Definition: The ability of a material to absorb and store heat energy. Materials with high thermal mass (like water, concrete) resist temperature changes.
Why It Matters:
- Frozen product has high thermal mass, maintaining cold temperature during power loss or door openings
- Empty cold rooms have low thermal mass, experiencing rapid temperature swings
- Phase-change materials use high thermal mass for cooling (eutectic systems)
Practical Application: Fully loaded refrigerated vehicles maintain temperature better than empty vehicles during door openings.
Related Terms: Specific Heat Capacity, Phase Change Material (PCM), Temperature Stability