The idea for using material phase change as a way to store energy is one that has been around for a while.  In some instances the phase change of water from a liquid to a solid is used for cooling.  Ice is made from liquid water at night during times of low cost electricity.  During the day air is blown over the ice and the cold air generated is used for air conditioning.  The "Comfort Appliance" being developed here uses the phase change of wax from a solid to a liquid or a liquid to a solid.  When the wax melts energy is stored which can later be dispersed.  Our goals are to develop something that can absorb heat during hot summer days and effectively cool a room using very little electricity, and also absorb excess heat from a woodstove and disperse it later to maintain a more comfortable room temperature.        

The final result will be an appliance that can be easily retrofitted into a house and provide nearly free air conditioning during the summer, and temperature stabilization during the winter.