PRISMATIC ACCUMULATOR

Abstract

Prismatic accumulator (10) comprising: a first electrode stack (14) with a first anode (30), a first cathode (34) and a first separator (32) arranged between the first anode (30) and the first cathode (34); a second electrode stack (16) with a second anode (40), a second cathode (44) and a second separator (42) arranged between the second anode (40) and the second cathode (44); a thermal barrier (18) arranged between the first and the second electrode stack (14, 16), wherein the first electrode stack (14), the thermal barrier (18) and the second electrode stack (16) form a first stack arrangement (28, 110); and a housing (12) containing an electrolyte, wherein the first stack arrangement (28) is arranged inside the housing (12) and is immersed in the electrolyte;characterized in that the prismatic accumulator (10) comprises a heat-insulating strip (52) wrapped around the first stacking arrangement (28), the insulating strip (52) having a first and a second surface (52, 54), wherein an adhesive is arranged on one of the first and the second surfaces (52, 54) to bond the heat-insulating strip (52) to the first stacking arrangement (28); wherein the prismatic accumulator (10) further comprises a first heat-insulating film (60) arranged on a first side of the first stacking arrangement (28) and consisting of phlogopite mica paper impregnated with silicone resin; and wherein the thermal barrier (18) is made of an aerogel wrapped with an aluminum-laminated polymer or encapsulated in or overmolded with an aluminum-coated plastic.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a prismatic battery cell and, more particularly, to a prismatic battery cell with thermal management.

[0002] A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), such as a prismatic storage battery, typically comprises a plurality of electrode stacks. The electrode stacks each comprise an anode and a cathode separated by an electrically insulating separator material. The electrode stacks are placed side by side, usually within a housing to protect the electrode stacks from the environment. The housing also serves to contain an electrolyte fluid within the housing and around the electrode stacks. An electrode stack in a RESS may experience an uncontrolled thermal event known as thermal runaway propagation (TRP).During a TRP event, the electrode experiencing uncontrolled thermal runaway, known as the initiating electrode, can cause a neighboring electrode stack to also experience a temperature rise. An increase in temperature across one or more electrode stacks can cause a temperature and pressure rise throughout the RESS. The pressure and temperature rise within the RESS caused by gas production can cause the seal on the RESS housing to leak.

[0003] While methods and systems already exist to manage or control TRP events that can serve their purpose, there is still a need for a new and improved RESS. Therefore, prismatic battery cells with multiple electrode stacks designed to control a TRP event are needed. SUMMARY

[0004] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a prismatic secondary battery is provided. The prismatic secondary battery includes a first electrode stack having a first anode, a first cathode, and a first separator disposed between the first anode and the first cathode; a second electrode stack having a second anode, a second cathode, and a second separator disposed between the second anode and the second cathode; and a thermal barrier disposed between the first and second electrode stacks. The first electrode stack, the thermal barrier, and the second electrode stack form a first stack assembly. The prismatic secondary battery further includes a housing containing an electrolyte. The first stack assembly is disposed inside the housing and is immersed in the electrolyte.

[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a thermally insulating tape wrapped around the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having a first and a second surface, wherein an adhesive is disposed on one of the first and second surfaces to adhere the thermally insulating tape to the first stack assembly.

[0006] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a first heat-insulating film disposed on a first side of the first stack assembly.

[0007] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a heat-insulating tape wrapped around the first heat-insulating film disposed on the first side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first heat-insulating film to the first stack assembly.

[0008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a second heat-insulating film disposed on a second side of the first stack assembly.

[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic battery further comprises a heat-insulating tape wrapped around the first heat-insulating film disposed on the first side of the first stack assembly and the second heat-insulating film disposed on the second side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first and second heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a third heat-insulating film disposed on a third side of the first stack assembly.

[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic secondary battery further comprises a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film arranged on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film arranged on the second side of the first stack assembly, and the third heat-insulating film arranged on the third side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first, second, and third heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

[0012] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a fourth heat-insulating film disposed on a fourth side of the first stack assembly.

[0013] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic secondary battery further comprises a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film arranged on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film arranged on the second side of the first stack assembly, the third heat-insulating film arranged on the third side of the first stack assembly, and the fourth heat-insulating film arranged on the fourth side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first, second, third, and fourth heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

[0014] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic secondary battery further comprises a first tab protruding from the first anode and a second tab protruding from the second anode, the first and second tabs being made of copper, and a third tab protruding from the first cathode and a fourth tab protruding from the second cathode, the third and fourth tabs being made of aluminum.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a prismatic secondary battery comprises a first electrode stack having a first anode, a first cathode, and a first separator disposed between the first anode and the first cathode; a second electrode stack having a second anode, a second cathode, and a second separator disposed between the second anode and the second cathode; and a thermal barrier disposed between the first and second electrode stacks. The first electrode stack, the thermal barrier, and the second electrode stack form a first stack assembly. The prismatic secondary battery further comprises a first thermally insulating film disposed on a first side of the first stack assembly and a housing containing an electrolyte. The first stack assembly is disposed inside the housing and is immersed in the electrolyte.

[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a heat-insulating tape wrapped around the first stack assembly and the first heat-insulating film, the insulating tape having a first and a second surface, wherein an adhesive is disposed on one of the first and second surfaces to adhere the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and to secure the first heat-insulating film to the first stack assembly.

[0017] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a second heat-insulating film disposed on a second side of the first stack assembly.

[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic battery further comprises a heat-insulating tape wrapped around the first heat-insulating film disposed on the first side of the first stack assembly and the second heat-insulating film disposed on the second side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first and second heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

[0019] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a third heat-insulating film disposed on a third side of the first stack assembly.

[0020] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic secondary battery further comprises a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film arranged on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film arranged on the second side of the first stack assembly, and the third heat-insulating film arranged on the third side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first, second, and third heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

[0021] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic accumulator further comprises a fourth heat-insulating film disposed on a fourth side of the first stack assembly.

[0022] According to another aspect of the disclosure, the prismatic secondary battery further comprises a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film arranged on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film arranged on the second side of the first stack assembly, the third heat-insulating film arranged on the third side of the first stack assembly, and the fourth heat-insulating film arranged on the fourth side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first, second, third, and fourth heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a prismatic secondary battery further comprises a first electrode stack having a first anode, a first cathode, and a first separator disposed between the first anode and the first cathode; a second electrode stack having a second anode, a second cathode, and a second separator disposed between the second anode and the second cathode; a thermal barrier disposed between the first and second electrode stacks, wherein the first electrode stack, the thermal barrier, and the second electrode stack form a first stack assembly; a first thermally insulating film disposed on a first side of the first stack assembly; a second thermally insulating film disposed on a second side of the first stack assembly; a third thermally insulating film disposed on a third side of the first stack assembly;a fourth heat-insulating film arranged on a fourth side of the first stack assembly; a heat-insulating tape wrapped around the first heat-insulating film arranged on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film arranged on the second side of the first stack assembly, the third heat-insulating film arranged on the third side of the first stack assembly, and the fourth heat-insulating film arranged on the fourth side of the first stack assembly. The insulating tape has first and second surfaces, with an adhesive disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first, second, and third heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly. The prismatic accumulator further comprises a housing,containing an electrolyte. The first stack assembly is arranged inside the housing and is immersed in the electrolyte. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B illustrate a prismatic battery cell arrangement according to the present disclosure in a perspective view, respectively. Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative cell arrangement having a first electrode stack and a second electrode stack separated by a thermal barrier in accordance with the present disclosure in a perspective view. Fig. 3 illustrates another alternative cell assembly having an insulating foil located on top of and covering the electrode stacks and thermal barrier in accordance with the present disclosure in a perspective view. Fig. 4 shows yet another alternative cell assembly having a first insulating film located on top of and covering the electrode stacks and the thermal barrier, and a second insulating film located below and covering the electrode stacks and the thermal barrier, in accordance with the present disclosure, in a perspective view. Fig. 5 shows yet another alternative cell assembly having a first electrode stack and a second electrode stack separated by a thermal barrier, and further having a first insulating film, a second insulating film, a third insulating film, and a fourth insulating film surrounding the electrode stacks and the thermal barrier, in accordance with the present disclosure, in a perspective view. Fig. 6 shows a graph illustrating the effect on temperature of an electrode stack assembled with adjacent electrode stacks in assemblies constructed as described in the present disclosure compared to electrode stacks assembled with adjacent electrode stacks in assemblies not constructed as described in the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B illustrates a prismatic battery 10 having a housing 12, electrode stacks 14, 16, and a thermal barrier 18 according to the present disclosure, each in a perspective view. The housing or enclosure 12 is shown in Fig. 1A and includes a first sidewall 20, a second sidewall 22, a third sidewall 24, a bottom sidewall 26, a top sidewall (not shown), and a front sidewall (not shown). Other housing designs for the housing or enclosure 12 are contemplated in the present disclosure, and it is not limited to the Fig. 1A. Furthermore, the housing 12 contains a suitable electrolyte. The electrolyte is, for example, a liquid solution of organic solvents and lithium salts. The electrode stacks 14 and 16 are immersed in the electrolyte contained in the housing 12.

[0027] With further reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the electrode stacks 14 and 16 and the thermal barrier 18 forming a cell or stack assembly 28 are illustrated in a perspective view according to the present disclosure. The electrode stack 14 consists of a negative electrode or anode electrode 30, a separator 32, and a positive electrode or cathode electrode 34. The anode electrode 30 is generally a thin metal plate having an electrode tab 36 for establishing an electrical connection between the anode electrode 30 and a terminal (not shown) on the exterior of the housing. Likewise, the cathode electrode 34 is a thin metal plate having an electrode tab 38 for establishing an electrical connection between the cathode electrode 34 and another terminal (not shown) on the exterior of the housing. The electrode tabs 36, 38 serve as current collectors.The voltage across the anode electrode 30 and the cathode electrode 34 is passed to an external device (not shown) via the terminals on the housing 12. The anode electrode 30 and the electrode tab 36 are made, for example, of copper or another suitable material and are typically coated with graphite or graphite / silicon or other carbon-based materials or silicon oxide or lithium-containing silicon. The cathode electrode 34 and the electrode tab 38 are made, for example, of aluminum or another suitable material and are typically coated with a metal oxide, e.g., lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) or nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) or lithium iron manganese phosphate (LFP / LFMP) or lithium manganese-rich oxide (LMR).

[0028] The different metals (copper anode 30 and aluminum cathode 34) of the prismatic battery 10 generate a galvanic reaction within the battery 10. The copper, e.g., of the anode electrode 30, and the aluminum, e.g., of the cathode electrode 34, have different standard reduction potentials and are connected to an external circuit and separated from each other by the separator 32. The aluminum, with the lower potential, oxidizes and releases electrons, while the copper, with the higher potential, reduces and absorbs electrons. This process of releasing and absorbing electrons generates an electric current that can be used to power devices.

[0029] The separator 32 is generally a thin, porous membrane or layer of material located between the anode electrode 30 and the cathode electrode 34, preventing the anode and cathode from contacting and causing a short circuit. The separator 32 allows the lithium ions to pass through, closing the circuit. A porous and chemically stable composite material, such as a composite made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or other natural materials, can be used as the separator 32. Inorganic nanoparticles such as TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3, and ZrO2 can also be used to create coating composites for the separator 32. The separator 32 increases the internal resistance of the prismatic battery 10, which reduces the power output and efficiency of the battery. The internal resistance depends on the thickness, porosity, and composition of the separator 32.Preferably, a thinner, more porous, and more conductive separator can reduce resistance and improve the performance of the battery 10. The separator 32 is also selected to withstand high temperatures and manage thermal runaway, preventing uncontrollable temperature rises due to exothermic reactions. Furthermore, the separator 32 has a high melting point and a low shrinkage rate to avoid contact between the anode and cathode electrodes 30, 34. The separator 32 has sufficient mechanical strength to resist puncture, tear, or deformation during manufacture and operation of the cell assembly 28. The separator 32 is also dimensionally stable and flexible, allowing it to conform to the shape of the electrodes 30, 34 and accommodate volume changes during cycling.The separator 32 is chemically inert and compatible with the electrolyte, the electrodes 30, 34, and other cell components. Furthermore, the separator 32 has a low affinity for water or other contaminants that could contaminate the electrolyte or cause corrosion of the electrodes 30, 34.

[0030] Like the electrode stack 14, the electrode stack 16 also consists of an anode electrode 40, a separator 42, and a cathode electrode 44. Although only one anode electrode 40 and one cathode electrode 44 separated by a separator 42 are shown in the figures, it is nevertheless contemplated in the present disclosure that the arrangement of the anode electrode 40 and the cathode electrode 44 separated by the separator 42 may be repeated many times (i.e., tens to hundreds or more times) in each electrode stack 14, 16. The anode electrode 40 includes an electrode tab (not shown) for establishing an electrical connection with the anode electrode 40. Similarly, the cathode electrode 44 includes an electrode tab 48 for establishing an electrical connection with the cathode electrode 44.The electrode stack 16 also includes a separator 42 disposed between the anode electrode 40 and a cathode electrode 44. The separator 42 is of the same design and composition as described above for the separator 32.

[0031] With further reference to Fig. 1B, the thermal barrier 18 is arranged or positioned between the electrode stack 14 and the electrode stack 16. The thermal barrier 18 is a thermally insulating material that prevents heat transfer from one stack to the other. The thermal barrier 18 is, for example, a synthetic, porous, ultra-lightweight material derived from a gel in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. The resulting material, called an aerogel, is a solid with extremely low density and extremely low thermal conductivity. The aerogel of the thermal barrier 18 can consist of a variety of chemical compounds, e.g., a polymer-based aerogel that looks and feels like a rigid foam. The aerogel material can contain air in the range of 50 to 99.98 percent by volume.The aerogel of the thermal barrier 18 has a porous solid network containing air pockets, with the air pockets occupying most of the space within the thermal barrier 18. The aerogel of the thermal barrier 18 prevents both conduction and convention of heat transfer. To prevent the electrolyte solution from penetrating the thermal barrier 18, the thermal barrier 18 is additionally wrapped with a suitable non-ionic permeable barrier, e.g., a polymer with laminated aluminum. Alternatively, the thermal barrier 18 can also be encapsulated or overmolded with aluminum-coated plastic (e.g., PET film) to prevent the electrolyte solution from penetrating the thermal barrier 18.Although only one thermal barrier 18 is shown with one electrode stack 14, 16 on each side of the thermal barrier 18, the present disclosure contemplates a plurality of thermal barriers 18 disposed between a plurality of electrode stacks 14, 16, all contained within a housing 12, to form a prismatic accumulator 10.

[0032] With reference now to Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative cell or stack assembly 100 with the electrode stack 14 and the electrode stack 16 separated by the thermal barrier 18 according to the present invention in a perspective view. The electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 have the same components as described above, with like components being identified by like reference numerals. The cell assembly 100 further includes an insulating tape 52 wrapped around the outside of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18. The insulating tape 52 has a first side 54 and a second side 56. The second side 56 is coated with a suitable adhesive and faces the outer surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18. The insulating tape 52 with the adhesive coating serves to hold the cell assembly 100 together to form a single unit or assembly.In addition, the insulating tape 52 is made of a material that prevents heat transfer or conduction from the electrode stacks 14, 16 to components outside the electrode stacks 14, 16. The insulating tape 52 is made of mica or another suitable, non-thermally conductive material. A suitable mica tape may, for example, be an inorganic high dielectric tape made of mica paper and laminated to reinforcing substrates such as woven and nonwoven glass cloth, nonwoven polyester fabrics, and / or polyester films, including polyimide. An example of a suitable insulating tape 52 is the mica tape available for sale from Goode EIS, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Although the insulating tape 52 is in . Fig. 2 as a single loop or wrap of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, however, the present disclosure also contemplates multiple loops or wraps of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18.

[0033] With reference now to Fig. 3 illustrates another alternative cell or stack assembly 110 having an insulating foil 60 located on top of and covering the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, according to the present disclosure, in a perspective view. The electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 include the same components as described above, with like components identified by like reference numerals. The insulating foil 60 is sized to cover the entire surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18. The insulating foil 60 may be made, for example, of 80-90% high-grade muscovite or, alternatively, of phlogopite mica paper impregnated with a high-temperature silicone resin or similar composition.In addition, the insulating film 60 is designed to have thermal properties that prevent heat transfer or conduction from the electrode stacks 14, 16. The cell assembly 110 is constructed by first arranging or positioning the electrode stacks 14, 16 on either side of the thermal barrier 18, then completely or substantially completely covering the surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 with the insulating film 60, and then wrapping the insulating tape 52 around the outside of the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18, and the insulating film 60. The insulating tape 52 is as described above, with like components or features being designated by like reference numerals. The insulating tape 52 with the adhesive coating serves to hold the cell assembly 110 together to form a single unit or assembly 110. The insulating tape 52 is shown in FIG. Fig. 3 as a single loop or wrap of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 and the insulating film 60, however, the present disclosure also contemplates multiple loops or wraps of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18 and the insulating film 60.

[0034] With reference now to Fig. 4, yet another alternative cell or stack assembly 120 having a first insulating film 62 located on top of and covering the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, and a second insulating film 64 located beneath and covering the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, according to the present disclosure, is shown in a perspective view. The electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 have the same components as described above, with like components being identified by like reference numerals. As mentioned above, the cell assembly 120 further includes a first insulating film 62 located on top of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, and a second insulating film 64 located beneath the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18.The first insulating film 62 is sized to completely cover the surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, and the second insulating film 64 is sized to completely cover the undersides of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18. The first and second insulating films 62 and 64 have the same composition and construction as described with respect to the insulating film 60 described above. Furthermore, the first and second insulating films 62, 64 are designed to have thermal properties that prevent heat transfer or conduction from the electrode stacks 14, 16.The cell assembly 120 is constructed by first arranging or positioning the electrode stacks 14, 16 on either side of the thermal barrier 18, completely or substantially completely covering the surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 with the first insulating film 62, completely or substantially completely covering the surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 with the insulating film 64, and then wrapping the insulating tape 52 around the outside of the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18, and the insulating films 62, 64. The insulating tape 52 is configured as described above, with like components or features being designated by like reference numerals. The insulating tape 52 with the adhesive coating serves to hold the cell assembly 120 together to form a single unit or assembly 120. Although the insulating tape 52 is shown in FIG. Fig. 4 as a single loop or wrap of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 and the first and second insulating films 62, 64, however, the present disclosure also contemplates multiple loops or wraps of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18 and the first and second insulating films 62, 64.

[0035] With reference now to Fig. 5 shows yet another alternative cell or stack assembly 130 having the first electrode stack 14 and the second electrode stack 16 separated by a thermal barrier 18, and further having a first insulating film 62, a second insulating film 64, a third insulating film 66, and a fourth insulating film 68 according to the present disclosure, shown in a perspective view. The electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 include the same components as described above, with like components being identified by like reference numerals.The first insulating film 62 is arranged on top of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, the second insulating film 64 is arranged below the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, the third insulating film 66 is arranged adjacent to the side surface of the electrode stack 14, and the fourth insulating film 68 is arranged adjacent to the side surface of the electrode stack 16.The first insulating film 62 is sized to completely or substantially completely cover the surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, the second insulating film 64 is sized to completely or substantially completely cover the undersides of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18, the third insulating film 66 is sized to completely or substantially completely cover the side surface of the electrode stack 14, and the fourth insulating film 68 is sized to completely or substantially completely cover the side surface of the electrode stack 16. The first, second, third, and fourth insulating films 62, 64, 66, and 68 have the same composition and structure as described above with respect to the insulating film 60.In addition, the first, second, third and fourth insulating films 62, 64, 66 and 68 are designed to have thermal properties that prevent heat transfer or conduction from the electrode stacks 14, 16.The cell assembly 130 is constructed by first arranging or positioning the electrode stacks 14, 16 on both sides of the thermal barrier 18, completely or substantially completely covering the surfaces of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 with the first insulating film 62, completely or substantially completely covering the undersides of the electrode stacks 14, 16 and the thermal barrier 18 with the second insulating film 64, completely or substantially completely covering the side surface of the electrode stack 14 with the third insulating film 66, completely or substantially completely covering the side surface of the electrode stack 16 with the fourth insulating film 68, and then wrapping the insulating tape 52 around the outside of the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18, and the first, second, third, and fourth insulating films 62, 64, 66, and 68.The insulating tape 52 is configured as described above, with like components or features designated by like reference numerals. The insulating tape 52 with the adhesive coating serves to hold the cell assembly 130 together to form a single unit or assembly 130. Although the insulating tape 52 is shown in FIG. Fig. 5 as a single loop or wrap of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18 and the first, second, third and fourth insulating films 62, 64, 66 and 68, however, the present disclosure also contemplates multiple loops or wraps of the tape around the electrode stacks 14, 16, the thermal barrier 18 and the first, second, third and fourth insulating films 62, 64, 66 and 68.

[0036] With reference now to Fig.6 is a graph 200 illustrating the effect on the temperature of an electrode stack 14 or 16 incorporating features of the present disclosure over time, constructed as described above and subject to a temperature increase, as compared to an electrode stack not including a thermal barrier 18 or insulating films 60 or 62, 64, 66, and 68. The y-axis 202 of the graph 200 corresponds to temperature, and the x-axis 204 of the graph 200 corresponds to time. Additionally, the graph 200 includes a plot of the temperature of an electrode stack (not shown here) over time, represented by line 206, adjacent to an adjacent electrode stack (not shown) not separated by a thermal barrier 18.Additionally, a temperature versus time curve is shown by line 208 for an electrode stack 14 (as described above) positioned adjacent to an adjacent electrode stack (electrode stack 16) having a thermal barrier 18 separating the stacks to form, for example, one of cell assemblies 28, 100, 110, 120, and 130 (as described above). It can be readily seen that the electrode stack assembled with another electrode stack and a thermal barrier 18 therebetween is subject to a smaller temperature increase over time compared to the electrode stack not adjacent to or assembled with a thermal barrier 18. Furthermore, an adjacent electrode stack, such asthe electrode stack 16 (as described above with respect to any of the cell assemblies 28, 100, 110, 120 and 130), also undergoes a smaller temperature increase over time, as shown by line 210, compared to an electrode stack that is not adjacent to or assembled with a thermal barrier 18, as shown by line 212.

[0037] This description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses in any way. The broad teachings of the disclosure may be embodied in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be limited thereto, since other modifications will become apparent upon study of the drawings, the patent specification, and the following claims.

Claims

[1] Prismatic accumulator, comprising: a first electrode stack having a first anode, a first cathode and a first separator arranged between the first anode and the first cathode, a second electrode stack having a second anode, a second cathode and a second separator arranged between the second anode and the second cathode, a thermal barrier disposed between the first and second electrode stacks, wherein the first electrode stack, the thermal barrier, and the second electrode stack form a first stack arrangement, and a housing containing an electrolyte, wherein the first stack assembly is disposed inside the housing and immersed in the electrolyte. [2] The prismatic secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a heat-insulating tape wound around the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, an adhesive being disposed on one of the first and second surfaces to adhere the heat-insulating tape to the first stack assembly. [3] The prismatic battery according to claim 1, further comprising a first heat insulating film disposed on a first side of the first stack assembly. [4] The prismatic secondary battery according to claim 3, further comprising a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film disposed on the first side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, an adhesive being disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby securing the first heat-insulating film to the first stack assembly. [5] The prismatic accumulator according to claim 3, further comprising a second heat insulating film disposed on a second side of the first stack assembly. [6] The prismatic secondary battery according to claim 5, further comprising a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film disposed on the first side of the first stack assembly and the second heat-insulating film disposed on the second side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, an adhesive being disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby fixing the first and second heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly. [7] The prismatic accumulator according to claim 5, further comprising a third heat insulating film disposed on a third side of the first stack assembly. [8] The prismatic secondary battery according to claim 6, further comprising a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film disposed on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film disposed on the second side of the first stack assembly, and the third heat-insulating film disposed on the third side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, an adhesive being disposed on one of the first and second surfaces for adhering the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby fixing the first, second, and third heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly. [9] The prismatic accumulator according to claim 7, further comprising a fourth heat insulating film disposed on a fourth side of the first stack assembly. [10] The prismatic secondary battery according to claim 9, further comprising a heat-insulating tape wound around the first heat-insulating film arranged on the first side of the first stack assembly, the second heat-insulating film arranged on the second side of the first stack assembly, the third heat-insulating film arranged on the third side of the first stack assembly, and the fourth heat-insulating film arranged on the fourth side of the first stack assembly, the insulating tape having first and second surfaces, and an adhesive is arranged on one of the first and second surfaces to adhere the insulating tape to the first stack assembly and thereby fix the first, second, third, and fourth heat-insulating films to the first stack assembly.

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