formed therein and is wider than the thermoelectric element, and includes a portion facing the thermoelectric element; a phase change material which is accommodated in the enclosed space; and a heat transfer body which is disposed in the heat transfer case so as to be positioned in the enclosed space. The heat transfer body has a first body portion which is in communication with the portion of the heat transfer case facing the thermoelectric element and a second body portion, and the first body portion in communication with the second body portion.

An integrated air conditioning system having a first air conditioning unit having a first evaporator with a first input and a first output; a second air conditioning unit having a second evaporator with a second input and a second output; a first conduit fluidly connecting the first input with the second output; a second conduit fluidly connecting the second input with the first output. The first and second conduits and the first and second evaporators form a working fluid circuit.