A method of controlling the input and output of heat to and from a
heat-storing material. The method includes the step of externally
supplying thermal energy to the heat-storing material capable of being
supercooled and filled into a plurality of small containers together with
a phase-segregation preventive agent by use of a structure for supplying
heat, whereby the heat-storing material is melted. The method also
includes the steps of maintaining the heat-storing material in the
supercooled state after the emission of sensible heat, and releasing the
supercooled state of the heat-storing material by use of a structure for
releasing the supercooled state of the heat-storing material, when the
release of the stored heat energy is required, whereby the heat at the
melting point is generated.