Abstract: An innovative refrigeration system incorporating phase change material (PCM) is proposed to overcome uneven cooling during refrigerated transportation of leafy vegetable. Taking Brassica chinensis L. as an example of leafy vegetable， its temperature change and distribution during cooling and warming process was systematically recorded and analyzed. It was shown that the temperature fluctuation during cooling process was significantly reduced to 2℃(P<001) when PCM was incorporated into the refrigerated container. The difference of temperature between main vein and small veins was also reduced. During the storage process， the temperature fluctuation was reduced up to 258% with PCM incorporation. Besides， the temperature increase during warming process was slowed down with addition of PCM. In summary， application of PCM into refrigerated container could reduce temperature fluctuation during refrigerated transportation and thus benefit the preservation and cold storage of vegetables and fruits.

Key words: phase change materials, temperature distribution, refrigerated trucks, Brassica chinensis