One embodiment of an cabinet according to the present invention comprises an inner cabinet having a plurality of inner walls that form an enclosure. A phase change material covers at least some of the plurality of inner walls. An outer cabinet is positioned around the inner cabinet and comprises a plurality of outer walls arranged such that there is a space between the inner and outer walls. A mechanism is included for drawing air from outside of the outer cabinet into the space between the inner and outer walls. The phase-change material is arranged to melt when exposed to heat energy to reduce heat transfer into the enclosure. The enclosure is particularly adapted for holding heat sensitive devices such as batteries with the cabinet controlling heat transfer during cyclic heat exposure.