MEASURING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ENERGY CELL

Abstract

A system for measuring a dimension of an energy cell comprises a wire rope, a tensioning system, and a measuring system. The wire rope has a first and a second end and can be placed around the outer circumference of the energy cell. The tensioning system includes a first tensioner attached to one end of the wire rope and a second tensioner attached to the other end. The measuring system includes a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor connected to a control unit. The first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner, and the second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner. The measuring system allows for the determination of a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] Energy cells, such as rechargeable electrochemical battery cells, are cyclically charged and discharged over their lifetime. The energy cells may experience volume changes during these cyclic charging / discharging processes. Some of the volume changes during these cyclic charging / discharging processes may be reversible, and some of the volume changes during these cyclic charging / discharging processes may be irreversible. DESCRIPTION

[0002] There is a need for a system, apparatus, and / or associated method for measuring or otherwise determining dimensional parameters of a rechargeable energy cell during cyclic charge / discharge operations.

[0003] A system for measuring a dimension of an energy cell is described and includes a wire rope, a tensioning system, and a measuring system. The wire rope has first and second ends and can be wrapped around the outer circumference of an energy cell. The tensioning system includes a first tensioner attached to a first end of the wire rope and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the wire rope. The measuring system includes a first linear displacement transducer and a second linear displacement transducer connected to a control unit. The first linear displacement transducer is connected to the first tensioner and the second linear displacement transducer is connected to the second tensioner. The measuring system can be used to determine a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

[0004] Another aspect of the disclosure may be that the measuring system determines a length of the outer circumference of the energy cell.

[0005] Another aspect of the disclosure may include a charge exchange system, wherein the charge exchange system may be connected to the energy cell.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the charge exchange system being capable of performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell; and the measurement system being capable of determining the dimensional parameter of the outer perimeter of the energy cell while the charge exchange system is performing the charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the energy cell having a cylindrical configuration; wherein the measurement system is capable of determining a circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of the wire rope determined via the first linear displacement transducer and the second linear displacement transducer.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the measurement system being capable of determining a first circumference of the energy cell at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point; determining a second circumference of the energy cell at a second SOC point; and determining the difference between the first circumference and the second circumference.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the tensioning system being arranged such that the first tensioner is arranged to exert a tensile force across the first end of the wire rope tangential to the energy cell, and the second tensioner is arranged to exert a tensile force across the second end of the wire rope tangential to the energy cell when the wire rope is arranged around the outer periphery of the energy cell.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure may include that the energy cell defines a height axis; and that the clamping system can be arranged on the energy cell at a z-height, wherein the z-height is definable relative to the height axis.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure may include that the wire rope is made from a nickel-iron alloy, including an Invar alloy.

[0012] Another aspect of the disclosure may include that the wire rope may be looped around the outer circumference of the energy cell.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure may include a system for an energy cell comprising a tensioning system with a wire rope, a measuring system, and a charge exchange system arranged in a thermally stable environment; wherein the wire rope is arrangeable around an outer perimeter of an energy cell; wherein the tensioning system comprises a first tensioner attached to a first end of the wire rope and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the wire rope; wherein the measuring system comprises a first linear displacement transducer and a second linear displacement transducer in communication with a controller; wherein the charge exchange system is connectable to the energy cell; and wherein the first linear displacement transducer is connected to the first tensioner and wherein the second linear displacement transducer is connected to the second tensioner.

[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the measurement system being capable of determining a length of the outer circumference of the energy cell that corresponds to a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

[0015] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the charge exchange system being capable of performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell; and the measurement system being capable of determining the dimensional parameter of the outer perimeter of the energy cell while the charge exchange system is performing the charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell.

[0016] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the energy cell having a cylindrical configuration, wherein the measurement system is capable of determining a circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of the wire rope determined via the first linear displacement transducer and the second linear displacement transducer.

[0017] Another aspect of the disclosure may include the measurement system being capable of determining a first circumference of the energy cell at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point; determining a second circumference of the energy cell at a second SOC point; and determining a difference between the first circumference and the second circumference.

[0018] Another aspect of the disclosure may include that the energy cell defines a height axis; and that the clamping system can be arranged on the energy cell at a z-height, wherein the z-height is definable relative to the height axis.

[0019] Another aspect of the disclosure may include a method for monitoring a dimensional parameter for an energy cell, including: mounting an energy cell in a fixture disposed in a thermally stable environment; disposing a wire rope in a loop around an outer perimeter of the energy cell; attaching the wire rope to a base of a clamping system; attaching the base of the clamping system to a measurement system; and performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell via a charge cycle system while simultaneously monitoring a dimensional parameter of the outer perimeter of the energy cell via the measurement system.

[0020] Another aspect of the disclosure may include determining a reversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell during the execution of the charge / discharge cycle of the energy cell and determining an irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell during the execution of the charge / discharge cycle of the energy cell.

[0021] Another aspect of the disclosure may include determining an intercalation-induced volume change for the energy cell based on the reversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell and determining a side reaction-induced volume change based on the irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell.

[0022] The above summary is not intended to describe every possible embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the above summary is intended to illustrate some of the novel aspects and features disclosed herein. The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for carrying out the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of a dimensional measurement system for an energy cell according to the disclosure. Fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of an energy cell arranged in an embodiment of a dimensional measurement system according to the disclosure. Fig. 3 graphically shows the relationship between the state of charge (SOC) and a dimensional parameter for the outer circumference of a power cell during a single charge / discharge cycle according to the disclosure. Fig. 4 graphically illustrates a relationship between a state of life (SOL) and a net linear shift or irreversible change in a dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the power cell after performing repeated charge / discharge cycles in accordance with the disclosure.

[0024] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and may present a somewhat simplified representation of various features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes. Details associated with such features will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The components of the embodiments described and illustrated herein can be arranged in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure, but merely to indicate possible embodiments. Moreover, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments may be practiced without some of these details. For clarity, certain technical details well known in the art have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the disclosure.

[0026] For the purposes of this description, the use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa, unless expressly excluded; the terms "and" and "or" apply both subjunctive and disjunctive; and the words "including," "including," "with," and the like mean "including without limitation." Furthermore, words of approximation such as "approximately," "almost," "substantially," "generally," "about," etc., may be used herein to mean "at, near, or almost at," or "within 0-5% of," or "within acceptable manufacturing tolerances," or logical combinations thereof. A component "configured" to perform a particular function is capable of performing the particular function without modification, rather than merely having the potential to perform the particular function after further modifications.In other words, if the hardware described is expressly configured to perform the specified function, it is specifically selected, created, implemented, used, programmed and / or designed to perform the specified function.

[0027] The following detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit application and use. Corresponding reference characters designate like or corresponding parts and features throughout the drawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory that may be presented herein. Furthermore, the disclosure as illustrated and described herein may be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein.

[0028] For simplicity and clarity, directional terms such as above, below, left, right, on, above, above, below, below, behind, and front, and similar expressions are used for descriptive purposes and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," and "third" does not imply ranking, but may distinguish between multiple instances of an action or structure.

[0029] As used herein, the term “system” may refer to one or a combination of mechanical and electrical actuators, sensors, controllers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), combinational logic circuits, software, firmware, and / or other components arranged to provide the described functionality.

[0030] With reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like or similar components in the different figures, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a system 10 for an energy cell 100 in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the system 10 is disposed in a thermally stable environment to monitor a dimensional parameter of the energy cell 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, the energy cell 100 is a rechargeable electrochemical lithium-ion battery consisting of an inner portion disposed within a cylindrically shaped outer shell or housing 102. The inner portion includes first and second paired electrodes arranged in a stack and rolled into a cylindrical shape that is inserted and sealed within the housing 102. Alternatively, the energy cell 100 may also be a supercapacitor or other electrical energy storage device. In one embodiment, the housing 102 is configured as a hollow cylindrical tube having a top end 104 and a bottom end 106, with the housing 102 defining an outer perimeter 103 and a longitudinal axis 110. Alternatively, the cross-section of the housing 102 may also be configured as a squircle (rounded square), oblong, or other shape. In one embodiment, the housing 102 is made of metal, e.g.,made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, steel, a steel alloy, or another metal. Alternatively, the housing 102 can also be made of a polymer material. The inner part includes a positive electrode or cathode electrically connected to a first terminal 108 and a negative electrode or anode electrically connected to a second terminal 109. The first terminal 108 is separated from the second terminal 109 by an insulator.

[0032] The system 10, which is configured to monitor a dimensional parameter of the energy cell 100, comprises, in one embodiment, a wire rope 30, a rope tensioning system 20, and a measuring system 40 arranged in a main body 12. The system 10 also includes a cell fastening element 11 for fastening the energy cell 100.

[0033] The system 10 may further include an electrical charge exchange system 50 that can be connected to a first terminal 108 of the energy cell 100 via a first cable and a plug 51 and to a second terminal 109 of the energy cell 100 via a second cable and a plug 52.

[0034] The system 10 is depicted on a platform 19.

[0035] The main body 12 is formed as a solid rectangular prism having a central, cylindrically shaped opening 14, wherein the opening 14 defines a first axis 13 and a second axis 15. A base portion 16 having one or more adjustment screws 18 that connect the base portion 16 to the main body 12 is disposed within the opening 14. The base portion 16 is movable along the second axis 15 relative to the main body 12 by actuating the adjustment screw(s) 18. Furthermore, the base portion 16 is movable up or down along a third axis 17, wherein the third axis 17 is an elevation axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis 110 of the energy cell 100.

[0036] The base section 16 and one or more cell fastening elements 11 (in Fig. 2) are arranged and used to removably attach the energy cell 100 to the system 10. This arrangement, in conjunction with the operation of the adjustment screw(s) 18, is used to position the energy cell 100 with respect to the wire rope 30 such that the wire rope 30 remains tangent to the outer circumference 103 of the housing 102 during the measurement of the circumference of the energy cell 100, even after the electrical charge exchange system 50 has performed a plurality of charge / discharge cycles. The wire rope 30 comprises a first end 31, a second end 32 and a loop part 33 located therebetween.

[0037] The wire rope 30 is made of a material with low elasticity and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. In one embodiment, the wire rope 30 is made of a nickel-iron alloy. In one embodiment, the wire rope 30 is made of an Invar alloy. In one embodiment, the wire rope 30 is an uninsulated single strand with a circular or oval cross-section. In one embodiment, the wire rope 30 is a multi-wire cable with a circular or oval cross-section.

[0038] The wire rope 30 can be laid around an outer circumference 103 of the energy cell 100, wherein the loop part 33 can be arranged around the outer circumference 103 of the housing 102 of the energy cell 100.

[0039] The cable tensioning system 20 is arranged in the opening 14 and comprises a first tensioner 21 and a second tensioner 26, which are arranged in opposite positions within the opening 14 on the first axis 13. The first tensioner 21 comprises a first base 22 with a first centrally arranged tip section 23, springs 24, and spring mounts 25. The second tensioner 26 comprises a second base 27 with a second centrally arranged tip section 28, springs 24, and spring mounts 29. The first centrally arranged tip section 23 and the second centrally arranged tip section 28 are advantageously arranged on the first axis 13.

[0040] The first end 31 of the wire rope 30 is attached to the first centrally located tip portion 23 of the first tensioner 21, and the second end 32 of the wire rope 30 is attached to the second centrally located tip portion 28 of the second tensioner 26.

[0041] The cable tensioning system 20 and the energy cell 100 are arranged such that the first tensioner 21 is designed to exert a tensile force via the first end 31 of the wire rope 30 at a first tangent 34 to the energy cell 100, and the second tensioner 26 is arranged to exert a tensile force via the second end 32 of the wire rope 30 at a second tangent 35 to the energy cell 100 when the wire rope 30 is arranged around the outer circumference 103 of the energy cell 100.

[0042] The measuring system 40 includes a first linear displacement sensor 41 and a second linear displacement sensor 42. The first linear displacement sensor 41 and the second linear displacement sensor 42 are arranged and aligned on the first axis 13. The first linear displacement sensor 41 is attached to the first base 22 of the first clamp 21, and the second linear displacement sensor 42 is attached to the second base 27 of the second clamp 26. The first linear displacement sensor 41 and the second linear displacement sensor 42 are connected to a control unit 45.

[0043] The measuring system 40 operates in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine a dimensional parameter, e.g., an outer circumference, of the energy cell 100 when the first tensioner 21 exerts a tensile force across the first end 31 of the wire rope 30 tangential to the energy cell 100 and the second tensioner 26 exerts a tensile force across the second end 32 of the wire rope 30 tangential to the energy cell 100 when the wire rope 30 is disposed around the outer circumference 103 of the energy cell 100.

[0044] Through the up and down movement of the base part 16 along the third axis 17, the cable tensioning system 20 and the measuring system 40 can also be arranged at a selectable z-height on the energy cell 100, whereby the z-height can be defined relative to the third axis 17, i.e., the height axis. Thus, the measuring system 40 works in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine a dimensional parameter, e.g., an outer circumference, of the energy cell 100 at the selectable z-height.

[0045] The electrical charge exchange system 50 advantageously comprises an electrical charge source and an electrical charge sink and can be used to cyclically charge and discharge the energy cell 100 between a maximum charge state and a minimum charge state in order to test the energy cell 100 as part of a test program.

[0046] This arrangement allows the energy cell 100 to be secured in the system 10 by the cell fastening element 11 and the cable tensioning system 20 and the measuring system 40 to be arranged at a selectable z-height 107 on the energy cell 100, wherein the z-height 107 is definable relative to the third axis 17, i.e., the height axis. Thus, the cable tensioning system 20 and the measuring system 40 can be arranged on the energy cell 100 at or near a lower section, at different z-heights in a middle section, and / or at or near an upper section of the energy cell 100 to determine a dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the cell, e.g., an outer circumference, including performing such measurements before, during, and after a charging process and / or a discharging process by the electrical charge exchange system 50.

[0047] As a non-limiting example, the measurement system 40 may be used in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine a first circumference of the energy cell 100 at a selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point, and to determine a second circumference of the energy cell 100 when the energy cell 100 has been charged to a second SOC point, e.g., a 100% SOC point, by operation of the electric charge exchange system 50. A difference between the first and second circumferences may be determined.

[0048] Furthermore, the measuring system 40 can be used in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 after performing several charge / discharge cycles by the electrical charge exchange system 50.

[0049] A method for monitoring a dimensional parameter, e.g., a circumference, for an embodiment of the energy cell 100 described herein includes mounting the energy cell 100 in the cell mounting member 11, which is disposed in a thermally stable environment. The wire rope 30 is disposed in the loop portion 33, which is looped around an outer circumference 103 of the housing 102 of the energy cell 100, and is attached to first and second bases 22, 27 of the respective first and second tensioners 21, 26 of the tensioning system 20. The first and second bases 22, 27 of the tensioning system 20 are also attached to the measurement system 40.

[0050] The first and second terminals 108, 109 of the energy cell 100 are electrically connected to the electrical charge exchange system 50. The electrical charge exchange system 50 performs one or more charge / discharge cycles on the energy cell and simultaneously monitors a dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell 100 via the measurement system 40. In one embodiment, the dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell 100 is an outer circumference.

[0051] The charge / discharge cycle may include initially discharging the energy cell 100 to a 0% SOC point, charging the energy cell 100 to a 100% SOC point, and then discharging the energy cell to the 0% SOC point. During the charge / discharge cycle, the measurement system 40 may be used in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine a circumference of the energy cell 100 at a selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point, to determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 when the energy cell 100 has been charged to a second SOC point, e.g., to a 100% SOC point, by operation of the electrical charge exchange system 50, and then to determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 at the selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point, e.g.,to a 100% SOC point, charged by operation of the electric charge exchange system 50, and then determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 at the selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at the 0% state of charge (SOC) point after discharging.

[0052] Fig. 3 graphically illustrates the relationship between the SOC 310 (shown on the horizontal axis) and the dimensional parameter 320 of the outer circumference of the energy cell 100 (shown on the vertical axis) during charging 302 and during discharging 304, also indicating the hysteresis 306.

[0053] Fig.4 graphically illustrates a relationship 402 between a state of life (SOL) 410 and a net linear displacement 420 (or an irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer periphery of the energy cell 100) after repeated charge and discharge cycles. The relationship 402 indicates that the net linear displacement 420 (or the irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer periphery of the energy cell 100) initially remains unchanged during repeated charge and discharge cycles, but after a number of charge / discharge cycles specified by 404, an irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer periphery of the energy cell 100 occurs. This information can be used to determine an intercalation-induced volume change for the energy cell based on the reversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer periphery of the energy cell.This information can also be used to determine a volume change caused by a side reaction based on the irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the outer periphery of the energy cell, using known methods.

[0054] For the sake of brevity, techniques for signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) are not described in detail here. Furthermore, the connecting lines depicted in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between the various elements. Alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] The term "control device" and related terms such as microcontroller, controller, control unit, processor, etc., refer to one or more combinations of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), electronic circuits, central processing units, e.g., microprocessor(s), and associated non-volatile memory component(s) in the form of memory and storage devices (read-only, programmable read-only, random access, hard disk, etc.). The non-volatile memory component is capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuits, input / output circuits and devices, signal conditioning, buffer circuits, and other components that can be accessed and executed by one or more processors to provide a described functionality.Input / output circuits and devices include analog-to-digital converters and related devices that monitor inputs from sensors, where these inputs are monitored at a preset sampling frequency or in response to a triggering event. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms refer to sets of instructions executable by the controller, including calibrations and lookup tables. Every controller executes control routine(s) to provide the desired functions. The routines can be executed at regular intervals, for example, every 100 microseconds during operation. Alternatively, routines can be executed in response to the occurrence of a triggering event.Communication between control units, actuators, and / or sensors can occur via a direct-wired point-to-point connection, a networked communication bus connection, a wireless connection, or another communication link. Communication involves the exchange of data signals, including, for example, electrical signals over a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals over air, optical signals over fiber optics, etc. The data signals can include discrete, analog, and / or digitized analog signals representing inputs from sensors, actuator commands, and communication between control units.

[0056] The term "signal" refers to a physically perceptible indicator that conveys information and can be any suitable waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic), such as direct current, alternating current, sine waves, triangular waves, square waves, vibrations, and the like, that can propagate through a medium.

[0057] The terms "calibration," "calibrated," and related terms refer to a result or process that relates a desired parameter and one or more perceived or observed parameters for a device or system. A calibration described here may be reduced to a storable parameter table, a set of executable equations, or another suitable form that can be used as part of a measurement or control routine.

[0058] A parameter is defined as a measurable quantity representing a physical property of a device or other element that can be determined using one or more sensors and / or a physical model. A parameter can be a discrete value (e.g., either "1" or "0"), a percentage (e.g., 0% to 100%), or a continuously adjustable value.

[0059] The term “model” refers to a processor-based or processor-executable code and associated calibration that simulates the physical existence of a device or physical process.

[0060] The detailed description and the drawings or figures support and describe the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative embodiments for carrying out the present teachings exist, as defined in the claims.

Claims

[1] System for an energy cell, the system comprising: a wire rope, the wire rope having a first end and a second end, and the wire rope being displaceable around an outer periphery of a power cell; a tensioning system including a first tensioner attached to a first end of the wire rope and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the wire rope; and a measuring system comprising a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor connected to a control unit; the wire rope is looped around the energy cell; wherein the first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner, and wherein the second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner; and wherein the measuring system serves to determine a dimensional parameter of the energy cell. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the measuring system determines a length of the outer circumference of the energy cell. [3] The system of claim 1, further comprising: a charge exchange system; where the charge exchange system can be connected to the energy cell. [4] System according to claim 3: wherein the charge exchange system operates to perform a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell; and wherein the measuring system operates to determine the dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell simultaneously with the charge exchange system that performs the charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell. [5] The system of claim 4, wherein the energy cell has a cylindrical configuration; wherein the measuring system is capable of determining a circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of the wire rope determined via the first linear displacement transducer and the second linear displacement transducer. [6] The system of claim 5, wherein the measuring system is capable of: to determine a first circumference of the energy cell at a state of charge (SOC) of 0%; determine a second circumference of the energy cell at a second SOC point; and to determine a difference between the first and the second circumference. [7] The system of claim 1, wherein the tensioning system is arranged such that the first tensioner is arranged to exert a tensile force across the first end of the wire rope tangential to the energy cell, and the second tensioner is arranged to exert a tensile force across the second end of the wire rope tangential to the energy cell when the wire rope is arranged around the outer circumference of the energy cell. [8] System according to claim 1: wherein the energy cell defines a survey axis; and wherein the clamping system can be arranged on the energy cell at a z-height, wherein the z-height can be defined relative to the height axis. [9] The system of claim 1, wherein the wire rope is made of a nickel-iron alloy, including an Invar alloy. [10] A method for monitoring a dimensional parameter for an energy cell, the method comprising: Mounting an energy cell in a holder located in a thermally stable environment; Arranging a wire rope in a loop around the outer circumference of the energy cell; Attaching the wire rope to a base of a tensioning system; Attaching the base of the clamping system to a measuring system; and Performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell via a charge exchange system and simultaneously monitoring a dimensional parameter of the outer circumference of the energy cell via the measuring system.

Images