Electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle and associated assembly method

Abstract

This invention relates to an electrical energy storage device for a motor vehicle and a related assembly method. The device (1) for storing electrical energy in a motor vehicle (100) includes a housing (2) defining an internal volume (3) and electrochemical battery cells (4) housed within the internal volume (3) and assembled together along a direction (X). The device (1) includes a first type of foam element (5a) inserted along the direction (X) between a first pair of electrochemical battery cells (4) and a second type of foam element (5b) inserted along the direction (X) between a second pair of electrochemical battery cells (4).

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102024000029343, filed on December 20, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an energy storage device, and more particularly to a battery for motor vehicles. The invention also relates to an assembly method for assembling the energy storage device. Background Technology

[0003] Motor vehicles are well-known and basically include:

[0004] frame;

[0005] Multiple wheels, which are capable of rotating relative to the frame about their respective axes of rotation;

[0006] An electric motor operatively connected to at least some of the wheels; and

[0007] An energy storage device, such as a battery, that is electrically connected to an electric motor.

[0008] As is well known, batteries typically include a casing that houses multiple electrochemical cell units that are electrically connected to each other and are stacked or grouped together in one direction.

[0009] It is also well known that batteries undergo volume changes during charging and discharging and tend to increase in volume as they age.

[0010] For electrochemical battery cells to function properly, a defined compressive force must be applied to them in the aforementioned directions. Specifically, this compressive force should be as close as possible to the target value in the early stages of the battery's lifespan. However, it is recommended that the compressive force (which typically increases over time) not reach excessively high values ​​towards the end of the battery's lifespan. In fact, excessive compressive force can affect the electrical safety of the electrochemical battery cell and the structural integrity of the casing.

[0011] Compressive force can be applied by clamping the electrochemical cell units within a housing between special elastic foam elements. These foam elements are inserted between the electrochemical cell units along the stated direction and are designed to compensate for volume changes in the electrochemical cell units during operation. However, this technical solution still has room for improvement.

[0012] In fact, the amount of extension of an electrochemical cell along the said direction is usually variable within a certain dimensional tolerance range.

[0013] In addition, the compressive force acting on the electrochemical cell depends on the compression ratio of the foam element, and the compression ratio in turn depends on the thickness of the electrochemical cell.

[0014] Therefore, the variability in the thickness of electrochemical cell units makes it difficult to apply sufficiently large forces to compress them precisely.

[0015] To compensate for the variability in the thickness of electrochemical cell units, foam elements with a thickness exceeding what is strictly necessary to account for the nominal thickness of the cell unit are typically used. In fact, thicker foam elements better compensate for the dimensional tolerances of the electrochemical cell unit compared to thinner ones. However, this excessive size of the foam elements does not always allow for efficient use of the space defined by the battery casing and often results in an undesirable increase in the weight of the battery itself.

[0016] On the other hand, using thinner foam elements may not guarantee that the target compressive force will be achieved in the early stages of battery life. Furthermore, thinner foam elements are generally less effective at counteracting the volume increase of electrochemical cells over time.

[0017] It should be noted that achieving near-target compressive forces becomes more difficult because batteries sometimes contain other components (such as heat dissipation elements or electrical or thermal insulation elements). Since the thickness of these additional components also varies within dimensional tolerances, they are also included in the limitation of the tolerance chain to be compensated.

[0018] Therefore, there is a need in the art to obtain sufficient compressive force for the electrochemical cell located in the battery without taking into account the thickness variations of the electrochemical cell and any other components of the battery.

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to meet the above-mentioned needs, preferably in a simple and cost-effective manner. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The objective is achieved by the energy storage device as defined in the independent claims and the assembly method for assembling the energy storage device.

[0021] The dependent claims define specific embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] In the following description, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to provide a better understanding thereof, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage device according to the present invention, wherein some parts have been removed for clarity;

[0024] Figure 2 Stress-strain diagrams are shown for three different materials. Detailed Implementation

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the figures, reference numeral 100 is used to generally denote a motor vehicle (shown only in part), which includes an electrical energy storage device 1 according to the invention.

[0026] Preferably, but not necessarily, the motor vehicle 100 is an electric or hybrid vehicle and includes, in a known manner, a frame, a plurality of wheels rotatable relative to the frame about their respective axes of rotation, and an electric motor operatively connected to at least some of the wheels and electrically connected to the device 1. Alternatively, the motor vehicle 100 is of the thermal propulsion type.

[0027] The device 1 is a battery and includes a housing 2 defining an internal volume 3 and a plurality of electrochemical battery cells 4 housed within the internal volume 3. For example, the electrochemical battery cells 4 are lithium-ion battery cells.

[0028] Device 1 can be associated with an overall reference frame including directions X, Y, and Z that are laterally aligned with each other. Preferably, directions X, Y, and Z are orthogonal to each other. Additionally, preferably, direction Z is perpendicular to the ground on which the motor vehicle 100 is parked; and direction X is parallel to the longitudinal extension direction of the motor vehicle 100.

[0029] In the non-limiting embodiment shown herein, the electrochemical cell 4 has a parallelepiped shape and is a pouch type. In particular, each electrochemical cell 4 includes two flat, opposite faces 4a, 4b, with respect to the direction X.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical cell units 4 are clustered together along direction X. In particular, each electrochemical cell unit 4 can be associated with a corresponding extension amount parallel to direction X, which is referred to below as thickness.

[0031] In the embodiments shown herein, the thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 is constant along the Z direction. Where the thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 is variable along the Z direction, the term "thickness" can be understood as the maximum extension of the electrochemical cell 4 parallel to the X direction.

[0032] Specifically, the thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 may vary within the dimensional tolerance range. In other words, the thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 may deviate from the nominal thickness specified in the design phase, for example, as a result of the precision of the manufacturing process of the electrochemical cell 4.

[0033] In a known manner, the tolerance range extends from the lower limit (e.g., equal to the nominal thickness minus 0.25 mm) to the upper limit (e.g., equal to the nominal thickness plus 0.25 mm).

[0034] To illustrate again, the tolerance range can be divided into three sub-ranges. Specifically, the tolerance range may include:

[0035] - The first subrange includes all values ​​from the lower limit to a first value, which is greater than the lower limit and less than the nominal thickness;

[0036] - A second subrange, which includes all values ​​from the first value to the second value, wherein the second value is greater than the nominal thickness and less than the upper limit value; and

[0037] - The third subrange includes all values ​​from the second value to the upper limit value.

[0038] The electrochemical cell unit 4 can also be defined as being arranged continuously to each other along the X direction. Specifically, two electrochemical cell units 4 are arranged continuously without any other electrochemical cell units 4 inserted between them. In other words, two electrochemical cell units 4 are continuous when they are arranged one after another along the X direction.

[0039] At least some electrochemical cell units 4 are electrically connected to each other. For this purpose, each electrochemical cell unit 4 includes a conductor element 9a for electrically connecting the electrochemical cell units 4 to each other. In particular, the conductor elements 9a of different electrochemical cell units 4 are electrically connected to each other, for example by means of a cable 9b.

[0040] Preferably, each electrochemical cell 4 includes an identifier 7, which is suitable for encoding information and configured to provide said information when queried by a suitable reading device. Specifically, the identifier 7 includes a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code. More specifically, the QR code is suitable for scanning by an optical reading device, such as a smartphone.

[0041] Specifically, the information encoded by identifier 7 relates to the actual thickness of the relevant electrochemical cell 4 (e.g., detected or determined during the preliminary preparation stage). Alternatively or additionally, the information encoded by identifier 7 relates to whether the actual thickness of the relevant electrochemical cell 4 belongs to a first sub-range, a second sub-range, or a third sub-range.

[0042] The device 1 also includes a plurality of heat dissipation elements 6. Specifically, each heat dissipation element 6 is inserted between a corresponding pair of electrochemical cell units 4 along direction X. More specifically, the heat dissipation element 6 is a block having or substantially having a parallelepiped shape and being made of a metallic material. For example, the heat dissipation element is made of aluminum.

[0043] Each heat dissipation element 6 can also be associated with a corresponding extension parallel to X, which is referred to below as thickness. Specifically, the thickness of the heat dissipation element 6 may vary within tolerances.

[0044] Preferably, the heat dissipation element 6 also includes an identifier, which is similar to the identifier 7 and is suitable for encoding information related to the actual thickness of the associated heat dissipation element 6.

[0045] Device 1 advantageously includes:

[0046] - At least one first-type foam element 5a inserted along direction X between the first pair of electrochemical cell units 4;

[0047] - At least one second-type foam element 5b inserted along direction X between the second pair of electrochemical cell units 4; and

[0048] - At least one third-type foam element 5c inserted along direction X between the third pair of electrochemical cell units 4.

[0049] The first, second, and third type foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c are different from each other. Specifically, the first, second, and third type foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c differ from each other in that they have different elongations along the X direction and / or different elastic properties and / or different chemical compositions. For example, without limitation, the elongation of each foam element 5a, 5b, and 5c along the X direction differs from the elongation of other foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c by a value within the range of 10% to 50%.

[0050] Foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c may also have different thermal properties (thermal conductivity, fire resistance, etc.). Preferably, but not necessarily, foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c have thermal insulation properties. This allows the electrochemical cell unit 4 to be isolated from any faults or malfunctions (e.g., short circuits, thermal runaway, etc.) of nearby electrochemical cell units 4.

[0051] Figure 2 Stress-strain diagrams of three materials used to fabricate foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c of types one, two, and three, respectively, are illustrated by example. Specifically, Figure 2 The chart includes three curves, A, B, and C, each associated with a different material.

[0052] The three curves A, B, and C have different trends; therefore, the three materials they relate to have different mechanical properties (stiffness, elasticity, and / or fracture load, etc.).

[0053] Preferably, the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c are made of one or more of the following materials:

[0054] - Polyurethane;

[0055] - Silicone;

[0056] - Ceramic materials;

[0057] - Aerogel; and

[0058] - Fiberglass.

[0059] Furthermore, preferably, the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c have a parallelepiped shape. In particular, the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c have a flat plate shape.

[0060] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, device 1 includes a plurality of modules 10, each of which includes:

[0061] - A pair of electrochemical cell units 4;

[0062] - Foam element 5a, 5b or 5c; and

[0063] - Heat dissipation element 6.

[0064] In detail, the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c of each module 10 are inserted between and in contact with the two electrochemical cell units 4 along direction X. Additionally, the heat dissipation element 6 is located along direction X on the side of one of the two electrochemical cell units 4 facing the other of the two electrochemical cell units 4.

[0065] Electrochemical cell 4 is subjected to a compressive force acting in the direction X. In particular, the appropriate value of the compressive force is greater than the minimum value required for the normal operation of electrochemical cell 4, while being less than the maximum value that can be withstood from the perspective of the structural resistance and safety of electrochemical cell 4.

[0066] The operation of device 1 and motor vehicle 100 is described below.

[0067] During use, while the motor vehicle 100 is in use, the device 1 performs charge and discharge cycles and supplies electrical energy to the electric motor and / or other electrical or electronic devices of the motor vehicle 100. During the charge and discharge cycles, the electrochemical battery cell 4 undergoes volume changes. The electrochemical battery cell 4 also tends to increase in volume over time due to aging. These volume changes over time correspond to the temporal changes in the thickness of the electrochemical battery cell 4.

[0068] The volume change of electrochemical cell 4 is compensated by foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c, which compress or expand along direction X as needed.

[0069] Additionally, the heat generated by the electrochemical cell unit 4 is dissipated to the outside of the internal volume 3 via the heat dissipation element 6. Specifically, in a known manner, the heat dissipation element 6 transfers heat to corresponding cooling fins (not shown) made of a highly thermally conductive material. The cooling fins then transfer heat to some heat dissipation plates that exchange heat with the air or coolant.

[0070] The assembly of device 1 will now be described.

[0071] Preferably, a design step is performed before assembly, wherein three types of foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c that may be suitable for module 10 are selected based on the actual thickness of electrochemical cell 4 and taking into account the space available within device 1 to accommodate module 10.

[0072] To ensure completeness, it should be noted that the types and number of foam elements selected in the design steps can be different, especially more than three.

[0073] In detail, the design steps can be performed through experiments or virtual simulations, and include:

[0074] - Select an electrochemical cell cell 4 with a thickness belonging to the first subrange;

[0075] - A stack is formed by stacking the selected electrochemical cell 4 and heat dissipation element 6 together along one direction (e.g., vertical direction) and inserting the foam element to be evaluated between each pair of electrochemical cell 4 along said direction.

[0076] - Apply a compressive force to the stack along the stated direction. Specifically, iteratively apply compressive forces of varying magnitudes (especially increasing ones) until the extension of the stack along the stated direction is less than or equal to the available space;

[0077] - If the amount of extension of the stack along the above direction is less than or equal to the magnitude of the compressive force of the available space, which is between the minimum and maximum allowable value, then the evaluated foam element is considered qualified.

[0078] In fact, if this condition is verified, the module 10, which is inserted into the housing 2 and contains two electrochemical battery cells 4 with thicknesses within the first sub-range, a heat dissipation element 6, and a foam element that is considered qualified, will be subjected to sufficiently large compressive forces.

[0079] On the other hand, if the stacking extends beyond the available space, it is necessary to repeat the design process using foam elements with less stiffness.

[0080] The steps listed above are repeated for electrochemical cell units 4 with a thickness belonging to the second sub-range and for electrochemical cell units 4 with a thickness belonging to the third sub-range. In this way, each sub-range corresponds in advance to a corresponding qualified foam element 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0081] Preferably, assembly is performed by first assembling multiple modules 10 and then placing the modules 10 in the internal volume 3.

[0082] First, for each module 10, the actual thickness of the two electrochemical cell units 4 and the heat dissipation element 6 is detected and / or determined. In detail, this thickness can be obtained by measurement (e.g., by means of a gauge or non-contact measuring instrument) or by scanning the identifier 7 attached to the electrochemical cell unit 4 and the heat dissipation element 6.

[0083] Next, select the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c to be included in module 10. Specifically, determine or calculate the average actual thickness of the two selected electrochemical cell units 4 and determine the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c to be inserted based on whether the average value belongs to a first sub-range, a second sub-range, or a third sub-range.

[0084] For example, if the actual average thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 of module 10 falls within the first sub-range, then module 10 is equipped with a first type of foam element 5a; if the actual average thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 of module 10 falls within the second sub-range, then module 10 is equipped with a second type of foam element 5b; if the actual average thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 of module 10 falls within the third sub-range, then module 10 is equipped with a third type of foam element 5c.

[0085] The determined foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c are then inserted between the two electrochemical cell units 4, such that they abut against the face 4a of one of the two electrochemical cell units 4 and against the face 4b of the other of the two electrochemical cell units 4.

[0086] The assembly of module 10 is completed by inserting the heat dissipation element 6 into contact with one of the two electrochemical cell units 4.

[0087] Once module 10 is assembled, the device 1 is constructed by continuing to assemble other modules 10.

[0088] Then, multiple assembled modules 10 are inserted into the internal volume 3 until it is full. At this point, the electrochemical cell unit 4 is subjected to a compressive force acting parallel to the X direction.

[0089] The conductor elements 9a are then connected to each other (e.g., by means of a welding operation) to achieve electrical connection between the different electrochemical cell units 4.

[0090] The above design steps can be performed by selecting three types of foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c that can be used in module 10 based not only on the actual thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 but also on the actual thickness of the heat dissipation element 6. Similarly, the selection of foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c during the assembly of module 10 can be based not only on the actual thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 but also on the actual thickness of the heat dissipation element 6.

[0091] In view of the above, the advantages of the present invention are significant.

[0092] Because the assembly of device 1 includes a step of selecting between at least two different types of foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c, the compression of the electrochemical cell unit 4 can be precisely controlled during the assembly of device 1 itself. In fact, the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c have different thicknesses and / or stiffnesses and / or chemical compositions, which can compensate for actual thickness variations in the electrochemical cell unit 4, and, where possible, the heat dissipation element 6.

[0093] The present invention defines a strategy for selecting foam elements 5a, 5b, 5c to be inserted into each module 10 during the assembly process based on the actual size of the electrochemical cell 4 and, where possible, the heat dissipation element 6, to ensure sufficient compressibility of the electrochemical cell 4.

[0094] Since the electrochemical cell 4 includes the identifier 7, the actual thickness of the corresponding electrochemical cell 4 can be easily determined during the assembly operation.

[0095] Furthermore, the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c that can be selected during assembly are predetermined in the design phase, where the compressive forces acting on module 10 are evaluated and the mechanical properties of the foam elements are taken into account. This simplifies the selection of foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c during assembly, as such selection is based on a single parameter or a small number of parameters. In fact, from a practical standpoint, this selection is made during assembly based on the average actual thickness of the electrochemical cell 4 and, where possible, the heat dissipation element 6, rather than on an on-the-spot evaluation of the mechanical and / or chemical properties of the foam elements.

[0096] Finally, the energy storage device 10, the motor vehicle 100, and the assembly method according to the present invention can be clearly modified and varied, but they will not exceed the scope of protection set forth in the appended claims.

[0097] Specifically, the electrochemical cell unit 4 can be aggregated along the Y or Z direction. Therefore, the electrochemical cell unit 4 and the foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c can be stacked together in the vertical direction.

[0098] Device 1 may include only two different types of foam elements 5a, 5b, 5c or three or more different types of foam elements 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0099] Electrochemical cell unit 4 can be a different type from the pouch cell. For example, the electrochemical cell unit can be a cylindrical or prismatic cell unit.

[0100] The information encoded by identifier 7 can also be related to other geometric or structural parameters of the corresponding electrochemical cell 4. Similar considerations apply to the identifier of heat dissipation element 6.

[0101] The thickness tolerance range of the electrochemical cell unit 4 can be divided into two or more sub-ranges. Similar considerations also apply to the thickness tolerance range of the heat dissipation element 6.

[0102] Each module 10 may include one or more foam elements 5a, 5b, 5c and / or one or more heat dissipation elements 6.

[0103] The heat dissipation element 6 may have a shape different from that of a parallelepiped.

[0104] Preferably, although the disclosure described above relates to specific examples of foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c having different thicknesses, elastic properties, and chemical compositions, it is clear that foam elements 5a, 5b, and 5c generally may have:

[0105] - Same thickness, but different chemical composition and elastic properties;

[0106] - Same thickness and same chemical composition, but different elastic properties;

[0107] - Same thickness and same elastic properties, but different chemical composition;

[0108] - Same chemical composition, but different thickness and elastic properties;

[0109] - Same chemical composition and same elastic properties, but different thicknesses; or

[0110] - Same elastic properties, but different thickness and chemical composition.

[0111] Device 1 may also include additional components; for example, device 1 may include one or more electrical insulating elements and / or thermal insulating elements. In particular, the same considerations set forth above regarding the thickness and tolerances of the heat dissipation element 6 and the overall thickness of the module also apply to these additional components.

Claims

1. A device (1) for storing electrical energy in a motor vehicle (100), the device (1) comprising: - A shell (2) with a limited internal volume (3); as well as - Multiple electrochemical cell units (4), which are housed within the internal volume (3) and aggregated together along a first direction (X), The device is characterized in that it comprises at least a first type and a second type of foam elements (5a, 5b, 5c) that are different from each other. The foam element (5a) of the first type is inserted between the first pair of electrochemical cell units (4) along the first direction (X), and the foam element (5b) of the second type is inserted between the second pair of electrochemical cell units (4) along the first direction (X).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first pair of electrochemical cell units (4) are arranged continuously relative to each other along the first direction (X), and the second pair of electrochemical cell units (4) are arranged continuously relative to each other along the first direction (X). The foam element (5a) of the first type is in full contact with the electrochemical cell unit (4) of the first pair, and the foam element (5b) of the second type is in full contact with the electrochemical cell unit (4) of the second pair.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The foam element (5a) of the first type is in direct contact with the entire first pair of electrochemical cell units (4) along most of its extension in the second direction (Z), the second direction (Z) being orthogonal to the first direction (X). The foam element (5b) of the second type is in direct contact with the electrochemical cell (4) of the second pair along most of its extension in the second direction (Z).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The foam element (5a) of the first type and the foam element (5b) of the second type have different amounts of elongation along the first direction (X) and / or have different elastic properties and / or different chemical compositions; and / or The foam element (5a) of the first type and the foam element (5b) of the second type have different thermal properties; and / or The foam element (5a) of the first type and / or the foam element (5b) of the second type are made of polyurethane, silicone, ceramic, aerogel and / or glass fiber materials.

5. The device according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a heat dissipation element (6), an electrical insulation element, and a thermal insulation element.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, comprising at least one of the first type of foam element (5a), the second type of foam element (5b), the heat dissipation element (6), the electrical insulation element, and the thermal insulation element between each pair of electrochemical cell cells (4) arranged continuously relative to each other along the first direction (X).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, Between each pair of electrochemical cell cells (4) arranged continuously relative to each other along the first direction (X), there is only one of the foam element (5a) of the first type and the foam element (5b) of the second type.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, At least some of the electrochemical cell units (4) include identifiers (7) configured to encode information and provide that information when queried by a reading device during use. The information therein is associated with the actual thickness and / or extension of each of the electrochemical cell units (4) along the first direction (X).

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, At least one of the heat dissipation element (6), the electrical insulation element, and the thermal insulation element includes an additional identifier configured to encode information and provide that information when queried by a reading device during use. The information therein is associated with the actual thickness and / or extension of the heat dissipation element (6), the electrical insulation element, or the thermal insulation element along the first direction (X).

10. A motor vehicle (100) comprising a device (1) for storing electrical energy according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A method for assembling a device (1) for storing electrical energy, the device (1) comprising a housing (2) defining an internal volume (3). The method includes the following steps: i) Provide at least two electrochemical cell units (4); ii) Select foam elements (5a, 5b) between at least the first type of foam element (5a) and the second type of foam element (5b); iii) Insert the foam elements (5a, 5b) between the electrochemical cell units (4) along the direction (X) to form a component (10). iv) The assembly (10) formed by the electrochemical cell unit (4) and the foam elements (5a, 5b) selected in step ii) is placed in the internal volume (3).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Step iii) includes arranging the foam elements (5a, 5b) in full contact with the electrochemical cell unit (4).

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step v) of detecting and / or determining the geometric parameters of one or all of the electrochemical cell units (4). The step ii) is performed according to the geometric parameters of one or all of the electrochemical cell units (4).

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The foam element (5a) of the first type and the foam element (5b) of the second type have different amounts of elongation along the direction (X) and / or have different elastic properties and / or different chemical compositions.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, In step ii), the selection of the foam elements (5a, 5b) is based on the average value between the geometric parameters of at least two of the electrochemical cell units (4).

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the additional step vi) of inserting at least one additional component (6) of the heat dissipation element (6), the electrical insulation element, and the thermal insulation element into the internal volume (3).

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising step vii) detecting and / or determining the geometric parameters of the additional component (6). The step ii) therein includes selecting the foam element (5a, 5b) between the foam element (5a) of the first type and the foam element (5b) of the second type based on the geometric parameters of the additional component (6).

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The geometric parameters are the actual thickness and / or extension and / or distance of at least one of the electrochemical cell units (4) and / or the other component (6) parallel to the direction (X).

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Step v) includes querying the identifier (7) of one or all of the electrochemical cell units (4) to receive information encoded in the identifier (7). Step vii) involves querying the additional component (6) for an additional identifier to receive information encoded in the additional identifier. The information encoded in the identifier (7) and / or the other identifier is associated with the geometric parameters of at least one of the electrochemical cell units (4) and / or the other component (6).

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, At the end of steps iii) and vi), the component (10) includes at least one of the first type of foam element (5a), the second type of foam element (5b), and the additional component (6) between each pair of electrochemical cell cells (4) arranged continuously relative to each other along the first direction (X).

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising step viii) of pre-determining, based on the geometric parameters, the first type of foam element (5a) and the second type of foam element (5b) selectable in step iii). Step viii) includes: - Check the stack comprising multiple electrochemical cell units (4) whose geometric parameters fall within a first numerical range, and the multiple foam elements (5a) of the first type are subjected to a compressive force that meets a first control criterion and the amount of extension of the stack along the direction of the compressive force meets a second control criterion. - The stack comprising multiple electrochemical cell units (4) is inspected to ensure that its geometric parameters fall within a second numerical range, and that multiple foam elements (5b) of the second type are subjected to a compressive force that meets the first control criterion, and that the amount of extension of the stack along the direction of the compressive force meets the second control criterion. The second numerical range is different from the first numerical range.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The first control criterion means that the compressive force is greater than a minimum value and less than a maximum value, and the second control criterion means that the amount of extension of the stack along the direction of the compressive force is less than or equal to a size threshold, which is related to the size of the internal volume (3).

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