Modular battery cell block for multi-cell energy storage system

Abstract

A modular multi-unit rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes a RESS housing surrounded by an external environment and having a housing tray and a housing cover. The RESS also includes a plurality of battery cell blocks disposed in the RESS housing. Each battery cell block includes a cell case including: a cell vent hole; and at least one electrically insulating structure connector configured to link the cell case with an adjacent battery cell block. Each battery cell block further includes a thermal dissipation barrier (TRB) segment secured to the cell case and configured to contact the adjacent battery cell block. Each battery cell block additionally includes a thermal insulator configured to liner the cell vent hole. Further, each battery cell block includes a bus bar segment configured to interconnect with a bus bar segment of the adjacent battery cell block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to modular battery cell blocks for multi-cell rechargeable energy storage systems and structures thereof. Background Art

[0002] Batteries can be broadly classified into primary and secondary batteries. Primary batteries, also known as disposable batteries, are intended to be used until exhausted, after which they are simply replaced by new batteries. Secondary batteries, more commonly known as rechargeable batteries, employ specific chemistries that allow such batteries to be repeatedly recharged and reused, thereby offering economic, environmental, and ease-of-use advantages over disposable batteries. A multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) typically includes an array of battery cells, such as a battery module, pack, etc., with multiple secondary battery cells in relatively close proximity to each other.

[0003] A large RESS may be used to store electrical energy for future use and as a buffer between peak power generation and peak system loads, such as in stationary energy storage systems and electric vehicles (EVs). To meet design objectives for charging rate, peak output power, and capacity, auxiliary batteries may be organized into a battery system or array having battery cells connected in parallel and / or series and enclosed in a battery module and / or packaging enclosure. Such an RESS typically includes a housing for housing individual battery cells and various internal components, such as a cold plate, thermal insulation elements, an interconnect board (ICB) for linking battery cells, sensing and communication components, and electrical bus bars to establish connections therebetween. Summary of the invention

[0004] A modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) includes: an RESS housing surrounded by an external environment and having a housing tray and a housing cover. The RESS also includes: a plurality of battery cell blocks arranged in the RESS housing. Each battery cell block includes a cell shell including: a cell vent; and at least one electrically insulating structural connector configured to link the cell shell with an adjacent battery cell block. Each battery cell block also includes: a thermal runaway barrier (TRB) segment or a thermal mitigation barrier (TMB) segment fixed to the cell shell and configured to contact the adjacent battery cell block. Each battery cell block additionally includes: a thermal insulator configured to line the cell vent. In addition, each battery cell block includes: a bus bar segment configured to interconnect with the bus bar segment of the adjacent battery cell block.

[0005] Each battery cell block may additionally include a cold plate segment configured to interconnect with a cold plate segment of an adjacent battery cell block. The cold plate segment may include a quick connect device configured to interconnect with an adjacent cold plate segment.

[0006] Each battery cell block may additionally include a thermal interface material (TIM) segment disposed between the cold plate segment and the cell housing.

[0007] The battery cell block may be an edge-positioned battery cell block. The cell shell of the edge-positioned battery cell block may be defined by an outer shape that is different from the outer cell shell shape of the adjacent battery cell block. The edge-positioned battery cell block may incorporate an end plate fixed to its cell shell.

[0008] The plurality of battery cell blocks may be arranged in one or more battery modules and mounted to the housing tray. In such an embodiment, the modular RESS may further include: a mica cover sheet arranged between the housing cover and the (one or more) battery modules and secured to the housing cover over the individual thermal insulators.

[0009] The RESS may include a plurality of battery modules. In such an embodiment, the modular RESS may further include a mid-plate sandwiched between structural adhesive layers disposed together between adjacent battery modules.

[0010] The midplane may include an electrically insulating foam element.

[0011] The unit housing may be configured to be mounted (eg, fastened) to the housing tray.

[0012] The RESS housing may be part of, ie integrated into, the vehicle body structure.

[0013] Also disclosed is a motor vehicle having a power source and the modular RESS disclosed above configured to supply electrical energy to the power source.

[0014] A motor vehicle comprises: a power source configured to generate power source torque; a vehicle body structure incorporating a modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) as a part thereof, the modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) being configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the modular RESS comprising: a RESS housing surrounded by an external environment and having a housing tray and a housing cover; and a plurality of battery cell blocks arranged in the RESS housing, wherein each battery cell block comprises: a cell shell comprising: a cell vent; and at least one electrically insulating structural connector configured to link the cell shell to an adjacent battery cell block; a thermal runaway barrier (TRB) segment or a thermal mitigation barrier (TMB) segment fixed to the cell shell and configured to contact the adjacent battery cell block; a thermal insulator configured to line the cell vent; and a bus bar segment configured to interconnect with the bus bar segment of the adjacent battery cell block.

[0015] Each battery cell block may additionally include a cold plate segment configured to be interconnected with a cold plate segment of an adjacent battery cell block.

[0016] Each battery cell block may additionally include a thermal interface material (TIM) segment disposed between the cold plate segment and the cell housing.

[0017] The battery cell block may be an edge-positioned battery cell block incorporating an end plate fixed to a cell case of the edge-positioned battery cell block.

[0018] The plurality of battery cell blocks may be arranged in one or more battery modules and mounted to the housing tray, and the modular RESS may further include: a mica cover sheet arranged between the housing cover and the one or more battery modules and fixed to the housing cover.

[0019] The one or more battery modules may include a plurality of battery modules, and the modular RESS may further include: a mid-plate sandwiched between the structural adhesive layers and disposed together between adjacent battery modules.

[0020] The midplane may include an electrically insulating foam element.

[0021] The unit housing may be configured to be mounted to the housing tray.

[0022] The RESS housing may be part of the vehicle body structure.

[0023] Also disclosed is a battery cell block for a modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the battery cell block comprising: a cell shell including: a cell vent; and at least one electrically insulating structural connector configured to link the cell shell with an adjacent battery cell block in the modular RESS; a thermal runaway barrier (TRB) segment or a thermal mitigation barrier (TMB) segment fixed to the cell shell and configured to contact the adjacent battery cell block; a thermal insulator configured to line the cell vent; a bus bar segment configured to interconnect with a bus bar segment of an adjacent battery cell block; and a cold plate segment configured to interconnect with a cold plate segment of an adjacent battery cell block.

[0024] The battery cell block may further include a thermal interface material (TIM) segment disposed between the cold plate segment and the cell housing.

[0025] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiment(s) and best mode(s) for carrying out the described disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle employing multiple power sources and a modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) configured to generate and store electrical energy in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic side view of a battery cell array housing of an RESS shown in , illustrating the array housing having a housing tray and housing cover that serve as a floor section of the vehicle body structure.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic exploded perspective view of the RESS shown in , illustrating a plurality of battery cell blocks arranged in individual modules, a midplane arranged between adjacent modules, and a mica cover sheet.

[0029] Figure 4 According to the present disclosure Figure 3 Schematic side view of a single battery cell block shown in .

[0030] Figure 5 is interconnected according to the present disclosure to form Figure 1 and 3 Schematic side view of multiple battery cell blocks of the RESS shown in FIG.

[0031] Figure 6 According to the present disclosure, Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of multiple battery cell blocks of an edge block shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 7 According to the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of one of the battery cell blocks shown in , depicting the arrangement of thermal runaway barrier (TRB) segments relative to the corresponding battery cell housings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," and the like are used descriptively with respect to the figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be comprised of a plurality of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0034] refer to Figure 1, depicting a motor vehicle 10 having a powertrain 12. The motor vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, passenger vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, trains, etc. It is also contemplated that the vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an airplane, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal mobility device, a robot, etc., to accomplish the purposes of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown in , the motor vehicle 10 also includes a body structure 10A configured to support a powertrain 12 and a vehicle passenger and cargo compartment (not shown). The powertrain 12 includes a power source 14 configured to generate a power source torque for propelling the vehicle 10 relative to a road surface 18 via driven wheels 16. The power source 14 is depicted as a motor-generator; therefore, the motor vehicle 10 may be identified as an electric vehicle (EV).

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown in , the powertrain 12 may also include an additional power source 20, such as an internal combustion engine. The power sources 14 and 20 may act in concert to power the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 additionally includes: an electronic controller 22 and a modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 24, configured to generate and store electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction that generates heat for supplying electrical energy to the power sources 14 and 20. In the present disclosure, the RESS 24 is defined as "modular" due to the system constructed of interlocking battery cell blocks, as will be described in detail below. The electronic controller 22 may be a central processing unit (CPU) that regulates various functions of the vehicle 10, or as a powertrain control module (PCM) configured to control the powertrain 12 to generate a predetermined amount of power source torque.

[0036] The modular RESS 24 can be connected to the power sources 14 and 20, the electronic controller 22, and other vehicle systems via the high voltage BUS 25. Although the RESS 24 is described herein primarily with respect to a motor vehicle environment, it is not excluded that the main RESS is adopted for powering other non-automotive or stationary systems. The vehicle body structure 10A incorporates the modular RESS 24 as an integral part thereof. Thus, in the motor vehicle 10, the RESS 24 carries at least some of the structural and / or dynamic loads experienced by the vehicle body structure during vehicle operation. The RESS 24 includes one or more sections or arrays 26 of individual battery cells arranged with respect to an XYZ coordinate system. Each battery cell array 26 can be configured as a battery module or a plurality of battery modules bundled into a battery pack.

[0037] Continue to refer Figure 1, the array 26 includes a plurality of interlocking battery cell blocks, such as a first group of battery cell blocks 28 and an adjacent (directly adjacent) second group of battery cell blocks 30, each extending generally upward (i.e., in the Z direction). Although one array 26 (illustrated as a battery pack) and two groups of battery cell blocks 28, 30 (illustrated as individual modules) are specifically indicated, nothing precludes the RESS 24 from having a greater number of such arrays in which a particular number of battery cell blocks are arranged. As shown, the first cell group 28 includes individual battery cell blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, while the adjacent second cell group 30 includes individual battery cell blocks 30-1, 30-2, 30-3. The individual battery cells in the groups 28 and 30 may be prismatic or cylindrical in shape, also referred to as cylindrical cell blocks.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown in , the RESS 24 also includes: an RESS housing or shell 32 configured to accommodate and retain each of the first and second battery cell groups 28, 30. The RESS shell 32 is surrounded by an ambient environment 34 (i.e., the environment outside the RESS shell) and is configured to carry at least some of the structural and / or dynamic loads experienced by the vehicle body structure 10A. The RESS shell 32 is configured to manage high temperature gases exhausted by the battery cells in the cell groups 28, 30 (such as during a battery cell thermal runaway event) and exhaust the high temperature gases to the external environment 34. The RESS shell 32 includes a shell tray 36 and a shell cover 38. The shell cover 38 is generally located above the battery cell blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3 and 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and can additionally serve as a floor section ( Figure 2 ).

[0039] The housing cover 38 is configured to engage the housing tray 36 to substantially seal the RESS housing 32 and its contents from the external environment 34. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, in the automotive vehicle 10, the RESS housing 32 is arranged in a horizontal XY plane so that the housing cover 38 is located above the housing tray 36 when viewed along the Z axis. The battery cell blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 can be arranged parallel to each other in their respective cell groups 28 and 30 within the RESS housing 32. Alternatively, some of the battery cell blocks can be arranged vertically in the cell array 26 relative to adjacent cell blocks to adapt the overall shape of the modular RESS 24 to the space available within the boundaries of the vehicle body structure 10A.

[0040] like Figure 4As shown in the RESS 24, each battery cell block 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2 and 30-3 includes: a cell shell 40, which defines a cell vent 40A and surrounds the battery cell electrodes, electrolytes and other related components (not shown). Each interlocking battery cell block in the cell group 28 and 30 also includes: one or more electrically insulating structural connectors 42, which are configured to link or interconnect the cell shell 40 with adjacent battery cell blocks and enhance the structural rigidity of the RESS 24. Each battery cell block 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 additionally includes a thermal runaway barrier (TRB) segment 44 fixed to the cell shell 40. The main TRB segment 44 is arranged on a specific side of the cell shell 40 so that when the RESS 24 is assembled, the TRB segment contacts or is pressed against the adjacent battery cell block, and thereby, at least one TRB segment is sandwiched between a pair of adjacent battery cell blocks.

[0041] TRB segments 44 may be constructed of a specific density foam configured to allow individual adjacent cell blocks in cell groups 28 and 30 to expand and contract while maintaining a predetermined minimum cell interface pressure. Additionally, although not shown, array 26 may include expansion / contraction compensators in addition to TRBs 44, such as (one or more) different density foams or engineered spring elements. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , each battery cell block in the cell groups 28 and 30 further includes a thermal insulator 46, such as a mica segment, configured to line or cover the cell vents 40A. Figure 6 As shown in , each thermal insulator 46 can cover the entire exposed portion of the corresponding cell block in the cell groups 28 and 30, including the cell vents 40A. In such an embodiment, the thermal insulator 46 can be perforated near or on the cell vents 40A. Alternatively, the thermal insulator 46 can be constructed of separate parts, which have an individual insulator portion attached to the area outside the cell vents 40A and an additional portion (not shown) covering the vents.

[0042] Each battery cell block 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 additionally includes an electrical busbar or bus bar segment 48 configured to interconnect with similar bus bar segments of adjacent battery cell blocks in the RESS 24. When the battery cell blocks in the cell groups 28 and 30 are interconnected, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , individual bus bar segments 48 are inserted into bus bar subassemblies 49 ( Figure 3The bus bar subassembly 49 is configured to electrically connect and transmit electrical signals to and from the battery cell blocks in the array 26. The RESS 24 may also include various sensing devices (such as thermistors, fuses, etc.), which, although not specifically shown, are understood to detect the operation of individual battery cell blocks or cell groups 28, 30 in the array 26.

[0043] In addition, although not specifically shown, the RESS 24 may include: sensing circuitry disposed within the RESS housing 32 and electrically connected to the bus bar subassembly 48A and the sensing device(s). Such sensing circuitry may be configured to transmit electrical signals from the bus bar subassembly 48A and the sensing device(s) to an electronic controller disposed in the external environment 34, such as the electronic controller 22 of the motor vehicle 10. Each battery cell block 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 may additionally include: a cold plate segment 50 configured to interconnect with a similar cold plate segment of an adjacent battery cell block in the array 26. The cold plate segment 50 may include: a quick connect device 51 configured to facilitate a secure, fluid-tight (i.e., sealed) attachment of the cold plate segment 50 to a cold plate segment of an adjacent battery cell block. For example, the quick connect device 51 can be a push-to-open type with one connector having a removable / releasable clamp that secures to a pipe or tube of one cold plate segment and is configured to engage and lock to a mating connector secured to a pipe of an adjacent cold plate segment with a sealing O-ring between the one connector and the mating connector. At the battery cell array 26 level, the cold plate segment 50 is in fluid communication with a coolant manifold (not shown).

[0044] When the battery cell blocks in the cell groups 28 and 30 are interconnected, as shown Figure 3 and 5 As shown in , the cold plate segments 50 of the component battery cell blocks form a cold plate subassembly 50A. The resulting cold plate subassembly 50A is generally located below the main battery cell block (or, although not shown, between the main battery cell blocks), thereby absorbing thermal energy therefrom and maintaining the necessary RESS24 operating conditions. Each battery cell block in the cell group 28 and 30 can further include a thermal interface material (TIM) segment 52 arranged between the cold plate segment 50 and the cell housing 40 (e.g., the housing tray 36). Each of the interlocking blocks battery cell blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3 can be mounted to the housing tray 36, for example, by one or more fasteners 54.

[0045] refer to Figure 5The modular RESS 24 may also include a mica cover sheet 56 disposed between the housing cover 38 and the battery cell array 26 having one or more modules. The mica cover sheet 56 may be secured to the housing cover 38 over the individual thermal insulators 46 to define a channel 56A ( ) for battery cell gases exhausted by the individual battery cell blocks via the corresponding vents 40A. Figure 5 ). Figure 3 As shown in , the modular RESS 24 may also include a mid-plate 58 sandwiched between structural adhesive layers 60. The mid-plate 58 may include an electrically insulating foam element 58A. The mid-plate 58, together with the structural adhesive layer 60, may be disposed between modules of adjacent groups (e.g., 28 and 30) or battery cell arrays 26 to provide thermal and electrical isolation therebetween. In the event of thermal runaway in one of the battery cell modules or arrays, the mid-plate 58 is intended to protect the adjacent battery modules from succumbing to the thermal runaway.

[0046] Continue to refer Figure 1 In the RESS 24, the cell housings 40 of most of the cell blocks (such as blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3) are defined by a common exterior shape 58A, thereby allowing for easy modular RESS assembly. Some of the cell blocks in the RESS 24 may be "edge positioned," i.e., located next to substantially vertical side walls of the RESS housing 32, which may be generated, for example, by a housing tray 36 and / or housing cover 38. Such edge positioned cell blocks may be formed in a plurality of RESSs. Figure 1 Each of the corresponding cell shells 40 of the edge-positioned battery cell blocks 28B and 30B can be defined by an outer shape 58B that is different from the outer shape 58A of the adjacent and majority battery cell block shells in the RESS 24. Figure 1 and 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , edge-positioned battery cell blocks 28B and 30B may be arranged at an angle (e.g., vertically) relative to adjacent cell blocks in a corresponding cell array 26. Each of the cell blocks 28B, 30B located on the edge of the array 26 may incorporate a structural frame member 64 ( Figure 6 As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in , one structural frame member 64 can be secured to the top of the respective unit housing 40 and another structural frame member 64 can be secured to the bottom thereof, such as via welds, crimped edges, adhesives, latches, rivets, etc. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 4 , individual TRB segments 44 may be disposed against the cell housing 40 between the end plates 62 and the respective cell blocks 28B, 30B, thereby allowing the main cell blocks to expand and contract while maintaining a specified cell face pressure.

[0047] The difference between the outer shape of most battery cell blocks and the outer shape of edge locating blocks 28B, 30B facilitates modular construction and more efficient customization or adaptation of the RESS 24 to an existing vehicle body structure 10A having a specific configuration or contour of frame rails, passenger compartment floor, etc. The size and shape of the RESS 24 can be specifically adapted to the vehicle 10 structure in the XY plane, i.e., the vehicle 10 structure is viewed in plan view, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The resulting adaptation of the modular RESS 24 may allow an increased number of battery cell blocks to be packaged therein. This configuration of the RESS 24 enables more efficient use of available space within the vehicle body structure 10A and thereby enhances the RESS charging capacity and available operating range of the vehicle 10 .

[0048] In summary, modularly connected and interlocked battery cell blocks (such as blocks 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 30-1, 30-2, 30-3) provide a design-flexible RESS24 that can be adapted to its host environment while maximizing available packaging space. Each of the interlocking battery cell blocks includes a thermal runaway barrier (TRB) segment and a thermal insulator that is configured to line the cell vents and isolate the cells in the event of thermal runaway. Moreover, each battery cell block includes: a bus bar segment that is configured to interconnect with adjacent bus bar segments to generate an RESS bus bar subassembly. Each interlocking battery cell block may also include: a cold plate segment that is interconnected with adjacent battery cell block cold plate segments to form an RESS cold plate subassembly. The interlocking battery cell blocks provide the modular RESS24 with enhanced rigidity, which can be useful when the RESS is incorporated into its host environment (such as a vehicle body structure).

[0049] The detailed description and the drawings or figures support and describe the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although the best mode and some of the other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments that are independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each of the features described in one of the examples of the embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not being described in words or with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular multi-unit rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), comprising: A RESS housing surrounded by an external environment and having a housing tray and a housing cover; as well as A plurality of battery cell blocks are arranged in the RESS housing, wherein each battery cell block comprises: A cell housing, comprising: a cell vent; and at least one electrically insulating structural connector configured to link the cell housing with an adjacent battery cell block; a thermal mitigation barrier (TMB) segment secured to the cell housing and configured to contact the adjacent battery cell block; a thermal insulator configured to line the unit vents; and The bus bar segment is configured to interconnect with the bus bar segment of the adjacent battery cell block.

2. The modular RESS of claim 1, wherein each battery cell block additionally comprises: The cold plate segment is configured to interconnect with the cold plate segment of the adjacent battery cell block.

3. The modular RESS of claim 2, wherein each battery cell block additionally comprises: A thermal interface material (TIM) segment is disposed between the cold plate segment and the unit housing.

4. The modular RESS of claim 1, wherein the battery cell block is an edge positioned battery cell block incorporating end plates secured to cell housings of the edge positioned battery cell block.

5. The modular RESS of claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cell blocks are arranged in one or more battery modules and mounted to the housing tray, the modular RESS further comprising: A mica cover sheet is disposed between the case cover and the one or more battery modules and is fixed to the case cover.

6. The modular RESS of claim 5, wherein the one or more battery modules comprises a plurality of battery modules, the modular RESS further comprising: The mid-plate is sandwiched between the structural adhesive layers and is disposed between adjacent battery modules.

7. The modular RESS of claim 6, wherein the mid-panel comprises an electrically insulating foam element.

8. The modular RESS of claim 1, wherein the unit housing is configured to be mounted to the housing tray.

9. The modular RESS of claim 1, wherein the RESS housing is part of a vehicle body structure.

10. A motor vehicle comprising: a power source configured to generate a power source torque; A vehicle body structure incorporating as a portion thereof a modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the modular multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) being configured to supply electrical energy to the power source, the modular RESS comprising: A RESS housing surrounded by an external environment and having a housing tray and a housing cover; and A plurality of battery cell blocks are arranged in the RESS housing, wherein each battery cell block comprises: A cell housing, comprising: a cell vent; and at least one electrically insulating structural connector configured to link the cell housing with an adjacent battery cell block; a thermal mitigation barrier (TMB) segment secured to the cell housing and configured to contact the adjacent battery cell block; a thermal insulator configured to line the unit vents; and The bus bar segment is configured to interconnect with the bus bar segment of the adjacent battery cell block.

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