Scalable battery module

Abstract

A scalable battery module (10, 210) includes a plurality of similarly configured cell groupings (1251, 1851), a plurality of framed heatsink assemblies (50, 250), and a plurality of jumper tabs (32, 232). Each cell grouping (1251, 1751) includes a plurality of cell packs (52, 1752) electrically coupled in parallel including a negative terminal (70, 270) and a positive terminal (64, 264). Each plurality of framed heatsink assemblies (50, 250) is disposed between one cell pack (52, 1752) of the plurality of cell packs of each cell groupings (1251, 1751) and an adjacent cell pack (52, 1752) of the plurality of cell packs of each cell grouping (1251, 1751) and includes a thermally conductive sheet portion. Each of the plurality of jumper tabs (32, 232) electrically couples a negative terminal (70, 270) of one of the plurality of cell groupings (1251, 1851) to a positive terminal (64, 264) of an adjacent cell grouping (1251, 1851).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This International Application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference herein the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 259,412, filed Nov. 9, 2009.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0002]The subject invention relates to scalable battery modules having cells and more particularly, to a battery module pack for electric / hybrid vehicles having a cooling system or a heating system for cooling the cells within the battery pack.[0003]Motor vehicles, such as, for example, hybrid vehicles (“HEV”) use multiple propulsion systems to provide motive power. This most commonly refers to gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, which use gasoline (petrol) to power internal-combustion engines (ICEs), and electric batteries to power electric motors. These hybrid vehicles recharge their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking. When cruising or idling, some of the output of the combustion engine is fed to a generator (merely...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses the issue of temperature variations in batteries, which negatively impact performance and life. To address this issue, the patent proposes improving the pack design of lithium batteries to increase the ambient temperature range at which they operate and provide better packaging characteristics. This would lead to a more balanced temperature between cells and improve the overall performance and lifespan of the entire battery pack.

Problems solved by technology

Traditional joining methods such as welding or soldering are avoided in these prior manufacturing and assembly methods because those methods generate heat that is transferred into the cell which could potentially damage the electrodes and packaging seals of the prismatic cells.

These methods of manufacturing are time and labor intensive and are not manufacturing friendly, Additionally, it is difficult to maintain quality control utilizing these prior methods of manufacturing.

Since the performance of a battery or cell is adversely affected by temperature differences, battery packs are often manufactured with temperature regulating devices associated therewith.

Due to the characteristics of the lithium ion batteries, the battery pack operates within an ambient temperature range of −20° C. to 60° C. However, even when operating within this temperature range, the battery pack may begin to lose its capacity or ability to charge or discharge should the ambient temperature fall below 0° C. Depending on the ambient temperature, the life cycle capacity or charge / discharge capability of the battery may be greatly reduced as the temperature strays from 0° C. Nonetheless, it may be unavoidable that the lithium ion battery be used where the ambient temperature falls outside the temperature range.

Alluding to the above, significant temperature variances can occur from one cell to the next, which is detrimental to performance of the battery pack.

This will lead to decline in the performance and life of the entire pack.

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