Multi-cell battery assembly

Abstract

A multi-cell battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a battery case. The battery case includes one or more partitions which divide the interior of the case into a plurality of cell compartments that house the electrochemical cells. The battery case includes at least one gas channel have a tortuous pathway designed to trap electrolyte which may escape from the cell compartments. A unique battery terminal may be molded into the battery case.

Description

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS[0001]The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in the present invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of a contract number DAAE070130007 awarded by the U.S Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The instant invention relates generally to improvements in rechargeable high performance batteries, modules and packs. Specifically, the invention relates to multi-cell, monoblock batteries.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications such as fork lifts, golf carts, uninterruptable power supplies, pure electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Vehicular applications include applications related to propulsion as well as applications related to starting, lighting and ignition (“SLI”). The Ovonic Battery Company (“OBC”) has developed h...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0079]In yet another embodiment of the invention, one or more of the coolant partitions may be formed as fixed partitions. Making the coolant partitions as fixed has certain advantages. There is a less possibility that electrolyte may leak from one cell compartment to an adjacent cell compartment around the periphery of the coolant partitions. Also there is less possibility that the coolant can leak out from the interior of the coolant partition (from the coolant channel openings) and into the cell compartment where it may make contact with the electrolyte. Also, in the case where the coolant partition itself is formed from two clamshell halves, there is also a possibility of coolant leakage from the seam formed when the clamshells are affixed together.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, the nickel-metal hydride batteries used in these applications may generate significant heat during operation.

First, ambient heat due to the operation of the vehicle in hot climates.

Third, a tremendous amount of heat is generated during overcharge due to gas recombination.

Second, because Ni-MH has an exceptional energy density (i.e. the energy is stored very compactly) heat dissipation is more difficult than, for example, lead-acid batteries.

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