Hybrid shipping container

A hybrid shipping container is a temperature-controlled shipping container that combines elements of passive and active thermal protection systems. Hybrid shipping containers commonly use phase-change material (PCM) and thermal energy storage units, sometimes referred to as a cold-energy battery, together with insulation and monitoring technologies to maintain temperature-sensitive products within specified ranges during transport.

Application

One of the primary applications of hybrid containers is in pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics to keep pharmaceutical products, such as vaccines or active ingredients, within strict temperature ranges. Currently, this technology is only being used in a limited number of shipping containers.

Examples of hybrid shipping container systems include SkyCell 1500X, SkyCell 6500X, va-Q-tec va-Q-one, and Tower Cold Chain KTEvolution. Other temperature-controlled container providers, including Peli BioThermal and World Courier, offer solutions incorporating thermal energy storage and advanced insulation technologies.

Technology

A cold-energy battery works by storing energy to a given temperature and using its thermal mass to maintain this temperature.[1] It can be recharged by being placed in a temperature range applicable to its phase change window.

Many hybrid shipping containers also incorporate temperature-monitoring systems that provide visibility into shipment conditions throughout transport.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Cold-Energy Battery". Battery Equivalents. 2023-11-30. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
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