Battery including a casing for a battery cell group

Abstract

A battery includes a housing having a base. A battery cell stack and a housing are supported on the base of the housing. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells are physically separated into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group. The housing includes a first support wall and a second support wall respectively disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group, and a top cover extending between the first support wall and the second support wall above the first battery cell group. The housing partially surrounds the first battery cell group on three sides and establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to thermal management of battery systems, and more particularly, to battery systems including dynamic structural enclosures for containing thermal runaway conditions. Background Art

[0002] A battery is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction. In secondary or rechargeable batteries, these electrochemical reactions are reversible, which allows the battery to undergo multiple charge and discharge cycles. Electric vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles, are powered by electric motors or generators, which are typically powered by on-board rechargeable batteries. Such batteries typically include a plurality of individual electrochemical cells (referred to herein as battery cells) arranged in series and / or parallel and positioned adjacent to each other to form a battery module and / or battery pack that, when combined in the battery system of an electric vehicle, provides a combination of high voltage and high capacity for the vehicle.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries employed in electric vehicles generate heat internally under normal charging and discharging operations. In order to optimize the performance and life of such batteries, it is beneficial to implement a cooling system that effectively transfers heat away from the battery cells during operation to maintain the temperature of the battery cells within a desired operating temperature range. Sometimes, a battery cell may generate more heat than the cooling system can effectively remove from the battery cell, which may cause the battery cell to enter a condition known as thermal runaway. During a thermal runaway event, the heat generated by the battery cell may be unrestrained and may, in turn, cause adjacent battery cells to experience thermal runaway, potentially initiating a cascading reaction that can spread to the entire battery system. In addition, the battery cell experiencing thermal runaway may emit hot gases and / or particulate matter, and it may be desirable to protect other components of the battery system and the vehicle powered by the battery system from exposure to such emissions.

[0004] To prevent thermal runaway from propagating between adjacent battery cells or groups of battery cells, thermal barriers may be positioned between battery cells or groups of battery cells to contain the heat generated during a thermal runaway event. To prevent the accumulation of emissions from the battery cells, and to protect battery system components from exposure to such emissions, the battery housing may include a ventilation system configured to direct and control the flow of emissions through and out of the battery system. Summary of the invention

[0005] A battery is disclosed, comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and comprising a base. A battery cell stack and a housing are supported on the base of the housing. The battery cell stack comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other in a thickness direction thereof. A plurality of battery cell groups can be physically separated into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group. The housing comprises a first support wall and a second support wall respectively disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group, and a top cover extending between a distal end of the first support wall and a distal end of the second support wall above the first battery cell group. The proximal end of the first support wall and the proximal end of the second support wall are supported on the base of the housing, and the distal end of the first support wall and the distal end of the second support wall extend away from the base above the plurality of battery cells. The housing defines an inner chamber within the housing. The housing partially surrounds the first battery cell group on three sides and establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

[0006] The top cover may include a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the top cover may be fixedly attached to the distal end of the first support wall, and the second end of the top cover may be fixedly attached to the distal end of the second support wall.

[0007] The proximal ends of the first support wall and the second support wall may be biased toward each other such that the first support wall and the second support wall apply pressure in a longitudinal direction on the first side and the second side of the first battery cell group, respectively.

[0008] The housing may include a top and at least one side wall extending between a base and the top of the housing. A gap may be defined between the battery cell stack and the at least one side wall of the housing. Discharge from the first battery cell group may be directed through the interior chamber into the gap in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0009] The first and second support walls and the top cover may be an integral, one-piece construction.

[0010] The top cover may include corrugations that allow the top cover to expand or compress in a longitudinal direction at the corrugations.

[0011] The first support wall and the second support wall are movably supported on a base of the housing such that the first support wall and the second support wall are movable in a longitudinal direction relative to each other on the base to accommodate volume changes in the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] The top cover may be coupled to the distal end of the first support wall and may extend from the distal end of the first support wall to the free end in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The free end of the top cover may be configured to pivot about the distal end of the first support wall between a closed position and an open position, in which the free end of the top cover is supported on the distal end of the second support wall, and in which an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall.

[0013] The distal end of the second support wall may include one of the following: a cantilever extending from the distal end of the second support wall toward the first support wall in the longitudinal direction; a flange extending from the distal end of the second support wall away from the first support wall in the longitudinal direction; or a hem end. In this case, when the top cover is in the closed position, the free end of the top cover can be supported on the cantilever, flange or hem end.

[0014] The top cover may be biased toward the closed position and abut the distal end of the second support wall.The top cover may be configured to transition from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase in pressure within the interior chamber.

[0015] The housing may include a top and at least one sidewall extending between a base and the top of the housing. A plenum may be defined in the housing between an upper end of the battery cell stack and the top of the housing. When the top cover is in the open position, exhaust from the first battery cell group may be directed from the interior chamber through the opening and into the plenum.

[0016] The plenum chamber may be in fluid communication with a vent at the top of the housing. When the top cover is in the open position, the top cover may direct exhaust in the plenum chamber to flow toward the vent in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0017] A battery is disclosed, comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a base, a top, and a side wall extending between the base and the top of the housing. A battery cell stack and a dynamic enclosure are supported on the base of the housing. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The plurality of battery cells are physically separated into a first battery cell group including at least two adjacent battery cells and a second battery cell group including at least two adjacent battery cells. The dynamic enclosure includes a first support wall and a second support wall and a top cover. The first support wall and the second support wall are respectively disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group. Each of the first support wall and the second support wall includes a proximal end supported on the base of the housing and a distal end extending away from the base above the first battery cell group. The top cover is coupled to the distal end of the first support wall and extends in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The top cover includes a free end configured to pivot about a distal end of a first support wall between a closed position and an open position, wherein the free end of the top cover is supported on a distal end of a second support wall, and wherein an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall in the open position. The dynamic enclosure defines an interior chamber within the housing. When the top cover is in the closed position, the dynamic enclosure establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

[0018] The top cover may be configured to transition from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase in pressure within the interior chamber.

[0019] A gap may be defined in the housing between the battery cell stack and the sidewalls of the housing. When the top cover is in the closed position, exhaust from the first battery cell group may be directed through the interior chamber into the gap in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0020] A plenum may be defined in the housing between an upper end of the battery cell stack and a top of the housing. When the top cover is in the open position, exhaust from the first battery cell group may be directed from the interior chamber through the opening and into the plenum.

[0021] The plenum chamber may be in fluid communication with a vent in the top of the housing. When the top cover is in the open position, the top cover may direct exhaust in the plenum chamber to flow toward the vent in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0022] The distal end of the second support wall may include a cantilever arm extending from the distal end of the second support wall toward the first support wall in a longitudinal direction. When the top cover is in the closed position, the free end of the top cover may be supported on the cantilever arm.

[0023] The cantilever arm may be coupled to a distal end of the second support wall and may be configured to pivot from a closed position to an open position about the distal end of the second support wall in response to an increase in pressure within the inner chamber. The top cover may have a first length and the cantilever arm may have a second length. A ratio of the first length of the top cover to the second length of the cantilever arm may be selected to control an amount of first exhaust material directed through the inner chamber in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing relative to an amount of second exhaust material directed through the opening and through the housing in a longitudinal direction.

[0024] A battery is disclosed, which includes a shell having a base and a battery cell stack supported on the shell base. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other along the thickness direction thereof. The partition physically separates the plurality of battery cells into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group. A first enclosure is supported on the base of the shell, which forms a physical and thermal barrier on three sides of the first battery cell group. A second enclosure is supported on the base of the shell, which forms a physical and thermal barrier on three sides of the second battery cell group. Each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure includes: a first support wall, a second support wall and a top cover. The first support wall and the second support wall have a proximal end supported on the base of the shell and a distal end extending away from the base above the plurality of battery cells. The top cover extends between the distal end of the first support wall and the distal end of the second support wall.

[0025] The present invention provides the following solutions:

[0026] 1. A battery comprising:

[0027] a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a base;

[0028] a battery cell stack supported on the base of the housing, the battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other in a thickness direction thereof, the plurality of battery cells being physically separated into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group; and

[0029] A capsule supported on the base of the housing, the capsule comprising:

[0030] a first support wall and a second support wall disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group, respectively, each of the first support wall and the second support wall comprising a proximal end supported on the base of the housing and a distal end extending away from the base above the plurality of battery cells; and

[0031] a top cover extending above the first battery cell group between the distal ends of the first support wall and the distal ends of the second support wall,

[0032] wherein the enclosure defines an inner chamber within the housing, and

[0033] The sealing shell partially surrounds the first battery cell group on three sides and establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

[0034] 2. A battery according to Option 1, wherein the top cover includes a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end of the top cover is fixedly attached to the distal end of the first support wall, and the second end of the top cover is fixedly attached to the distal end of the second support wall.

[0035] 3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein the proximal ends of the first support wall and the second support wall are biased toward each other so that the first support wall and the second support wall apply pressure in a longitudinal direction on the first side and the second side of the first battery cell group, respectively.

[0036] 4. A battery according to claim 2, wherein the shell includes a top and at least one side wall extending between the base and the top of the shell, wherein a gap is defined between the battery cell stack and the at least one side wall of the shell, and wherein emissions from the first battery cell group are directed through the inner chamber into the gap in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

[0037] 5. The battery according to Option 1, wherein the first support wall, the second support wall and the top cover are an integral one-piece structure.

[0038] 6. A battery according to Option 5, wherein the top cover includes corrugations, and the corrugations allow the top cover to stretch or compress in a longitudinal direction at the corrugations.

[0039] 7. A battery according to Option 1, wherein the first support wall and the second support wall are movably supported on the base of the shell, so that the first support wall and the second support wall are movable in the longitudinal direction relative to each other on the base to accommodate volume changes in the multiple battery cells.

[0040] 8. A battery according to Option 1, wherein the top cover is connected to the distal end of the first support wall and extends from the distal end of the first support wall to a free end in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell, wherein the free end of the top cover is configured to pivot around the distal end of the first support wall between a closed position and an open position, in which the free end of the top cover is supported on the distal end of the second support wall, and in the open position, an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall.

[0041] 9. The battery according to claim 8, wherein the distal end of the second support wall comprises one of the following:

[0042] a cantilever arm extending in a longitudinal direction from the distal end of the second support wall toward the first support wall, and wherein a free end of the top cover is supported on the cantilever arm when the top cover is in the closed position;

[0043] a flange extending from a distal end of the second support wall in a longitudinal direction away from the first support wall, and wherein a free end of the top cover is supported on the flange when the top cover is in the closed position; or

[0044] A hem end portion, wherein a free end of the top cover is supported on the hem end portion when the top cover is in the closed position.

[0045] 10. A battery according to claim 8, wherein the top cover is biased toward the closed position and abuts the distal end of the second support wall, and wherein the top cover is configured to transition from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase in pressure within the inner chamber.

[0046] 11. A battery according to embodiment 10, wherein the shell includes a top and at least one side wall extending between the base and the top of the shell, wherein a pressure ventilation chamber is defined in the shell between the upper end of the battery cell stack and the top of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, emissions from the first battery cell group are directed from the internal chamber through the opening and into the pressure ventilation chamber.

[0047] 12. A battery according to embodiment 11, wherein the pressure ventilation chamber is fluidly connected to the vent in the top of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, the top cover guides the exhaust in the pressure ventilation chamber to flow toward the vent in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

[0048] 13. A battery comprising:

[0049] a housing having a longitudinal axis and comprising a base, a top, and a sidewall extending between the base and the top of the housing;

[0050] a battery cell stack supported on the base of the housing, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the housing, the plurality of battery cells being physically separated into a first battery cell group comprising at least two adjacent battery cells and a second battery cell group comprising at least two adjacent battery cells; and

[0051] Dynamic Encapsulation, including:

[0052] a first support wall and a second support wall disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group, respectively, each of the first support wall and the second support wall comprising a proximal end supported on the base of the housing and a distal end extending away from the base above the first battery cell group; and

[0053] a top cover coupled to the distal end of the first support wall, the top cover extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing and including a free end, the free end being configured to pivot about the distal end of the first support wall between a closed position and an open position, in which the free end of the top cover is supported on the distal end of the second support wall and in which an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall,

[0054] wherein the dynamic enclosure defines an inner chamber within the housing, and

[0055] Wherein, when the top cover is in the closed position, the dynamic enclosure establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

[0056] 14. A battery according to embodiment 13, wherein the top cover is configured to transition from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase in pressure within the inner chamber.

[0057] 15. A battery according to claim 13, wherein a gap is defined in the shell between the battery cell stack and the side wall of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the closed position, emissions from the first battery cell group are directed through the inner chamber into the gap in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

[0058] 16. A battery according to claim 13, wherein a pressure ventilation chamber is defined in the shell between the upper end of the battery cell stack and the top of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, emissions from the first battery cell group are directed from the inner chamber through the opening and into the pressure ventilation chamber.

[0059] 17. A battery according to claim 16, wherein the pressure ventilation chamber is fluidly connected to the vent in the top of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, the top cover guides the exhaust in the pressure ventilation chamber to flow toward the vent in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

[0060] 18. A battery according to embodiment 13, wherein the distal end of the second support wall includes a cantilever, which extends from the distal end of the second support wall toward the first support wall in a longitudinal direction, and wherein, when the top cover is in the closed position, the free end of the top cover is supported on the cantilever.

[0061] 19. A battery according to embodiment 18, wherein the cantilever is connected to the distal end of the second support wall and is configured to pivot from a closed position to an open position about the distal end of the second support wall in response to an increase in pressure within the inner chamber, wherein the top cover has a first length, the cantilever has a second length, and wherein a ratio of the first length of the top cover to the second length of the cantilever is selected to control an amount of first emissions directed through the inner chamber in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shell relative to an amount of second emissions directed through the opening and through the shell in a longitudinal direction.

[0062] 20. A battery comprising:

[0063] a housing including a base;

[0064] A battery cell stack supported on a base of the housing, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other in a thickness direction thereof

[0065] a partition wall that physically separates the plurality of battery cells into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group;

[0066] a first enclosure supported on the base of the housing to form a physical and thermal barrier on three sides of the first battery cell group; and

[0067] a second enclosure supported on the base of the housing to form a physical and thermal barrier on three sides of the second battery cell group,

[0068] Wherein, each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure comprises:

[0069] first and second support walls having proximal ends supported on the base of the housing and distal ends extending away from the base over the plurality of battery cells; and

[0070] A top cover extends between the distal end of the first support wall and the distal end of the second support wall.

[0071] The above summary of the invention is not intended to represent every possible embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the foregoing summary of the invention is intended to illustrate some of the novel aspects and features disclosed herein. When combined with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present disclosure and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for implementing the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Illustrative embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0073] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rechargeable battery for an electric vehicle, the battery including a battery cell stack disposed in a case, and the battery cell stack includes a plurality of battery cells partitioned into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group by a partition wall.

[0074] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of an electric vehicle with a rechargeable battery.

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A schematic side cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery of the type shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the battery includes a first enclosure partially surrounding a first battery cell group on three sides and a second enclosure partially surrounding a second battery cell group on three sides.

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery, wherein a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group are enclosed in a first dynamic enclosure and a second dynamic enclosure, respectively, each of the first dynamic enclosure and the second dynamic enclosure comprising a first support wall and a second support wall and a top cover hingedly connected to the first support wall.

[0077] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery, wherein a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group are respectively enclosed within a first dynamic enclosure and a second dynamic enclosure, each of the first dynamic enclosure and the second dynamic enclosure comprising a first support wall and a second support wall, a top cover hingedly connected to the first support wall, and a cantilever extending from the second support wall.

[0078] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery, wherein a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group are respectively enclosed within a first dynamic enclosure and a second dynamic enclosure, each of the first dynamic enclosure and the second dynamic enclosure comprising a first support wall and a second support wall, a top cover hingedly connected to a distal end of the first support wall, and a flange extending from a distal end of the second support wall.

[0079] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery, wherein a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group are respectively enclosed in a first dynamic enclosure and a second dynamic enclosure, each of the first dynamic enclosure and the second dynamic enclosure comprising a first support wall and a second support wall, a top cover hingedly connected to the first support wall, and a distal end of the second support wall having a hem end.

[0080] The present disclosure is susceptible to modifications and alternative forms, wherein representative embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail below. The inventive aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover modifications, equivalents, combinations, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the disclosure defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The presently disclosed enclosure can be incorporated into a battery including a plurality of individual battery cell groups to help physically and thermally isolate the individual battery cell groups from each other. In the event of exhaust of hot gases and / or hot particulate matter from one or more battery cell groups, the enclosure is configured to protect the other battery cell groups from exposure to the hot exhaust, for example, by containing the exhaust within the enclosure or by dynamically directing the exhaust away from the battery cell groups and out of the battery.

[0082] In the following text, the term "battery" refers to a device comprising a plurality of interconnected electrochemical units (cells) arranged in series and / or parallel, and may refer to cells grouped together in a stack to form a battery module and / or battery pack, for example.

[0083] The term "approximately" means "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances" or "within 0-5% of."

[0084] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "inside", "outside", "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (or multiple) elements or features as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings.

[0085] Figure 1 A vehicle 14 (eg, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)) is depicted. Figure 2 The battery 10 in the power source 12 of FIG. 10 is shown. The battery 10 includes a housing 16 having a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction 102. The housing 16 at least partially defines an interior 18, and a battery cell stack 20 is disposed within the interior 18 of the housing 16. The battery cell stack 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 22 stacked relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the housing 16. Each of the battery cells 22 has a length 23 extending in a lateral direction 104 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102, a height 25 extending in a vertical direction 106 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 102, and a thickness 27 extending in the longitudinal direction 102 ( Figure 3 The battery cells 22 in the battery cell stack 20 may be stacked relative to each other along the thickness direction thereof. Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the thickness direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction 102 .

[0086] The battery cells 22 in the battery cell stack 20 are separated into a first battery cell group 28 and a second battery cell group 30 by partition walls 32. Figure 3As shown, each of the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 includes an upper end 56, an opposite lower end 58, a first side 60, and an opposite second side 62. The first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 are physically and thermally isolated from each other by the respective first and second enclosures 24, 26, which extend along the first and second sides 60, 62 of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30 and above the upper ends 56 of the battery cell groups 28, 30.

[0087] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the battery cell stack 20 includes six (6) battery cells 22, which are divided into groups of three (3); however, the number of battery cells 22 in the battery cell stack 20 may be less than or greater than six, and / or the number of battery cells 22 in the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 may be less than or greater than three. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the battery cell stack 20 includes a first battery cell group 28 and a second battery cell group 30 ; however, the number of battery cell groups in the battery cell stack 20 may be less than or greater than two, with adjacent pairs of battery cell groups being separated from each other by partition walls.

[0088] The housing 16 is configured to support the battery cell stack 20 within the vehicle 14 and protect the battery cell stack 20 from exposure to ambient environmental conditions. Figure 3 As best shown, the housing 16 includes a top 34, a base 36, and at least one end wall 38 extending between the top 34 and the base 36 of the housing 16. In some aspects, a vent 40 can be located in the top 34 of the housing 16, which facilitates the pressure-induced exhaust of hot gases and / or particulate matter from the interior 18 of the housing 16. In some aspects, the base 36 of the housing 16 can be in the form of a heat sink configured to transfer thermal energy (i.e., heat) away from the battery cell stack 20 to a heat transfer fluid (e.g., air or liquid coolant) during operation of the battery 10. In this case, one or more channels 46 can be defined in the base 36 of the housing 16, which facilitate continuous flow of the heat transfer fluid therethrough during operation of the battery 10. A thermal insulation pad 64 can be positioned between the top 34 of the housing 16 and the battery cell stack 20. In some aspects, the thermal insulation pad 64 can be carried on an underside 66 of the top 34 of the housing 16. The housing 16 may be made of a thermally conductive material to allow heat to dissipate away from the battery cell stack 20 during operation. The housing 16 may be made of a metal or polymer material having a high thermal conductivity. For example, the housing 16 may be made of aluminum (Al) and / or copper (Cu). The term "metal" as used herein refers to a material made of a single element metal, as well as a material made of a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. The other (or multiple) elements may be non-metals or different metals.

[0089] The battery cell stack 20 includes an upper end 42 adjacent to the top 34 of the housing and a lower end 44 supported on and in thermal contact with the base 36 of the housing 16. The battery cell stack 20 is disposed within the interior 18 of the housing 16 such that the battery cell stack 20 is spaced apart from the top 34 of the housing 16. For example, as shown in Figure 3 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the battery cell stack 20 is disposed within the interior 18 of the housing 16 such that a plenum 48 is defined between the top 34 of the housing 16 and the upper end 42 of the battery cell stack 20. The battery cell stack 20 may be disposed within the interior 18 of the housing 16 such that the battery cell stack 20 is spaced apart from a side wall (not shown) of the housing 16. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the battery cell stack 20 may be disposed within the interior 18 of the housing 16 such that a gap 78 is defined between the sidewalls of the housing 16 and the battery cell stack 20 .

[0090] Each of the battery cells 22 in the battery cell stack 20 includes an electrode assembly 50 (including a separator sandwiched between a positive electrode and a negative electrode) that is impregnated with an electrolyte (not shown) and sealed within a shell 52. Conductive positive and negative electrode tabs 54 are electrically coupled to the electrode assembly 50 and extend from the electrode assembly 50 to the outside of the shell 52. The shell 52 of each of the battery cells 22 can be formed and / or sealed around the electrode assembly 50 by laminating two sheets of polymer material together along their perimeters. After the electrode assembly 50 is sealed within the shell 52, the shell 52 of each of the battery cells 22 may include a thin and flexible laminated portion 68 extending along its perimeter. To help avoid physical contact between the laminated portion 68 of the shell 52 and other adjacent components of the battery 10, the laminated portion 68 can be bent toward itself away from the top 34 of the housing 16.

[0091] The battery cell 22 may be a lithium battery cell. For example, the battery cell 22 may be a pouch-type lithium battery cell. In other aspects, the battery cell 22 may be a prismatic or can-shaped lithium-ion battery cell.

[0092] In the assembly, the battery cells 22 of the battery cell stack 20 may be electrically coupled to a battery management system (BMS) 70 ( Figure 1 ), the battery management system may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to measure certain operating parameters of the battery cells 22 (e.g., battery cell voltage and / or temperature), to control the operation of the battery cells 22 (e.g., charging and discharging), and / or to couple the battery cells 22 to the power source 12 of the vehicle 14 and / or an external power source. Figure 1As shown, in some aspects, the battery management system 70 can be located within the interior 18 of the housing 16, between the battery cell stack 20 and the side walls (not shown) of the housing 16. Alternatively, the battery management system 70 can be positioned outside the housing 16 and supported by the top 34 or end walls 38 of the housing 16.

[0093] Reference now Figure 3 The first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 physically and thermally isolate the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 from each other and from other components of the battery 10. The first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 partially surround the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30, wherein the first enclosure 24 is above the upper end 56 of the first battery cell group 28 and extends along the first side 60 and the second side 62, and the second enclosure 26 is above the upper end 56 of the second battery cell group 30 and extends along the first side 60 and the second side 62. Each of the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 includes a pair of first and second support walls 72 and 74 and a top cover 76 extending between the first and second support walls 72 and 74 above the upper ends 56 of the first and second battery cell groups 28 and 30. The first and second support walls 72 and 74 are disposed on the first and second sides 60, 62 of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30, respectively. Each of the first support wall 72 and the second support wall 74 has a proximal end 80 supported on the base 36 of the housing 16 and a distal end 82 extending in a vertical direction 106 away from the base 36 above the battery cells 22 .

[0094] exist Figure 3 , the top cover 76 of each of the first and second enclosures 24, 26 is fixedly attached to the distal ends 82 of the first and second support walls 72, 74. In some aspects, a flexible joint 84 can be formed between the distal ends 82 of the first and second support walls 72, 74 and the top cover 76 to allow easy opening and closing of the first and second enclosures 24, 26 during assembly of the battery 10, i.e., during stacking of the battery cells 22 in the battery cell stack 20.

[0095] The first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 may be an integral one-piece construction. In this case, the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 may be formed from a single sheet of material and bent into the desired shape of the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26. The first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 may be made of a rigid structural material that is capable of maintaining its physical shape and mechanical strength when exposed to high temperatures, such as the temperatures experienced during a thermal runaway event. The first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 may be made of a material that can be formed into the shape of the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26, for example, by bending. For example, the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel. In the aspect that the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 are made of a conductive material (e.g., a metal), the outer surfaces of the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 may be laminated or coated with a layer of electrically insulating material.

[0096] The top cover 76 of the first enclosure 24 is substantially flat. On the other hand, the top cover of the second enclosure 26 includes corrugations 86. Forming one or more corrugations 86 in the top cover 76 of the first enclosure 24 or the second enclosure 26 can allow the top cover 76 to stretch in the longitudinal direction 102 at the corrugations 86 to accommodate an increase in the thickness 27 of one or more of the battery cells 22 during the life of the battery 10. In the event that a compressive force is applied to the first support wall 72 and the second support wall 74 along the longitudinal direction 102, the corrugations 86 can help the second enclosure 26 absorb the impact, for example, by allowing the second enclosure 26 to compress in the longitudinal direction 102 at the corrugations 86.

[0097] The proximal end 80 of the first support wall 72 and the proximal end 80 of the second support wall 74 may be biased toward each other. In this case, the first support wall 72 and the second support wall 74 may apply pressure in the longitudinal direction 102 on the first and second sides 60, 62 of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30, respectively, which may help stack the battery cells 22 in the battery cell stack 20 during assembly of the battery 10. In aspects where the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 are made of metal, the first support wall 72 and the second support wall 74 may be biased toward each other by the inherent tensile and compressive stresses exerted on the metal when the metal is bent from a flat plate into the shape of the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26.

[0098] The laminated structures 90 may be disposed between the first and second support walls 72, 74 and the first and second sides 60, 62 of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30 along the inner surfaces 88 of the first and second support walls 72, 74. Each of the laminated structures 90 may include a thermal insulation layer 92 disposed on the inner surface 88 of the first support wall 72 or the inner surface 88 of the second support wall 74 and a compression layer 94 disposed on the first or second support wall 72, 74 over the thermal insulation layer 92. In some aspects, the laminated structures 90 disposed on the inner surface 88 of the first support wall 72 and the inner surface 88 of the second support wall 74 may include one or more additional layers and or different materials as desired.

[0099] The partition wall 32 may provide a thermal and physical barrier between the first battery cell group 28 and the second battery cell group 30 and may be made of a thermally insulating material.

[0100] Compression pads 96 may be disposed on opposite ends of the battery cell stack 20, between the end walls 38 and the first and second enclosures 24, 26. The compression pads 96 may provide a buffer layer between the battery cell stack 20 and the end walls 38 of the housing 16, and may help protect the battery cells 22 from external impacts, assist during assembly of the battery cell stack 20, and / or help compensate for changes in volume of the battery cells 22 during the life of the battery 10.

[0101] The dimensions (i.e., length and height) of laminate structure 90, barrier ribs 32, and compression pads 96 may be comparable to or greater than the length 23 and height 25 of the facing surfaces of battery cells 22 to help ensure uniform pressure distribution along the facing surfaces thereof.

[0102] During a thermal runaway event, the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 can inhibit the propagation of thermal runaway temperatures throughout the battery 10. For example, in some aspects, the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 can help contain hot gases and / or particulate matter emitted from the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 within the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26. In addition, the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 can help direct emissions from the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 along the lateral direction 104 toward the gap 78 between the battery cell stack 20 and the sidewalls of the housing 16. In some aspects, emissions from the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 can be directed in the lateral direction 104 toward the vents 40 in the top 34 of the housing 16.

[0103] Reference now Figure 4 In some aspects, the battery 10 may include a pair of first dynamic enclosures 124 and second dynamic enclosures 126. The first dynamic enclosures 124 and second dynamic enclosures 126 are similar in many aspects to Figure 1 and Figure 3 106 and the description of the common themes will generally not be repeated here. Each of the first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 includes a pair of first and second support walls 172, 174 and a top cover 176, which together define the inner chamber 108. The first support wall 172 and the second support wall 174 are respectively disposed on the first and second sides 60, 62 of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30. The first and second support walls 172, 174 of the first and second dynamic enclosures 124, 126 have proximal ends (not shown) supported on the base 36 of the housing 16 and respective distal ends 182, 183 extending in the vertical direction 106 above the battery cells 22 toward the top 34 of the housing 16. The first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 can be made of the same material as the first enclosure 24 and the second enclosure 26 and can be formed by the same manufacturing process.

[0104] Each top cover 176 of the first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 is hingedly coupled to the distal end 182 of the first support wall 172 and has a free end 198 that is configured to pivot about the distal end 182 of the first support wall 172 to convert the top cover 176 from a closed position (dashed line) to an open position. For example, each top cover 176 of the first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 can be coupled to the distal end 182 of the first support wall 172 by a hinge or by other means that allow the free end 198 of the first support wall 172 to pivot about the distal end 182 of the first support wall 172, such as Figure 4 When the top cover 176 of each of the first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 is in the closed position, each top cover 176 is oriented in a substantially horizontal position, the free end 198 of the top cover 176 is supported on the distal end 183 of the second support wall 174, the first battery cell group 28 is sealed and / or enclosed in the inner chamber 108 defined by the first dynamic enclosure 124, and the second battery cell group 30 is sealed and / or enclosed in the inner chamber 108 defined by the second dynamic enclosure 126.

[0105] The top cover 176 of each of the first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 can be biased toward a closed position and can be configured to pivot to an open position about the distal end 182 of the first support wall 172, for example, in response to an increase in pressure within the interior chamber 108. For example, the top cover 176 of each of the first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 can be biased toward the closed position by pressure exerted on the top cover 176 by the top 34 of the housing 16. In aspects where the top cover 176 is made of metal, the top cover 176 can be biased toward the closed position by inherent tensile and compressive stresses exerted on the metal when it is bent from a flat plate to the shape of the first support wall 172.

[0106] When the first support wall 172 is in the open position, an opening 204 is defined between the distal ends 183 of the second support wall 174 through which hot gases and / or particulate matter in the interior chamber 108 may be released. In the event that one or more of the battery cells 22 in the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 experience thermal runaway and emit hot gases and / or particulate matter, a force 200 applied to the top cover 176 may cause the free end 198 of the top cover 176 to pivot about the distal ends 182 of the first support wall 172 to the open position. When the top cover 176 is in the open position, emissions from the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 may be directed through the opening 204 and into the plenum 48. In the plenum 48, the top cover 176 may direct the emissions to flow in the longitudinal direction 102 toward the vent 40. In the event that the first battery cell group 28 vents hot gases and / or particulate matter (e.g., experiences thermal runaway) and the second battery cell group 30 operates normally, the increased pressure in the internal chamber 108 defined by the first dynamic enclosure 124 may cause the top cover 176 to pivot to an open position so that the emissions may be released therefrom. At the same time, the top cover 176 of the second dynamic enclosure 126 may remain in a closed position, thereby maintaining a physical and thermal barrier around the second battery cell group 30.

[0107] When the top cover 176 transitions from the closed position to the open position, the free end 198 of the top cover 176 may exert a force 202 on the underside 66 of the top 34 of the housing 16. The force 202 exerted by the top cover 176 on the underside 66 of the top 34 of the housing 16 may cause the top 34 of the housing 16 to slide or move in the vertical direction 106 along the end wall 38 of the housing 16 and lift further away from the base 36.

[0108] During normal operation of the battery 10, the top 34 of the housing 16 (or the thermally insulating pad 64) can rest against the top covers 176 of the first and second dynamic enclosures 124, 126, and in some aspects, can help maintain the top covers 176 in a closed position so that emissions from the first battery cell group 28 and / or the second battery cell group 30 are retained within the interior chamber 108. Pressure applied to the top 34 of the housing 16 can be transferred to the first and second support walls 172, 174 of the first and second dynamic enclosures 124, 126, and through the first and second support walls 172, 174 to the base 36 of the housing 16, which can help protect and prevent physical damage to the battery cells 22 of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30.

[0109] Reference now Figure 5 In some aspects, the battery 10 may include a pair of first dynamic enclosure 224 and second dynamic enclosure 226. The first dynamic enclosure 224 and the second dynamic enclosure 226 are similar in many aspects to Figure 4 The first dynamic enclosure 124 and the second dynamic enclosure 126 are depicted and the description of the common subject matter is generally not repeated here. Each of the first dynamic enclosure 224 and the second dynamic enclosure 226 includes a pair of first and second support walls 272, 274 and a top cover 276, which together define the inner chamber 208. The first and second support walls 272, 274 of the first and second dynamic enclosures 224, 226 have proximal ends (not shown) supported on the base 36 of the housing 16 and respective distal ends 282, 283 extending in the vertical direction 106 above the battery cells 22 toward the top 34 of the housing 16. Each top cover 276 of the first dynamic enclosure 224 and the second dynamic enclosure 226 is hingedly coupled to the distal end 282 of the first support wall 272 and has a free end 298 configured to pivot about the distal end 282 of the first support wall 272 to move the top cover 276 from a closed position ( Figure 5 ) to an open position (not shown).

[0110] exist Figure 5 , the distal end 283 of each of the second support walls 274 includes a cantilever 212 oriented in a horizontal position and extending in the longitudinal direction 102 from the distal end 283 of the second support wall 274 toward the first support wall 272. When the top cover 276 is in the closed position, the top cover 276 can overlap the cantilever 212. The cantilever 212 can be configured to support the free end 298 of the top cover 276 when the top cover 276 is in the closed position. To help direct the force applied to the top 34 of the housing 16 to the first support wall 172 and the second support wall 174, a spacer 214 can be positioned between the cantilever 212 and the top 34 of the housing 16. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, the spacer 214 can be positioned vertically aligned with the cantilever 212 between the underside 66 of the top 34 of the housing 16 and the thermal insulation pad 64. Additionally or alternatively, the spacer 214 can be positioned vertically aligned with the cantilever 212 and disposed between the thermal insulation pad 64 and the top cover 276.

[0111] In some aspects, the cantilever 212 can be hingedly coupled to the distal end 283 of the second support wall 274 and can be configured to pivot about the distal end 283 of the second support wall 274 to move from a closed position ( Figure 5 ) is transformed to an open position (not shown). In this case, the length of the cantilever 212 can be selected to control the amount of exhaust released from the inner chamber 208 when the top cover 276 and the cantilever 212 are in the open position.

[0112] In some aspects, after assembly of the battery cell stack 20 , the cantilever arm 212 may be fixedly attached to the free end 298 of the top cover 276 , such as using an adhesive.

[0113] Reference now Figure 6 In some aspects, the battery 10 may include one or more dynamic enclosures 324. The dynamic enclosure 324 is similar in many respects to Figure 5 The first dynamic enclosure 224 and the second dynamic enclosure 226 are depicted and the description of the common subject matter is generally not repeated here. The dynamic enclosure 324 includes a pair of first and second support walls 372, 374 and a top cover 376, which together define the internal chamber 308. The first support wall 372 and the second support wall 374 of the dynamic enclosure 324 have proximal ends (not shown) supported on the base 36 of the housing 16 and respective distal ends 382, ​​383 extending in the vertical direction 106 toward the top 34 of the housing 16 above the battery cells 22.

[0114] The top cover 376 of the dynamic enclosure 324 is hingedly coupled to the distal end 382 of the first support wall 372 and has a free end 398 configured to pivot about the distal end 382 of the first support wall 372 to move the top cover 376 from a closed position ( Figure 6 ) to an open position (not shown).

[0115] exist Figure 6 , the distal end 383 of the second support wall 374 includes a flange 316 that is oriented in a horizontal position and extends away from the first support wall 372 in the longitudinal direction 102 from the distal end 383 of the second support wall 374. The flange 316 can be configured to support the free end 398 of the top cover 376 when the top cover 376 is in the closed position and can allow additional vertical clearance above the laminated portion 68 of the battery cell 22 when assembled.

[0116] Reference now Figure 7 In some aspects, the battery 10 may include one or more dynamic enclosures 424. The dynamic enclosure 424 is similar in many aspects to Figure 6 The dynamic enclosure 324 is depicted and the description of common themes is generally not repeated here. The dynamic enclosure 424 includes a pair of first and second support walls 472, 474 and a top cover 476, which together define the interior chamber 408. The first support wall 472 and the second support wall 474 of the dynamic enclosure 424 have proximal ends (not shown) supported on the base 36 of the housing 16 and respective distal ends 482, 483 extending in the vertical direction 106 above the battery cells 22 toward the top 34 of the housing 16.

[0117] The top cover 476 of the dynamic enclosure 424 is hingedly coupled to the distal end 482 of the first support wall 472 and has a free end 498 configured to pivot about the distal end 482 of the first support wall 472 to move the top cover 476 from a closed position ( Figure 7 ) to an open position (not shown).

[0118] exist Figure 7 , the distal end 483 of the second support wall 474 includes a folded edge 418. The folded edge 418 can be configured to support the free end 498 of the top cover 476 when the top cover 476 is in the closed position and can allow additional vertical clearance above the laminated portion 68 of the battery cell 22 when assembled.

[0119] These and other benefits will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure.

[0120] Although some best modes and other embodiments have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present concept explicitly includes combinations and sub-combinations of the described elements and features. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are support and description of the present teachings, and the scope of the present teachings is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A battery comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a base; a battery cell stack supported on the base of the housing, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other in a thickness direction thereof, the plurality of battery cells being physically separated into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group; as well as A capsule supported on the base of the housing, the capsule comprising: a first support wall and a second support wall disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group, respectively, each of the first support wall and the second support wall comprising a proximal end supported on the base of the housing and a distal end extending away from the base above the plurality of battery cells, wherein the first support wall and the second support wall are movably supported on the base of the housing so that the proximal ends of the first support wall and the second support wall are movable relative to each other and relative to the base; and a top cover extending between the distal end of the first support wall and the distal end of the second support wall above the first battery cell group, wherein the top cover is coupled to the distal end of the first support wall and extends from the distal end of the first support wall to a free end in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein the free end of the top cover is configured to pivot about the distal end of the first support wall between a closed position and an open position, in which the free end of the top cover is supported on the distal end of the second support wall, and in which an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall, wherein the enclosure defines an inner chamber within the housing, and The sealing shell partially surrounds the first battery cell group on three sides and establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

2. The battery of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a top and at least one side wall extending between a base and the top of the housing, wherein a gap is defined between the battery cell stack and the at least one side wall of the housing, and wherein, Exhaust from the first battery cell group is directed through the interior chamber into the gap in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

3. A battery according to claim 1, wherein the first support wall and the second support wall are movably supported on the base of the shell, so that the proximal ends of the first support wall and the second support wall are movable in the longitudinal direction relative to each other on the base to accommodate volume changes in the multiple battery cells.

4. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the second support wall comprises one of the following: a cantilever extending in a longitudinal direction from the distal end of the second support wall toward the first support wall, and wherein, When the top cover is in the closed position, the free end of the top cover is supported on the cantilever; a flange extending from a distal end of the second support wall in a longitudinal direction away from the first support wall, and wherein a free end of the top cover is supported on the flange when the top cover is in the closed position; or A hem end portion, wherein a free end of the top cover is supported on the hem end portion when the top cover is in the closed position.

5. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The top cover is biased toward the closed position and abuts the distal end of the second support wall, and wherein the top cover is configured to transition from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase in pressure within the interior chamber.

6. The battery according to claim 5, wherein The housing includes a top and at least one side wall extending between the base and the top of the housing, wherein a pressure ventilation chamber is defined in the housing between an upper end of the battery cell stack and the top of the housing, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, exhaust from the first battery cell group is directed from the internal chamber through the opening and into the pressure ventilation chamber.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein The plenum is in fluid communication with a vent in the top of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, the top cover directs exhaust in the plenum to flow toward the vent in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

8. A battery comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and comprising a base, a top, and sidewalls extending between the base and the top of the housing; a battery cell stack supported on the base of the housing, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the housing, the plurality of battery cells being physically separated into a first battery cell group comprising at least two adjacent battery cells and a second battery cell group comprising at least two adjacent battery cells; as well as Dynamic Encapsulation, including: a first support wall and a second support wall disposed on opposite first and second sides of the first battery cell group, respectively, each of the first support wall and the second support wall comprising a proximal end supported on the base of the housing and a distal end extending above the first battery cell group away from the base, wherein the first support wall and the second support wall are movably supported on the base of the housing so that the proximal ends of the first support wall and the second support wall are movable relative to each other and relative to the base; and a top cover coupled to the distal end of the first support wall, the top cover extending in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing and including a free end, the free end being configured to pivot about the distal end of the first support wall between a closed position and an open position, in which the free end of the top cover is supported on the distal end of the second support wall and in which an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall, wherein the dynamic enclosure defines an inner chamber within the housing, and Wherein, when the top cover is in the closed position, the dynamic enclosure establishes a physical and thermal barrier between the first battery cell group and the second battery cell group.

9. The battery of claim 8, wherein the top cover is configured to transition from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase in pressure within the interior chamber.

10. The battery of claim 8, wherein a gap is defined in the housing between the battery cell stack and a side wall of the housing, and wherein: When the top cover is in the closed position, exhaust from the first battery cell group is directed through the interior chamber into the gap in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

11. The battery according to claim 8, wherein A plenum is defined in the housing between an upper end of the battery cell stack and the top of the housing, and wherein exhaust from the first battery cell group is directed from the interior chamber through the opening and into the plenum when the top cover is in the open position.

12. The battery according to claim 11, wherein The plenum is in fluid communication with a vent in the top of the shell, and wherein, when the top cover is in the open position, the top cover directs exhaust in the plenum to flow toward the vent in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell.

13. The battery according to claim 8, wherein the distal end of the second support wall comprises a cantilever extending in a longitudinal direction from the distal end of the second support wall toward the first support wall, and wherein, When the top cover is in the closed position, the free end of the top cover is supported on the cantilever.

14. The battery of claim 13, wherein the cantilever is coupled to the distal end of the second support wall and is configured to pivot from a closed position to an open position about the distal end of the second support wall in response to an increase in pressure within the inner chamber, wherein The top cover has a first length and the cantilever has a second length, and wherein a ratio of the first length of the top cover to the second length of the cantilever is selected to control an amount of first emissions directed through the interior chamber in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing relative to an amount of second emissions directed through the opening and through the housing in a longitudinal direction.

15. A battery comprising: a housing including a base; a battery cell stack supported on a base of the housing, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked relative to each other in a thickness direction thereof; a partition wall that physically separates the plurality of battery cells into a first battery cell group and a second battery cell group; a first enclosure movably supported on the base of the housing to form a physical and thermal barrier on three sides of the first battery cell group; as well as a second enclosure movably supported on the base of the housing to form a physical and thermal barrier on three sides of the second battery cell group, Wherein, each of the first enclosure and the second enclosure comprises: a first support wall and a second support wall disposed on opposite first and second sides of the respective battery cell groups, respectively, and having a proximal end supported on the base of the housing and a distal end extending away from the base above the plurality of battery cells, wherein the first support wall and the second support wall are movably supported on the base of the housing so that the proximal ends of the first support wall and the second support wall are movable relative to each other and relative to the base; and A top cover extending between the distal end of the first support wall and the distal end of the second support wall, wherein the top cover is coupled to the distal end of the first support wall and extends from the distal end of the first support wall to a free end in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein the free end of the top cover is configured to pivot about the distal end of the first support wall between a closed position and an open position, in which the free end of the top cover is supported on the distal end of the second support wall, and in which an opening is defined between the free end of the top cover and the distal end of the second support wall.

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