Cooling performance of a thermal energy storage-based portable box for cold chain applications

•The optimized distribution and melting point of the PCMs of the box was obtained.•Arrangements of the PCMs affect the cooling time of the cold box significantly.•Melting points of the PCMs varies the box cooling time from 2.1 to 9.6 h.•The vacuum insulated panel can prolong the cooling time of the box to 46.5 h.