Double-walled housing and / or cooling system for prismatic battery cells

Abstract

A battery cell includes a cell stack including A anode electrodes, C cathode electrodes, and S separators, where A, C, and S are integers greater than 1. A double-walled prismatic housing is configured to receive the stack of battery cells, the double-walled prismatic housing including a can body including an inner housing, an outer housing, and a gap between the inner housing and the outer housing. The battery cell stack is arranged in the inner case. The outer housing of the can defines a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends thereof. A first cover portion is attached to the first opening of the outer housing. A first bottom portion is attached to the second opening of the outer housing.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors within the scope described in this section and aspects of this specification that may not have been prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to battery cells, and more particularly to double-walled housings and / or cooling systems for prismatic battery cells. Background Art

[0004] An electric vehicle (EV) such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid vehicle, and / or a fuel cell vehicle includes one or more motors and a battery system including one or more battery cells, battery modules, and / or battery packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving. Summary of the invention

[0005] A battery cell includes a battery cell stack, the battery cell stack including A anode electrodes, C cathode electrodes and S separators, wherein A, C and S are integers greater than 1. A double-walled prismatic shell is configured to accommodate the battery cell stack, the double-walled prismatic shell includes a can body, the can body includes an inner shell, an outer shell and a gap between the inner shell and the outer shell. The battery cell stack is arranged in the inner shell. The outer shell of the can body defines a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends thereof. A first cover portion is attached to the first opening of the outer shell. A first bottom portion is attached to the second opening of the outer shell.

[0006] In other features, a first side of the outer housing includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a first pattern. A second side of the outer housing includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a second pattern. The first pattern and the second pattern are different. The first pattern and the second pattern are offset to allow nesting of the battery cell with one or more adjacent battery cells. The plurality of reinforcement portions include at least one of a dimple and a reinforcement bead.

[0007] In other features, the recess has one of a rectangular cross-section and an arcuate cross-section. A thermal interface material is disposed in the gap between the inner housing and the outer housing. A second cover portion closes a third opening of the inner housing. A second bottom portion closes a fourth opening of the inner housing.

[0008] In other features, at least one of the first cover portion and the first bottom portion includes a vent.

[0009] A system includes a plurality of the battery cells and a cooling plate, wherein a thermal interface material is arranged between the cooling plate and a first battery cell in the plurality of the battery cells and a second battery cell in the plurality of the battery cells.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a double-wall prismatic battery cell includes: folding a metal sheet to form an inner shell of the double-wall prismatic battery cell; and folding the metal sheet to form an outer shell of the double-wall prismatic battery cell around the inner shell, wherein an air gap is arranged between the outer shell and the inner shell. The outer shell includes a first opening and a second opening. The method includes: arranging a battery cell stack in the inner shell; attaching a first cover portion to the first opening of the outer shell; and attaching a first bottom portion to the second opening of the outer shell.

[0011] In other features, the battery cell stack includes A anode electrodes, C cathode electrodes, and S separators, where A, C, and S are integers greater than 1.

[0012] In other features, the method includes forming a first pattern of reinforcements on a first side of the outer shell and a second pattern of reinforcements on a second side of the outer shell using first and second rollers. The first pattern of reinforcements and the second pattern of reinforcements are different. The first pattern of reinforcements and the second pattern of reinforcements are offset to allow nesting of the double-wall prismatic battery cell with one or more adjacent double-wall prismatic battery cells. The first pattern of reinforcements includes dimples having at least one of a rectangular cross-section and an arcuate cross-section. The first pattern of reinforcements includes reinforcement bead cavities.

[0013] In other features, the method includes disposing a thermal interface material in the gap.

[0014] In other features, the method includes closing the third opening of the inner housing with a second cover portion before attaching the first cover portion. In other features, the method includes closing the fourth opening of the inner housing with a second bottom portion before attaching the first bottom portion.

[0015] In other features, the method includes providing a vent on at least one of the first cover portion and the first bottom portion.

[0016] The present invention also includes the following scheme:

[0017] Solution 1. A battery cell comprising:

[0018] A battery cell stack, the battery cell stack comprising:

[0019] A anode electrode;

[0020] C cathode electrodes; and

[0021] S diaphragms, wherein A, C, and S are integers greater than 1; and

[0022] A double-walled prismatic housing configured to house the battery cell stack, the double-walled prismatic housing comprising:

[0023] a tank body, the tank body comprising an inner shell, an outer shell, and a gap between the inner shell and the outer shell,

[0024] wherein the battery cell stack is arranged in the inner housing,

[0025] wherein said outer shell of said tank defines a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends thereof;

[0026] a first cover portion attached to the first opening of the outer housing; and a first bottom portion attached to the second opening of the outer housing.

[0027] Option 2. The battery cell according to Option 1, wherein the first side of the outer shell includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a first pattern.

[0028] Option 3. A battery cell according to Option 2, wherein:

[0029] The second side of the outer shell includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a second pattern, and

[0030] The first pattern and the second pattern are different.

[0031] Option 4. A battery cell according to Option 3, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are offset to allow the battery cell to be nested with one or more adjacent battery cells.

[0032] Option 5. The battery cell according to Option 2, wherein the plurality of reinforcing portions include at least one of dimples and reinforcing bead-shaped cavities.

[0033] Option 6. The battery cell according to Option 5, wherein the recess has one of a rectangular cross-section and an arcuate cross-section.

[0034] Option 7. The battery cell according to Option 1 further comprises a thermal interface material arranged in the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0035] Solution 8. The battery cell according to Solution 1, further comprising:

[0036] a second cover portion closing a third opening of the inner housing; and

[0037] A second bottom portion closes a fourth opening of the inner shell.

[0038] Option 9. The battery cell according to Option 1, wherein at least one of the first cover portion and the first bottom portion includes a vent.

[0039] Solution 10. A system comprising:

[0040] The plurality of battery cells according to solution 1;

[0041] Cooling plate;

[0042] A thermal interface material is disposed between the cooling plate and a first battery cell in the plurality of battery cells and a second battery cell in the plurality of battery cells.

[0043] A method for manufacturing a double-wall prismatic battery cell comprising:

[0044] folding a metal sheet to form an inner housing for the double-walled prismatic battery cell;

[0045] folding the metal sheet to form an outer casing of the double-wall prismatic battery cell around the inner casing, wherein an air gap is disposed between the outer casing and the inner casing,

[0046] wherein the outer housing comprises a first opening and a second opening;

[0047] disposing a battery cell stack in the inner housing;

[0048] attaching a first cover portion to the first opening of the outer housing; and

[0049] A first bottom portion is attached to the second opening of the outer housing.

[0050] Option 12. The method according to Option 11, wherein the battery cell stack comprises:

[0051] A anode electrode;

[0052] C cathode electrodes; and

[0053] S diaphragms, where A, C and S are integers greater than 1.

[0054] Embodiment 13. The method according to embodiment 11, further comprising forming a first pattern of reinforcement portions on a first side of the outer shell and forming a second pattern of reinforcement portions on a second side of the outer shell using a first roller and a second roller.

[0055] Option 14. The method according to Option 13, wherein the reinforcement portion of the first pattern and the reinforcement portion of the second pattern are different.

[0056] Embodiment 15. The method of embodiment 14, wherein the first pattern of reinforced portions and the second pattern of reinforced portions are offset to allow nesting of the double-wall prismatic battery cell with one or more adjacent double-wall prismatic battery cells.

[0057] Option 16. A method according to Option 13, wherein the reinforced portion of the first pattern includes pits having at least one of a rectangular cross-section and an arcuate cross-section.

[0058] Option 17. A method according to Option 13, wherein the reinforcement portion of the first pattern includes a reinforcement bead-shaped cavity.

[0059] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 11 further comprises disposing a thermal interface material in the gap.

[0060] Embodiment 19. The method according to embodiment 11, further comprising:

[0061] before attaching the first cover portion, closing the third opening of the inner housing using a second cover portion; and

[0062] Prior to attaching the first bottom portion, the fourth opening of the inner housing is closed using a second bottom portion.

[0063] Embodiment 20. The method according to embodiment 11, further comprising providing an exhaust port on at least one of the first cover portion and the first bottom portion.

[0064] Other areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] Figure 1is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a battery cell according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a separator disposed in a battery cell housing;

[0067] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an example of a prismatic battery cell;

[0068] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an example of a prismatic battery cell having a pressure-based vent cap;

[0069] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an example of a plurality of prismatic battery cells with thermal barrier material disposed therebetween;

[0070] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an example of a plurality of double-wall prismatic battery cells without a thermal barrier material disposed therebetween according to the present disclosure;

[0071] Figure 3C is a graph illustrating the variation of thermal conductivity of air and aerogel with temperature;

[0072] Figures 4A to 4F is a perspective view of an example of a double-wall prismatic battery cell having a reinforced portion according to the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a side view illustrating an example of a reinforcement portion on adjacent double-wall prismatic battery cells according to the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 5C is a side view illustrating an example of a side wall in a position without a reinforcement portion according to the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 5D is a side view illustrating an example of a sidewall having a thermal interface material according to the present disclosure;

[0076] Fig. 6A is a perspective view illustrating an example of fabrication of a double-wall prismatic battery cell according to the present disclosure;

[0077] Figure 6B is a plan view illustrating an example of fabrication of a double-wall prismatic battery cell according to the present disclosure;

[0078] 7A to 7C is a perspective view illustrating an example of fabrication of a double-wall prismatic battery cell during folding according to the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is an exploded perspective view of an example of a double-wall prismatic battery cell according to the present disclosure;

[0080] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a perspective view of an example of a plurality of double-wall prismatic battery cells arranged on a thermal interface material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure;

[0081] Fig.11 and Fig.12 illustrates an example of an interface between a thermal interface material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure; and

[0082] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a perspective view of an example of a plurality of double-wall prismatic battery cells and a thermal interface material and cooling plate according to the present disclosure.

[0083] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Although double-wall prismatic battery cells according to the present disclosure are shown in the context of electric vehicles, double-wall prismatic battery cells may also be used in stationary applications and / or other applications.

[0085] Aerogels have been used as thermal barrier materials to prevent thermal runaway propagation between adjacent battery cells. The present disclosure relates to prismatic battery cells comprising a double-walled prismatic housing having an air insulation layer between the inner and outer walls of the housing. At elevated temperatures, air has a lower thermal conductivity than aerogels.

[0086] The air gap acts as a "virtual" thermal barrier to hinder heat transfer from the inner wall to the outer wall, thereby reducing or preventing heat propagation to adjacent battery cells. The inner wall of the double-walled prismatic shell presents a flat surface that contacts the outer surface of the battery stack (e.g., a jelly roll or a battery cell electrode stack). In some instances, the outer wall is stamped with reinforcing bead cavities (or pits) to increase rigidity and reduce expansion of the shell. In some instances, the double-walled prismatic shell is formed by a roll forming process followed by welding. One or more cover portions and / or bottom portions enclose the outer shell and / or inner shell of the double-walled prismatic shell.

[0087] In some examples, the double-walled prismatic housing is made using a low-cost bending and flanging process similar to that of soup cans. This method can be used for large-format battery cells. The double walls of the double-walled prismatic housing also provide energy absorption.

[0088] Reference now Figure 1, the battery cell 10 includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32, which are arranged in a predetermined order into a stack 12 located in a housing 50. The C cathode electrodes 20-1, 20-2, ..., and 20-C (where C is an integer greater than 1) include a cathode active layer 24 arranged on one side or both sides of a cathode current collector 26. The A anode electrodes 40-1, 40-2, ..., and 40-A (where A is an integer greater than 1) include an anode active layer 42 arranged on one side or both sides of an anode current collector 46.

[0089] In some examples, the anode active layer 42 and / or the cathode active layer 24 are independent electrodes arranged adjacent to (or attached to) the current collector. In some examples, the anode active layer 42 and / or the cathode active layer 24 include a coating comprising one or more active materials, one or more conductive fillers / additives and / or one or more binder materials. In some examples, the battery cell and / or electrode is manufactured by applying a slurry to coat the current collector in a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. In some examples, the cathode current collector 26 and / or the anode current collector 46 include a foil layer. In some examples, the current collector is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of copper, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zinc, aluminum and alloys thereof.

[0090] Reference now Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the prismatic battery cell 58 includes a housing 60. The housing 60 includes a single wall. In some examples, the housing 60 has a rectangular cross-section in the x-axis plane, the y-axis plane, and the z-axis plane. The housing 60 includes a can 61, which includes a side 80 and a side 82 that define a rectangular cube with an open end.

[0091] The cover portion 84 and the bottom portion 86 are attached to the can 61 to respectively close the top opening and the bottom opening of the can 61. The prismatic battery cell 58 includes external terminals 62 and 64 passing through the cover portion 84. The stack 12 of C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32 is arranged in the housing 60.

[0092] External terminals 62 and 64 are connected to the external tabs of the A anode electrodes 40 and the C cathode electrodes 20, respectively. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the cover portion 84 does not include a pressure-based vent cap. Figure 2B , the cover portion 84 (and / or the bottom portion 86) includes a pressure-based vent cap 66. The pressure-based vent cap 66 is configured to release exhaust gas when the pressure within the internal housing is greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0093] Reference now Figure 3A, showing a plurality of single-wall prismatic battery cells 60-1, 60-2, ... and 60-B (where B is an integer greater than 1). A thermal barrier material 90 is arranged between side surfaces (e.g., side 82) of adjacent single-wall prismatic battery cells in the single-wall prismatic battery cells 60-1, 60-2, ... and 60-B. In some examples, the thermal barrier material 90 includes an aerogel or another suitable thermal barrier material. The thermal barrier material 90 is used to reduce heat transfer between the plurality of single-wall prismatic battery cells 60-1, 60-2, ... and 60-B to reduce thermal runaway propagation (TRP). However, thermal barrier materials are expensive.

[0094] exist Figure 3B In the double-wall prismatic battery cell 94 according to the present disclosure, an inner housing is connected to and arranged inside the outer housing. The battery stack is arranged in the inner housing. An air gap is located between the inner housing and the outer housing. The air gap reduces heat transfer from one battery cell to an adjacent battery cell. Figure 3B , a plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 94-1, 94-2, ... and 94-B are shown without thermal barrier material disposed therebetween. The air gaps of the double-walled prismatic battery cells 94 provide thermal barriers that inhibit heat transfer from one prismatic battery cell to an adjacent battery cell and thus reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway propagation (TRP). In other words, in some instances, thermal barrier material may be omitted, which reduces costs.

[0095] Reference now Figure 3C , showing the variation of thermal conductivity of aerogel and air with temperature. As temperature increases, the thermal conductivity of aerogel increases at a much higher rate than air. At higher temperatures where thermal runaway occurs, air is a better insulator than aerogel. In other words, aerogel transfers heat faster than air (if one cell heats up, there is increased heating of adjacent cells when using aerogel compared to air).

[0096] Reference now 4A to 4F , a double-wall prismatic battery cell 94 is shown having a plurality of reinforcement portions 122. Although the reinforcement portions include dimples, the reinforcement portions 122 may also have different shapes, such as bead-shaped cavities or other shapes. In some examples, the reinforcement portions 122 are arranged in a predetermined pattern 120 on the side surface 128 of the outer casing 132 of the double-wall prismatic battery cell 94.

[0097] exist Figure 4AIn the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 includes a recess extending outwardly from the side surface 128 of the outer shell 132. The side surface 134 of the inner shell 136 is arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from the side surface 128 of the outer shell 132 to form an air gap 133 therebetween. The air gap 133 acts as an insulator to reduce heat transfer between adjacent double-wall prismatic battery cells. Figure 4B In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 is arranged in a first predetermined pattern 120-1 on one of the side surfaces 128 of the outer housing 132. Figure 4C , the reinforcement portions 122 are arranged on opposite side surfaces of the side surfaces 128 of the outer housing 132 in a second predetermined pattern 120 - 1 .

[0098] exist FIG. 4D to FIG. 4F In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 includes reinforcing ribs extending vertically or horizontally. The reinforcing portion 122 is arranged on one side of the double-wall prismatic battery cell 94 in a first predetermined pattern 120-3 and on the opposite side surface of the double-wall prismatic battery cell 94 in a second predetermined pattern 120-4.

[0099] In some examples, the first predetermined pattern and the second predetermined pattern are the same. In other examples, the reinforcement portions of the first predetermined pattern and the second predetermined pattern are different. For example, the reinforcement portions on one side are offset relative to the reinforcement portions on the opposite side to allow nesting of the reinforcement portions 122 with adjacent prismatic cells. In other words, adjacent double-wall prismatic cells in the double-wall prismatic battery cells can be arranged in close proximity (e.g., the reinforcement portions are in a nested or staggered pattern when aligned and / or positioned adjacent to each other).

[0100] Reference now Figure 5A and Figure 5B , showing an additional example of a reinforcement portion 122. Figure 5A In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 is arranged on the side surfaces of adjacent double-wall prismatic battery cells and includes different first and second predetermined patterns to allow nesting. Figure 5A In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 has a rectangular or polygonal shape. Figure 5B In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 has an arcuate or semicircular shape.

[0101] exist Figure 5C13, the sidewalls of the outer shell 132 and the inner shell 136 may each include a dimple or bead-shaped cavity 135 that helps ensure the spacing of the air gap 133. In some examples, the dimple or bead-shaped cavity 135 extends inward from one or both of the outer shell 132 and the inner shell 136 on the side or end to maintain the size of the air gap 133 between the sidewalls of the outer shell 132 and the inner shell 136, respectively.

[0102] exist Figure 5D , the sidewalls of the outer shell 132 and the inner shell 136 are each shown as having a thermal interface material 150 at spaced locations to improve heat transfer from the interior of the double-wall prismatic battery cell 94 to the outer shell 132 when cooling is used. The thermal interface material 150 can also be arranged in locations with reinforced portions and / or continuously fill the volume between the sidewalls of the outer shell 132 and the inner shell 136, respectively.

[0103] Reference now 6A to 7C , showing the fabrication of a double-wall prismatic battery cell. Fig. 6A , optionally trimming the metal sheet 214 at 216, and then pressing it between the first roller 220 and the second roller 222. In some examples, the metal sheet is made of steel having a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. In some examples, the reinforcement portion has a height greater than 0.05 mm and less than 1 mm. The first roller 220 includes first and second groups of convex protrusions 224 corresponding to the positions of the reinforcement portions of the first and second predetermined patterns. The space 226 is located between the first and second groups of convex protrusions 224 of the reinforcement portions 240 forming the first and second predetermined patterns 238-1 and 238-2.

[0104] The second roller 222 includes first and second groups of concave cavities 228 corresponding to the positions of the first and second predetermined groups of convex protrusions 224. Space 229 is located between the first and second groups of concave cavities 228. The first and second groups of convex protrusions 224 bias the metal sheet into the first and second groups of concave cavities 228 to form a reinforcement portion 240. After passing through the first roller 220 and the second roller 222, trimming of the roll can be performed at 240 if necessary. At 244, the metal sheet 214 is cut to length. This process is repeated for other double-wall prismatic battery cell casings.

[0105] As can be appreciated, the circumference of the first and second rollers can be equal to the length of the billet of double-walled prismatic shells (or a multiple thereof). The outer surfaces of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 can include patterns for N double-walled prismatic shells, where N is an integer. Fig. 6A In FIG. 2 , N=1. The circumferences of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 increase with N.

[0106] exist Figure 6B , a double wall case 300 of a prismatic battery cell is shown. Double wall case 300 includes sides 320, 322, 324, and 326 of an outer case 330 and sides 340, 342, 344, and 346 of an inner case 350. The metal sheet is folded along fold line 360 ​​to form inner case 350. Then, the metal sheet is folded along fold line 370 to form outer case 330. Optionally, additional material 380 may be used to provide a gap between outer case 330 and inner case 350.

[0107] exist 7A to 7C In the embodiment, the metal sheet 214 is folded along the fold line 360 ​​to form the inner shell 350. Then, the metal sheet 214 is folded along the fold line 370 to form the outer shell 330. Figure 7C , the side 320 is welded at 390.

[0108] Reference now Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , respectively, show examples of double-wall prismatic battery cells 400 and 450. Fig. 8A , the double-wall prismatic battery cell 400 includes a cover portion 410 and a bottom portion 414 that close first and second openings of an inner case 420 and an outer case 422. The cover portion 410 and the bottom portion 414 may be crimped and / or welded (eg, laser welded).

[0109] exist Figure 8B , double-wall prismatic cell 450 includes a first cover portion 460 and a first bottom portion 464 that close first and second openings of inner case 470. Double-wall prismatic cell 450 includes a second cover portion 480 and a second bottom portion 484 that close first and second openings of outer case 486.

[0110] First cover portion 460 may include holes 492 to allow terminals 488 and 490 to pass through first cover portion 460. Holes 494 on first cover portion 460 ensure that vent cap 498 on second cover portion 480 is in fluid communication with the interior volume of inner housing 470. Holes 496 allow electrolyte to be added to inner housing 470.

[0111] Reference now Fig. 9 and Fig.10 , shows an example of a cooling plate. Fig. 9, a plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 500-1, 500-2, ..., and 500-B are arranged on a thermal interface material 520 and a cooling plate 524 to cool the bottom surfaces of the plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 500-1, 500-2, ..., and 500-B. The plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 500-1, 500-2, ..., and 500-B include terminals 512 and 514 on top surfaces opposite to the bottom surfaces of the plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 500-1, 500-2, ..., and 500-B.

[0112] exist Fig.10 , a plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 600-1, 600-2, ..., and 600-B are arranged on a thermal interface material 520 and a cooling plate 524 to cool the bottom surfaces of the plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 600-1, 600-2, ..., and 600-B. The plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 600-1, 600-2, ..., and 600-B include terminals 612 and 614 on side surfaces of the plurality of double-walled prismatic battery cells 600-1, 600-2, ..., and 600-B adjacent to the bottom surfaces.

[0113] Reference now Fig.11 and Fig.12 , shows an example of the interface between the bottom of a double-walled prismatic battery cell and the thermal interface material 520 and the cooling plate 524. Fig.11 , the double-wall prismatic battery cell 700 includes an inner case 710 and an outer case 712. An air gap 714 is formed between the inner case 710 and the outer case 712. When the bottoms of the inner case 710 and the outer case 712 are flat, the thermal interface material 520 and the cooling plate 524 may be flat.

[0114] exist Fig.12 , the double-wall prismatic battery cell 800 includes an inner shell 810 and an outer shell 812. An air gap 814 is formed between the inner shell 810 and the outer shell 812. When the bottoms of the inner shell 810 and the outer shell 812 are mechanically coupled (double-sewn or crimped) and a recess is formed at 820, the thermal interface material 520 includes a portion 830 extending into the recess 820 to maintain thermal communication. The cooling plate 524 includes a protrusion 840 extending into the portion 830 and / or into the recess 820.

[0115] Reference now Fig.13 and Fig.14 , shows another example of cooling of multiple double-wall prismatic battery cells. Fig.13In the embodiment, B double-wall prismatic battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B are arranged in an array including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. A cooling structure 918 including a cooling plate 920 sandwiched between thermal interface materials 922 is arranged between adjacent ends 930 of the double-wall prismatic battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B located in adjacent columns. In this example, the terminals are arranged on the top surfaces of the double-wall prismatic battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B. In some examples, the thermal interface material is arranged between the inner shell and the outer shell along the narrow edge of the battery cell.

[0116] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment, double-walled prismatic battery cells 950-1, 950-2, ... and 950-B are arranged adjacent to each other in a single row. A cooling structure 918 (e.g., comprising a cooling plate 920 sandwiched between thermal interface materials 922) is arranged between the sides of adjacent double-walled prismatic battery cells in double-walled prismatic battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B. In some instances, the reinforcing portion is arranged against the thermal interface material 922. In this instance, the terminals are arranged on the end surfaces of the double-walled prismatic battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B. In some instances, the thermal interface material is arranged between the inner shell and the outer shell along the wide side of the battery cell.

[0117] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because when studying the drawings, the specification and the following claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principle of the present disclosure. In addition, although each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any one of the other embodiments and / or combined with the features of any one of the other embodiments, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments to each other remains within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0118] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "immediately adjacent," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when describing the relationship between a first and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist (spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted as meaning a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or," and should not be interpreted as meaning "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0119] In the drawings, the direction of the arrows (as indicated by the arrows) generally represents the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information, but the information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request for the information to element A or receive an acknowledgement of the information.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: A battery cell stack, the battery cell stack comprising: A anode electrode; C cathode electrodes; and S diaphragms, wherein A, C, and S are integers greater than 1; and A double-walled prismatic housing configured to house the battery cell stack, the double-walled prismatic housing comprising: a tank body, the tank body comprising an inner shell, an outer shell, and a gap between the inner shell and the outer shell, wherein the battery cell stack is arranged in the inner housing, wherein said outer shell of said tank defines a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends thereof; a first cover portion attached to the first opening of the outer housing; and A first bottom portion is attached to the second opening of the outer housing. 2 . The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the outer case includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a first pattern.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: The second side of the outer shell includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a second pattern, and The first pattern and the second pattern are different. 4 . The battery cell of claim 3 , wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are offset to allow nesting of the battery cell with one or more adjacent battery cells. 5 . The battery cell of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of reinforcement portions include at least one of dimples and reinforcement bead-shaped cavities. The battery cell of claim 5 , wherein the recess has one of a rectangular cross-section and an arcuate cross-section. 7 . The battery cell of claim 1 , further comprising a thermal interface material disposed in the gap between the inner housing and the outer housing.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising: a second cover portion closing a third opening of the inner housing; as well as A second bottom portion closes a fourth opening of the inner shell. 9 . The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first cover portion and the first bottom portion includes a vent.

10. A system comprising: The plurality of battery cells according to claim 1; Cooling plate; A thermal interface material is disposed between the cooling plate and a first battery cell in the plurality of battery cells and a second battery cell in the plurality of battery cells.

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