Steel prism tank structure for improving thermal efficiency

Abstract

A battery includes a prismatic cell can formed from steel. The prismatic cell can includes a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface defining a hollow can cavity. The anode current collector includes an anode foil tab. The cathode current collector includes a cathode foil tab. The anode terminal lead is fixed to the anode foil tab. The cathode terminal lead is fixed to the cathode foil tab. The anode current collector and the cathode current collector form an electrode stack disposed in the hollow can cavity, and the anode terminal lead is connected to the bottom surface of the prismatic cell can, forming a direct thermal path through the electrode stack to the bottom surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to battery assemblies, and more particularly, to battery assemblies including prismatic can housings formed of steel. BACKGROUND

[0002] The information provided in this section is presented to generally set the context of the present disclosure. To the extent that the work of the presently named inventors, and descriptions of their work, as described in this section, are not commonly owned by the applicant hereof, neither expressly nor by implication, are hereby admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] Electric vehicles (EVs) such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles include one or more electric machines and a battery system including one or more cells, modules, and / or packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving.

[0004] A cell includes a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a separator arranged in a cell stack located in a cell housing (or cell can). The cathode electrode includes a layer of cathode active material arranged on a cathode current collector. The anode electrode includes a layer of anode active material arranged on an anode current collector. The cathode and anode electrodes are connected to cathode and anode terminals arranged on an outer surface of the housing.

[0005] A battery or battery pack typically includes a cell can that supports and encloses a cell. Terminals of the cell are connected to corresponding terminals on the cell can. The batteries are then arranged in a housing and interconnected to provide a desired output voltage. Typically, the batteries rest on cold plates that absorb and remove heat from the cells. SUMMARY

[0006] According to this disclosure, a battery includes a prismatic battery casing formed of steel. The prismatic battery may include a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The top surface, bottom surface, first side surface, and second side surface define a hollow cavity. An anode current collector is disposed in the hollow cavity. The anode current collector includes a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion, and an anode foil tab projecting outward from one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion. A cathode current collector is disposed in the hollow cavity. The cathode current collector includes a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion, and a cathode foil tab projecting outward from one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion. An anode terminal lead extends on one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the anode current collector. The anode terminal lead is fixed to the anode foil tab. A cathode terminal lead extends on one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion of the cathode current collector. The cathode terminal lead is fixed to the cathode foil tab. The anode current collector and the cathode current collector form an electrode stack arranged in the hollow can cavity. The anode terminal lead is connected to the bottom surface of the prismatic cell can, forming a direct thermal path through the electrode stack to the bottom surface.

[0007] Among other features, a first cover plate is installed at the first end of the prismatic cell can, and a second cover plate is installed at the second end of the prismatic cell can.

[0008] Among other features, the anode terminal lead is electrically fixed to the first cover plate, and the cathode terminal lead is electrically fixed to the second cover plate.

[0009] Among other features, the vent is formed in one of the first cover plate and the second cover plate.

[0010] Among other features, a first fin is formed on a first cover plate, a second fin is formed on a second cover plate, the first fin is coupled to an electrode stack at a first end of a prismatic cell can, and the second fin is coupled to an electrode stack at a second end of a prismatic cell can.

[0011] Among other features, the electrode stack includes multiple anode current collectors and multiple anode foil tabs, as well as multiple cathode current collectors and multiple cathode foil tabs.

[0012] Among other features, the anode current collector includes multiple anode foil tabs, and the cathode current collector includes multiple cathode foil tabs.

[0013] A method of forming a battery includes forming a prismatic cell can from steel, comprising a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, the top surface, bottom surface, first side surface, and second side surface defining a hollow can cavity; forming an electrode stack including an anode current collector having a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion, and a cathode current collector having a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion; folding an anode foil tab onto one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; folding a cathode foil tab onto one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; connecting an anode terminal lead to the anode foil tab, the anode terminal lead extending on one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; connecting a cathode terminal lead to a cathode foil tab, the cathode terminal lead extending on one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; inserting the electrode stack into the hollow can cavity; the anode terminal lead making electrical contact with the bottom surface and connecting the anode terminal lead to the bottom surface, thereby creating a direct thermal path through the electrode stack to the bottom surface.

[0014] Among other features, a first cover plate is connected to the anode terminal lead, and a second cover plate is connected to the cathode terminal lead.

[0015] Among other features, a first cover plate is fixed to the first end of the prismatic battery cell can, and a second cover plate is fixed to the second end of the prismatic battery cell can.

[0016] Among other features, a gap is maintained between the top surface of the prismatic cell can and the top surface portions of the anode current collector and the cathode current collector.

[0017] Among other features, the electrode stack is supported on the insertion fixture.

[0018] Among other features, inserting the electrode stack into the hollow can cavity includes a sliding insertion clamp along the top surface of the prismatic cell can with anode terminal leads.

[0019] Among other features, connecting the anode terminal leads to the bottom surface of the prismatic can battery includes removing the air gap between the bottom surface and the anode terminal leads while the electrode stack is supported on the insertion fixture.

[0020] Among other features, after the anode terminals are connected to the bottom surface, the insertion clamp is removed from the prismatic cell canister.

[0021] Among other features, supporting the electrode stack on the insertion fixture includes placing the electrode stack on a tray with a selected thickness.

[0022] Among other features, supporting the electrode stack on the insertion fixture includes attaching a first U-shaped end cap to a first end of the electrode stack and attaching a second U-shaped end cap to a second end of the electrode stack.

[0023] Among other features, inserting the electrode stack into the hollow can cavity includes forming a prismatic cell can shell around the electrode stack to form a prismatic cell can.

[0024] Among other features, forming a prismatic cell housing around the electrode stack includes soldering the anode terminal leads to the surface of the prismatic cell housing.

[0025] Among other features, forming a prismatic cell can shell around the electrode stack includes folding a first side of the prismatic cell can shell to a first portion of the first side surface and the top surface, and folding a second side of the prismatic cell can shell to form a second portion of the second side surface and the top surface.

[0026] Further applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] This disclosure will become more fully understood based on the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a front view of multiple batteries, each battery including a prism-shaped cell can formed according to the invention and placed on a cold plate;

[0029] Figure 2 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 1 A perspective view of one of the multiple batteries;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a prismatic battery cell can made of steel, based on a non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of an anode electrode having a notched anode foil tab and a cathode electrode having a notched cathode foil tab, according to a non-limiting example.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an anode electrode having a notched anode foil tab and a cathode electrode having a notched cathode foil tab, according to another aspect of a non-limiting example.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of an anode electrode having a notched anode foil tab and a cathode electrode having a notched cathode foil tab, according to yet another non-limiting example.

[0034] Figure 7 An electrode stack according to a non-limiting example is depicted, which includes an anode foil tab folded on the top surfaces of the anode and cathode electrodes and a cathode foil tab folded under the bottom surfaces of the anode and cathode electrodes.

[0035] Figure 8 An anode terminal lead connected to an anode foil tab and a cathode terminal lead connected to a cathode foil tab are depicted according to a non-limiting example.

[0036] Figure 9 Anode terminal leads and cathode terminal leads according to another non-limiting example are depicted;

[0037] Figure 10 Anode terminal leads and cathode terminal leads are depicted according to yet another non-limiting example;

[0038] Figure 11 A non-limiting example is depicted mounted on an insertion clamp. Figure 8 Electrode stack;

[0039] Figure 12 Depicting the following based on a non-restrictive example Figure 11 The electrode stack is inserted into Figure 3 In the prismatic battery cell can;

[0040] Figure 13 The image depicts, according to a non-limiting example, soldering the anode terminal leads to the top surface of a prismatic cell can;

[0041] Figure 14A The insertion of cells into a battery stack is depicted according to a non-limiting example. Figure 3 After placing the prism-shaped battery cell into the canister, connect the first end cap to the anode terminal lead and the second end cap to the cathode terminal lead;

[0042] Figure 14B The image depicts the connection of a first end cap and a second end cap to a prismatic battery cell can, according to a non-limiting example.

[0043] Figure 15 The installation to, based on a non-limiting example, is described. Figure 8 The U-shaped end caps at opposite ends of the electrode stack;

[0044] Figure 16 Depicting the following based on a non-restrictive example Figure 15 The electrode stack is inserted into Figure 3 In the prismatic battery cell can;

[0045] Figure 17 Depicting the following based on a non-restrictive example Figure 16 The anode terminal leads of the electrode cell stack are welded to the top surface of the prismatic cell canister;

[0046] Figure 18A The invention depicts, according to a non-limiting example, welding a stack of battery cells to the inner surface of a prismatic battery cell can shell;

[0047] Figure 18B Depicting the surroundings based on non-restrictive examples Figure 18A The battery cell stack is a folded prismatic battery cell can shell; and

[0048] Figure 18C Depicting the surroundings based on non-restrictive examples Figure 18B The battery cell stack is sealed in a prismatic battery cell canister.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0050] A prismatic battery can includes a cell can having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces. An electrode stack is arranged inside the prismatic cell. The electrode stack can be immersed in an electrolyte. The electrode stack includes foil tabs connected to terminals on the prismatic cell can.

[0051] Prismatic cells are arranged in a casing and interconnected to establish the desired output voltage. The battery undergoes multiple charge and discharge cycles. For example, if the battery is part of an electric vehicle's battery pack, discharge cycles occur when the vehicle is powered on or in motion. The nature of the discharge cycle will vary depending on driving conditions. Charging cycles typically occur when the vehicle is stationary. However, charging can also occur during periods of disconnection.

[0052] During charge and discharge cycles, heat is generated in the electrode stack. For this purpose, the cell can is typically supported by a cold plate within the housing. The cold plate carries heat away from the electrode stack through the prismatic can walls. Assuming there is no direct contact between the electrode stack and the bottom surface of the prismatic can, heat conduction usually occurs through the side surfaces. Therefore, the prismatic can is typically formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. With this structure, heat flows more easily through the side walls to the bottom surface.

[0053] The battery assembly according to the present invention Figure 1 The overall designation is 10. The battery assembly 10 includes a plurality of cells 12 supported on a cold plate 14. Heat generated within each of the plurality of cells 12 is transferred to the cold plate 14 via a heat conduction system, as will be described in more detail herein. The plurality of cells 12 includes a first cell 16, a second cell 18, and a third cell 20. The number and arrangement of the plurality of cells 12 in the battery assembly 10 can vary.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 2 and 3The first battery 16 is described, and it is understood that the second battery 18 and the third battery 20 are similarly formed. According to the invention, battery 16 includes a prismatic cell can 30 formed of steel. The prismatic cell can 30 includes a first end 34, a second end 36, and an intermediate portion 38. The intermediate portion 38 extends between the first end 34 and the second end 36. The prismatic cell can 30 also includes a top surface 40, a bottom surface 42, a first side surface 44, and a second side surface 46. The top surface 40, the bottom surface 42, the first side surface 44, and the second side surface 46 together define an electrode stack receiving cavity 50.

[0055] Figure 4 The diagram shows an electrode stack 56 arranged in a hollow tank cavity 50. The electrode stack 56 includes an anode current collector 58 and a cathode current collector 60. The number of anode current collectors 58 and cathode current collectors 60 in each cell 16 can vary and can depend on the desired power characteristics of the battery assembly 10. That is, the anode current collectors 58 and cathode current collectors 60 are arranged in pairs. The number of pairs can vary between a single pair (i.e., a single anode current collector and a single electrode current collector, with a separator arranged between them) and multiple pairs, depending on the battery power requirements. The anode current collector 58 includes a top surface portion 62 and a bottom surface portion 64. The bottom surface portion 64 is notched to form an anode foil tab 66. The cathode current collector 60 includes a top surface portion 68 and a bottom surface portion 70. The top surface portion 68 is notched to form a cathode foil tab 72.

[0056] In this respect, it should be understood that the number and size of each anode foil patch 66 and each cathode foil patch 72 can vary. For example, the anode current collector 58 and the cathode current collector 60 can each have a notch to form twelve foil patches, such as... Figure 5 As shown. The anode current collector 58 and the cathode current collector 60 can also have notches to include two foil tabs, for example... Figure 6 As shown. The number and arrangement of foil tabs can depend on the number of current collectors forming the battery stack 56. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the foil tabs are folded to form the anode connection surface 78 and the cathode connection surface 80, a battery stack with a large number of current collectors can include more foil tabs than a battery stack with fewer current collectors. The anode connection surface 78 and the cathode connection surface 80 extend between the first end 82 and the second end 84 of the battery stack 56.

[0057] refer to Figure 8 Anode terminal lead 90 is connected to anode connection surface 78, and cathode terminal lead 92 is connected to cathode connection surface 80. The anode terminal lead includes a first terminal 94, and the cathode terminal lead 92 includes a second terminal 96. Anode terminal lead 90 is formed of copper, and cathode terminal lead 92 is formed of aluminum. The specific shapes of the anode terminal lead 90 and cathode terminal lead 92 can vary. For example, as... Figure 9As shown, the anode terminal lead 90 includes a first continuous surface 102, which serves as an interface with the anode connection surface 78. The cathode terminal lead 92 includes a second continuous surface 104, which serves as an interface with the cathode connection surface 80.

[0058] In such Figure 10 In other examples shown, the anode terminal lead 90 may include a first slot 106, and the cathode terminal lead 92 may include a second slot 108. An anode foil tab 66 may pass through the first slot 102 and be folded before being connected to the anode terminal lead 90. Similarly, a cathode foil tab 68 may pass through the second slot 108 and be folded before being connected to the cathode terminal lead 92. The first slot 106 and the second slot 108 may be open ends as shown, or they may terminate within the respective anode terminal lead 90 and cathode terminal lead 92.

[0059] After attaching the anode terminal lead 90 and the cathode terminal lead 92, the electrode stack 56 is positioned on the insertion clamp 113, as follows: Figure 11 As shown. The insertion clamp 113 can take the form of a tray 116, which guides the electrode stack 56 into the electrode stack receiving cavity 50 such that the anode terminal lead 90 does not contact the surface of the prismatic cell can 30 during insertion. The tray 1 is formed with a selected thickness. The thickness is selected to ensure that when the electrode stack 56 is inserted into the electrode stack receiving cavity 50, the anode terminal lead 90 contacts the bottom surface 42 of the prismatic cell can 30. Figure 12 As shown, the electrode stack 56 is introduced into the electrode stack receiving area 50 supported on the tray 116. The tray 116 includes a first end 118 and a second end 120.

[0060] Electrode stack 56 is inserted into electrode stack receiving area 50 such that a first end 118 of tray 116 protrudes outward from first end 34 and a second end 120 protrudes outward from second end 36. Once in place, the first end 118 and the second end 120 are held in place, for example by a clamping device (not shown), while pressure is applied to bottom surface 42. The pressure on bottom surface 42 eliminates or reduces air gaps to facilitate a more secure connection with anode terminal lead 90. Once the air gaps are eliminated, anode terminal lead 90 is connected to bottom surface 42 via weld 124, as... Figure 13 As shown. It should be understood at this point that other joining techniques may also be used, such as thermally conductive adhesives. In a non-limiting example, weld 124 is formed by a laser welding process designed to join copper and steel. After the anode terminal lead 90 is welded to the bottom surface 42, the prismatic cell can 30 can be inverted and the tray 116 removed, leaving a gap 128 between the cathode terminal lead 92 and the top surface 40 of the prismatic cell can 30.

[0061] The first cover plate 132 is connected to the first terminal 94 of the anode terminal lead 90, and the second cover plate 134 is connected to the second terminal 96 of the cathode terminal lead 92. Figure 14A As shown. The first cover plate 132 can be connected to the first terminal 94 by brazing, soldering, welding, etc. Similarly, the second cover plate 134 can be connected to the second terminal 96 by brazing, soldering, welding, etc. The first cover plate 132 includes a first inner surface 137 and a first outer surface 139. The second cover plate 137 includes a second inner surface 141 and a second outer surface 143.

[0062] The first inner surface 137 supports the first fin 146, and the second inner surface 141 supports the second fin 148. When the first cover plate 132 and the second cover plate 134 are installed, as follows... Figure 14B As shown, the first fin 146 contacts the first end 82 of the electrode stack 56, and the second fin 148 contacts the second end 84 of the electrode stack 56. In this way, the electrode stack 56 is securely held in place within the electrode stack receiving area 50. The first cover 132 includes a first terminal connected to the anode terminal lead 90, and the second cover 134 includes a second terminal 152 connected to the cathode terminal lead 92. The first terminal 150 and the second terminal 152 provide external connection points for the battery 16. In addition to supporting the first terminal 150, the first cover 132 supports a vent 154, which selectively opens to connect the electrode stack receiving area 50 to the environment if the internal module pressure exceeds a selected pressure threshold.

[0063] Now refer to Figure 15 and 16 The insertion clamp 166 is described according to another non-limiting example. The insertion clamp 166 includes a first U-shaped end cap 170 fitted onto a first end 82 of an electrode stack 56 and a second U-shaped end cap 172 fitted onto a second end 84 of the electrode stack 56. The first U-shaped end cap 170 has a first protruding member 174, and the second U-shaped end cap 172 includes a second protruding member 176. The first U-shaped end cap 170 and the second U-shaped end cap 172 are inserted into… Figure 16 In the prismatic cell can 30 shown, the electrode stack 56 is established in a selected position within the electrode stack receiving area 50. The first U-shaped end cap 170 and the second U-shaped end cap 172 are held in place, for example, by applying clamping pressure to the corresponding first protrusion 174 and second protrusion 176. At this point, pressure is applied to the prismatic cell can 30 to eliminate or reduce any air gaps that may be present on the bottom surface 42, facilitating a secure connection with the anode terminal lead 90. Once in place, a weld 178 is used to connect the anode terminal lead 90 to the bottom surface 42, as shown. Figure 17As shown. Other joining techniques, such as the use of thermally conductive adhesives, can also be employed as discussed herein. At this point, the first and second end caps 132 and 134 can be mounted as described herein.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 18A , 18B And 18C describes the prismatic cell can 188. In Figure 18A The battery cell can casing 190, shown as a basic planar component, includes a top surface 40, a bottom surface 42, a first side surface 44, and a second side surface 46. The top surface 40 includes a first top surface portion 194, which is part of the first side surface 44, and a second top surface portion 196, which is part of the second side surface 46. The bottom surface 42 is defined between a first fold line 200 and a second fold line 202. The first side surface 44 is defined between the first fold line 200 and a third fold line 204, and the second side surface 46 is defined between the second fold line 202 and a fourth fold line 206.

[0065] The anode terminal component 90 is welded to the bottom surface 42. After the electrode stack 56 is attached, the cell can shell 190 is folded. More specifically, the first side surface 44 is folded around the first fold line 200, and the second side surface 46 is folded around the second fold line 202, as shown. Figure 18B As shown. The first top surface portion 194 is folded around the third fold line 204, and the second top surface portion 196 is folded around the fourth fold line 206. At this point, the first top surface portion 194 is connected to the second top surface portion 196, as... Figure 18C As shown. The first top surface portion 194 and the second top surface portion 196 can be connected by various metal joining techniques, including welding, crimping, etc. In this respect, the first and second cover plates 132 and 134 can be installed in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0066] By directly attaching the anode terminal leads to the bottom surface of the prismatic cell can, heat dissipation is greatly improved. Heat flows directly from the electrode stack to the bottom surface. Using this configuration, additional materials, including steel, can now be used to form the prismatic cell can. That is, by eliminating any gaps between the anode terminal leads and the bottom surface of the prismatic cell can and creating a direct heat transfer path, materials with lower thermal conductivity than aluminum can now be obtained. Steel is an ideal choice because of its higher melting point, greater strength, and stiffness. The higher melting point means that the prismatic can is less likely to fail under thermal runaway conditions.

[0067] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is by no means intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connection,” “joint,” “link,” “adjacent,” “near,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between the first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship where no other intervening element exists between the first and second elements, but it can also be an indirect relationship (spatial or functional) between the first and second elements where one or more intervening elements exist. As used herein, at least one of the phrases A, B, and C should be interpreted as representing a logic (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted as representing “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: A prismatic battery cell can made of steel, the prismatic battery cell can including a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface and the second side surface defining a hollow can cavity; An anode current collector arranged in a hollow tank cavity, the anode current collector including a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion and an anode foil tab protruding outward from one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; A cathode current collector arranged in a hollow tank cavity, the cathode current collector including a top surface portion, a bottom surface portion and a cathode foil tab protruding outward from one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; An anode terminal lead extends on one of the top and bottom surface portions of the anode current collector and is fixed to the anode foil tab. as well as A cathode terminal lead extends from one of the top and bottom surfaces of the cathode current collector and is fixed to the cathode foil tab. The anode current collector and the cathode current collector form an electrode stack arranged in the hollow tank cavity. The anode terminal lead is connected to the bottom surface of the prismatic cell tank, forming a direct thermal path through the electrode stack to the bottom surface.

2. The battery according to claim 1, further comprising: A first cover plate installed at the first end of the prismatic battery cell can and a second cover plate installed at the second end of the prismatic battery cell can.

3. A method for forming a battery, comprising: A prismatic battery cell can formed of steel includes a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface defining a hollow can cavity; An electrode stack is formed, comprising an anode current collector having a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion, and a cathode current collector having a top surface portion and a bottom surface portion; Fold the anode foil sheet onto one of the top and bottom surface portions; Fold the cathode foil sheet onto one of the top and bottom surface portions; Connect the anode terminal lead to the anode foil tab, with the anode terminal lead extending on one of the top and bottom surface portions; The cathode terminal lead is connected to the cathode foil tab, and the cathode terminal lead extends on one of the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion; The electrode stack is inserted into the hollow tank cavity, making electrical contact between the anode terminal lead and the bottom surface; and Connecting the anode terminal leads to the bottom surface creates a direct thermal path through the electrode stack to the bottom surface.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: Connect the first cover plate to the anode terminal lead and the second cover plate to the cathode terminal lead.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The first cover plate is fixed to the first end of the prismatic battery cell can, and the second cover plate is fixed to the second end of the prismatic battery cell can.

6. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: Maintain the gap between the top surface of the prismatic cell can and the top surface portions of the anode current collector and the cathode current collector.

7. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: The electrode stack is supported on the insertion fixture.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Inserting the electrode stack into the hollow can cavity includes sliding the insertion clamp along the top surface of the prismatic cell can having the anode terminal leads.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Supporting the electrode stack on the insertion jig involves placing the electrode stack on a tray with a selected thickness.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Supporting the electrode stack on the insertion fixture includes attaching a first U-shaped end cap to a first end of the electrode stack and attaching a second U-shaped end cap to a second end of the electrode stack.

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