Cell barrier for a prismatic battery cell

Abstract

A cell barrier for preventing thermal runaway (TRP) in a prismatic battery cell comprises a fire-resistant paper with a top and a bottom. The cell barrier further comprises a top cap with a venting feature. The top cap is attached to the bottom of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a left side plate and a right side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a flexible thermal barrier attached to either the left side plate or the right side plate. The top cap is positioned between the left side plate and the right side plate. The cell barrier is positioned adjacent to the prismatic battery cell.

Description

Introduction

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cell barrier for a prismatic battery cell. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cell barrier for a high-nickel prismatic battery cell for preventing the propagation of thermal runaway (TRP).

[0002] A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), such as a prismatic battery, comprises a multitude of prismatic battery cells. Each prismatic battery cell includes an anode and a cathode, separated by an electrically insulating separator material. The prismatic battery cells are typically arranged side-by-side within a case or enclosure to protect them from the environment. The prismatic battery cells in the RESS can be subjected to an uncontrolled thermal event known as thermal runaway (TRP). A prismatic battery cell undergoing TRP can cause a neighboring prismatic battery cell to also experience a temperature increase.Increasing the temperature across one or more of the prismatic battery cells can cause the RESS to undergo TRP.

[0003] One solution to prevent the RESS from being subjected to TRP is to enclose the RESS in a protective barrier. While this is effective for managing TRP within the RESS, there is a need for a new and improved system and procedure to prevent TRP in each of the prismatic battery cells.

[0004] DE 10 2024 132 133 A1 describes a battery module comprising a battery cell, a first battery cell and a second battery cell which is different from the first battery cell, a module frame which forms a cell receiving part in which the battery cell is housed, and a cell cover element which forms a venting section which discharges a fluid generated by the first battery cell from one side of the first battery cell in a vertical direction to the outside of the cell receiving part.

[0005] US 2020 / 0 235 358 A1 discloses an energy storage module comprising multiple energy storage devices, each with a housing, a glass fiber mat consisting predominantly of glass fibers arranged between the housings, and a retaining means that accommodates the energy storage devices and the glass fiber mat, wherein the glass fiber mat is compressed between the energy storage devices.

[0006] CN 2 11 789 178 U discloses a protection against thermal runaway of a lithium battery with a housing in which a receiving groove with a thermal insulation component is arranged, wherein the thermal insulation component comprises a thermal insulation element with an FPC component arranged on it as well as lateral first and a second blocking element to which a multi-layer insulating structure of mica paper, ceramic felt and foam board is glued, so that improved thermal insulation is achieved compared to a pure foam arrangement, while simplifying the design and assembly.

[0007] WO 2024 / 083 875 A1 shows a battery cell and a housing system with a housing body consisting of a base and side walls, wherein the base and side walls each have a metallic, thermally conductive layer, the side walls are additionally surrounded by a barrier layer which lies flat against the conductive layer, while the base is free of the barrier layer, and wherein the barrier layer has a higher thermal resistance than the conductive layer. Summary

[0008] The object of the invention is to prevent TRP in each of the prismatic battery cells. This object is achieved by the subject matter according to claim 1. Further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] A cell barrier is provided to prevent thermal runaway (TRP) in a prismatic battery cell, according to several aspects. The prismatic battery cell has a first surface, a second surface, and a top cap. The cell barrier comprises a fire-resistant paper with a top and a bottom opposite the top. The cell barrier further comprises a top cap attached to the bottom of the fire-resistant paper. The top cap includes a vent. The cell barrier further comprises a left side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a right side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a flexible thermal barrier attached to either the left or the right side plate.The top cap is positioned between the left and right side plates. The right side plate is adjacent to the first surface of the prismatic battery cell. The left side plate is adjacent to the second surface of the prismatic battery cell. The top cap is adjacent to the top of the prismatic battery cell.

[0010] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, the fire-resistant paper further comprises an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the underside of the fire-resistant paper to the upper cap.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fire-resistant paper further comprises an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the top surface of the fire-resistant paper to the left side panel.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the fire-resistant paper further comprises an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the top surface of the fire-resistant paper to the right side panel.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the venting feature is defined by a perforated edge. The perforated edge is arranged on an upper surface of the upper cap and extends through a lower surface of the upper cap.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the venting feature is a weakened material arranged on an upper surface of the upper cap and extending through a lower surface of the upper cap.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the upper cap further comprises a thermistor cutout. The thermistor cutout is arranged on the upper surface of the upper cap and extends through the lower surface of the upper cap. The thermistor cutout is positioned between the vent feature and an upper edge of the upper cap.

[0016] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the upper cap further comprises a first cell connection cutout. The first cell connection cutout is arranged on the upper surface of the upper cap and extends through the lower surface of the upper cap. The first connection cutout approaches an upper edge of the upper cap and is positioned between the vent feature and the upper edge.

[0017] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the upper cap further comprises a first cell connection cutout. The first cell connection cutout is arranged on the upper surface of the upper cap and extends through the lower surface of the upper cap. The first connection cutout approaches an upper edge of the upper cap and is positioned between the vent feature and the upper edge.

[0018] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the upper cap further comprises a second cell connection cutout. The second cell connection cutout is arranged on the upper surface of the upper cap and extends through the lower surface of the upper cap. The second connection cutout approaches a lower edge of the upper cap and is positioned between the vent feature and the lower edge.

[0019] In another aspect of the present revelation, the upper hat, the left side plate and the right side plate are made of mica.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the flexible thermal barrier further comprises an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the flexible thermal barrier to either the left side panel or the right side panel.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the left side plate matches the contour and size of the first surface of the prismatic battery cell and covers the first surface.

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the right side plate corresponds to the contour and size of the second surface of the prismatic cell and covers the second surface.

[0023] A battery module for a prismatic battery is provided according to several aspects. The battery module comprises a prismatic battery cell arranged within the module. The prismatic battery cell includes a top cap with an upper and a lower rim. The top cap includes a cell vent. The cell vent is located on the top cap. The top cap also includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned between the cell vent and the first cell terminal. The top cap also includes a first cell terminal. The first cell terminal is positioned between the upper rim and the temperature sensor. The top cap also includes a second cell terminal. The second cell terminal is positioned between the lower rim and the cell vent. The prismatic battery cell also includes a first surface. The first surface is positioned adjacent to the top cap.The prismatic battery cell further comprises a second surface. The second surface is positioned adjacent to the top cap. The battery module further comprises a cell barrier attached to the prismatic battery cell. The cell barrier comprises a fire-resistant paper with a top and a bottom opposite the top. The cell barrier further comprises a top cap attached to the underside of the fire-resistant paper. The top cap includes a vent feature. The vent feature extends from a top surface of the top cap to a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The top cap further comprises a thermistor cutout. The thermistor cutout extends from the top surface to the bottom surface. The top cap further comprises a first cell terminal cutout. The first cell terminal cutout extends from the top surface to the bottom surface.The top cap further comprises a second cell terminal cutout. The second cell terminal cutout extends from the top surface to the bottom surface. The cell barrier further comprises a left side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a right side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a flexible thermal barrier attached to either the left or the right side plate. The top cap is positioned between the left and right side plates. The left side plate is adjacent to the first surface of the prismatic battery cell. The right side plate is adjacent to the second surface of the prismatic battery cell. The top cap is adjacent to the top of the prismatic battery cell.

[0024] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cell venting of the upper cap is aligned with the venting feature of the cell barrier.

[0025] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the temperature sensor of the upper cap is aligned with the thermistor cutout of the cell barrier.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first cell connection of the upper cap is aligned with the first cell connection cutout of the cell barrier.

[0027] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second cell connection of the upper cap is aligned with the second cell connection cutout of the cell barrier.

[0028] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the prismatic battery cell is a prismatic battery cell with a high nickel content.

[0029] A method for attaching a cell barrier to a prismatic battery cell to prevent thermal runaway (TRP) within the prismatic battery cell is provided according to several aspects. The method includes assembling a cell barrier. The cell barrier comprises a fire-resistant paper with a top and a bottom opposite the top. The cell barrier further comprises a top cap attached to the bottom of the fire-resistant paper. The top cap includes a venting feature. The venting feature extends from an upper surface of the top cap to a lower surface opposite the top surface. The top cap further comprises a thermistor cutout. The thermistor cutout extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The top cap further comprises a first cell terminal cutout.The first cell terminal cutout extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The top cap further comprises a second cell terminal cutout. The second cell terminal cutout extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The cell barrier further comprises a left side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a right side plate attached to the top of the fire-resistant paper. The cell barrier further comprises a flexible thermal barrier attached to either the left side plate or the right side plate. The top cap is positioned between the left side plate and the right side plate. The method further comprises attaching a plurality of suction cups to the cell barrier. The method further comprises aligning the cell barrier with the prismatic battery cell.The prismatic battery cell comprises a first surface. The first surface is aligned with the left side plate. The prismatic battery cell further comprises a second surface. The second surface is aligned with the right side. The prismatic battery cell further comprises a top cap. The top cap includes a cell vent. The cell vent is aligned with the vent feature of the top cap. The top cap further comprises a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is aligned with the thermistor cutout of the top cap. The top cap further comprises a first cell terminal. The first cell terminal is aligned with the first terminal cutout of the top cap. The top cap further comprises a second cell terminal. The second cell terminal is aligned with the second terminal cutout of the top cap.The method further includes maneuvering the left side plate towards the first surface of the prismatic battery cell. The method further includes maneuvering the right side plate towards the second surface of the prismatic battery cell. The method further includes removing the suction cups from the cell barrier in order to attach the cell barrier to the prismatic battery cell.

[0030] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. It is understood that the description and specific examples serve only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] 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. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle comprising a battery pack with a cell barrier attached to a plurality of prismatic battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cell barrier attached to the plurality of prismatic battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the cell barrier according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of the cell barrier attached to the plurality of prismatic battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart for a method for attaching the cell barrier to each of the plurality of prismatic battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the method for attaching the cell barrier to each of the plurality of prismatic battery cells according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed description

[0032] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or uses.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 1 is a cell barrier 10 (shown in Fig. 2) for a battery pack 12 arranged in a vehicle 14. The battery pack 12 comprises a plurality of battery modules 16 which are electronically interconnected. Each of the battery modules 16 comprises a housing 18 which contains a plurality of prismatic battery cells 20 (shown in Fig. 2) includes. It is understood that Fig. Figure 1 is merely exemplary, and the multitude of battery modules 16 are not limited to being used as a battery for vehicle 14. In fact, the battery modules 16 can be used in a variety of other electromobility and stationary applications. It should also be understood that while vehicle 14 is illustrated as a sedan, it can be any type of vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a truck, an SUV, a van, or a motorhome.

[0034] With reference to Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cell barrier 10, which is attached to each of the plurality of prismatic battery cells 20. Attaching the cell barrier 10 to the plurality of prismatic battery cells 20 prevents the propagation of thermal runaway (TRP). The cell barrier 10 comprises a fire-resistant paper 22, a flexible thermal barrier 24, a top cap 26, a left side plate 28, and a right side plate 30.

[0035] The fire-resistant paper 22 can be mica tape or ceramic paper, but is not limited to these. The fire-resistant paper 22 adheres to the top cap 26, the left side plate 28, and the right side plate 30. The fire-resistant paper 22 comprises a top 32 and a bottom 34, with the top 32 facing the bottom 34. An adhesive 35 is applied to the top 32 of the fire-resistant paper 22, thereby adhering the top cap 26 to the top 32. The adhesive 35 is also applied to the bottom 34 of the fire-resistant paper 22, thereby adhering the left side plate 28 and the right side plate 30 to the bottom 34.

[0036] The flexible thermal barrier 24 can be an aerogel mat, but is not limited to this. The adhesive 35 is applied to the flexible thermal barrier 24, thereby bonding the flexible thermal barrier 24 to either the left side plate 28 or the right side plate 30. The top cap 26, the left side plate 28, and the right side plate 30 are described in more detail below.

[0037] The multiple prismatic battery cells 20 comprise a first surface 36, a second surface 38, and a top cap 40. It is understood that each of the prismatic battery cells 20 is identical, and therefore only one of the prismatic battery cells 20 is described herein. The left side plate 28 is adjacent to the first surface 36 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The right side plate 30 is adjacent to the second surface 38 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The top cap 26 is adjacent to the top cap 40 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The top cap 40 includes a temperature sensor (not shown), a cell vent 42, a first cell terminal (not shown), and a second cell terminal (not shown).

[0038] The temperature sensor (not shown) is used to detect and monitor the temperature of the prismatic battery cell 20. The temperature sensor can be, but is not limited to, a thermistor, a thermocouple, an infrared (IR) sensor, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), a semiconductor-based integrated circuit. If the temperature sensor detects an abnormal temperature rise that increases the internal pressure of the prismatic battery cell 20, the cell vent 42 is activated to release the accumulated pressure and gas. This helps prevent the cell from undergoing TRP (thermal stress reduction).

[0039] The first cell terminal (not shown) and the second cell terminal (not shown) are points of the prismatic battery cell 20 where the battery modules 16 (in Fig. (1 shown) are connected to an external circuit. The first cell terminal is a positive terminal and the second cell terminal is a negative terminal. The first and second cell terminals can also be used to monitor the voltage and temperature of the prismatic battery cell 20.

[0040] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the upper cap 26. The upper cap 26 can be mica, but is not limited to this. The upper cap 26 comprises a vent feature 44, a thermistor cutout 46, a first cell terminal cutout 48, and a second cell terminal cutout 50. The vent feature 44 is located on an upper surface 52 of the upper cap 26 and extends to a lower surface 54 (in Fig. (2 shown) of the upper cap 26, wherein the lower surface 54 faces the upper surface 52. The vent feature 44 can define a perforated edge. The perforated edge weakens a contour of the vent feature 44, causing the vent feature 44 to detach from the upper cap 26 while under pressure. Pressure is exerted on the vent feature 44 when the internal pressure of the prismatic battery cell 20 increases, thereby activating the cell vent 42 to release the accumulated pressure and gas. Alternatively, the vent feature 44 can be made of a weakened material, such as a thin layer of mica, but is not limited to this. The weakened material of the vent feature 44 causes the vent feature 44 to detach from the upper cap 26 while under pressure from the cell vent 42.

[0041] The thermistor cutout 46 is arranged on the upper surface 52 of the upper cap 26 and extends through the lower surface 54 (in Fig. (2 shown) of the upper cap 26. The thermistor cutout 46 is positioned between the vent feature 44 and the first cell terminal cutout 48. The first cell terminal cutout 48 is located on the upper surface 52 of the upper cap 26 and extends through the lower surface 54 of the upper cap 26. The first cell terminal cutout 48 approaches an upper edge 56 of the upper cap 26 and is positioned between the upper edge 56 and the thermistor cutout 46. The second cell terminal cutout 50 is located on the upper surface 52 of the upper cap 26 and extends through the lower surface 54 of the upper cap 26. The second cell terminal cutout 50 approaches a lower edge 58 of the upper cap 26 and is positioned between the lower edge 58 and the vent feature 44.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the cell barrier 10 attached to the prismatic battery cell 20. It is understood that the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 of the prismatic battery cell 20 are identical but opposite in orientation. Additionally, the left side plate 28 and the right side plate 30 have identical features but are positioned on different surfaces of the prismatic battery cell 20. The left side plate 28 and the right side plate 30 can be mica, but are not limited to this. The left side plate 28 is attached to the first surface 36 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The left side plate 28 matches the contour and size of the first surface 36 and covers the entire first surface 36. The right side plate 30 is attached to the second surface 38 of the prismatic battery cell 20.The right side panel 30 matches the contour and size of the second surface 38 and covers the entire second surface 38. The flexible thermal barrier 24 can be attached to either the left side panel 28 or the right side panel 30. The flexible thermal barrier 24 matches the contour and size of both the left side panel 28 and the right side panel 30.

[0043] The top surface 32 of the fire-resistant paper 22 is glued to the left side panel 28 and the right side panel 30. The fire-resistant paper 22 has a width that matches the left side panel 28 and the right side panel 30. The fire-resistant paper 22 has a length that extends from the left side panel 28 to the right side panel 30 and has corners 39 (in Fig. (2 shown) the prismatic battery cell 20 is covered. The corners 39 of the prismatic battery cell 20 are positioned between the upper cap 26 and the left side plate 28 and between the upper cap 26 and the right side plate 30. Thus, the cell barrier 10 wraps around the prismatic battery cell 20.

[0044] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is Fig. 5 a flowchart for a procedure for attaching the cell barrier 10 to each of the plurality of prismatic battery cells 20 and Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the procedure. The procedure begins with step 102. In step 102, the cell barrier 10 is assembled. The cell barrier 10 comprises the fire-resistant paper 22, the top cap 26, the left side plate 28, and the right side plate 30. The cell barrier 10 is assembled by applying the adhesive 35 to the fire-resistant paper 22. The bottom 34 of the fire-resistant paper 22 is glued to the top cap 26. The top 32 of the fire-resistant paper 22 is glued to the left side plate 28 and the right side plate 30. The top cap 26 is positioned between the left side plate 28 and the right side plate 30. The cell barrier 10 further comprises the flexible thermal barrier 24, which is glued to either the left side plate 28 or the right side plate 30. The procedure continues with step 104.

[0045] In step 104, a plurality of suction cups 60 are attached to the cell barrier 10. The plurality of suction cups 60 can be attached to the flexible thermal barrier 24, the fire-resistant paper 22, and the left side plate 28 or the right side plate 30. The procedure continues with step 106. In step 106, the upper cap 26 is aligned with the upper cap 40 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The vent feature 44 of the upper cap 26 is aligned with the cell vent 42 of the upper cap 40. The thermistor cutout 46 (in Fig. 3 shown) is aligned with the temperature sensor (not shown) of the upper cap 40. The first cell connection cutout 48 (in Fig. 3) is aligned with the first cell connection (not shown) of the upper cap 40. The second cell connection cutout 50 (in Fig.(3 shown) is aligned with the second cell terminal (not shown) of the upper cap 40. The procedure continues with step 108.

[0046] In step 108, the left side plate 28 is maneuvered toward the first surface 36 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The procedure continues with step 110. In step 110, the right side plate 30 is maneuvered toward the second surface 38 of the prismatic battery cell 20. The procedure continues with step 112. In step 112, the left side plate 28 is in contact with the first surface 36 and the right side plate 30 is in contact with the second surface 38. The left side plate 28 matches the contour and size of the first surface 36 and covers the entire first surface 36. The right side plate 30 matches the contour and size of the second surface 38 and covers the entire second surface 38. The procedure continues with step 114. In step 114, the multitude of suction cups 60 are removed from the cell barrier 10 and the cell barrier 10 is attached to the prismatic battery cell 20.

[0047] The cell barrier 10 and the method for attaching the cell barrier 10 to the prismatic battery cell 20 offer many advantages. The cell barrier 10 provides TRP protection for each prismatic battery cell 20 of the battery module 16. Protecting each prismatic battery cell 20 from TRP provides a high level of TRP protection for the entire battery pack 12. The cell barrier 10 limits the risk that one of the multiple prismatic battery cells 20 subjected to TRP will cause an adjacent prismatic battery cell 20 to be subjected to TRP. The method for attaching the cell barrier 10 to the multiple prismatic battery cells 20 enables a shorter manufacturing cycle time.

[0048] The description of the present revelation is merely exemplary, and variations that do not deviate from the core of the present revelation are to be considered within the scope of the present revelation. Such variations should not be regarded as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the present revelation.

Claims

[1] Cell barrier (10) for preventing thermal runaway propagation, TRP, in a prismatic battery cell (20), wherein the prismatic battery cell (20) has a first surface (36), a second surface (38) and a top cap (40), comprising the cell barrier (10): a fire-resistant paper (22) with a top (32) and a bottom (34) opposite the top (32); an upper hat (26) attached to the underside (34) of the fire-resistant paper (22), wherein the upper cap (26) includes a venting feature (44); a left side plate (28) attached to the top (32) of the fire-resistant paper (22); a right side plate (30) attached to the top (32) of the fire-resistant paper (22); and a flexible thermal barrier (24) which is attached either to the left side panel (28) or the right side panel (30), wherein the upper cap (26) is arranged between the left side plate (28) and the right side plate (30), and wherein the right side plate (30) is positioned adjacent to the first surface (36) of the prismatic battery cell (20), the left side plate (28) is positioned adjacent to the second surface (38) of the prismatic battery cell (20), and the upper cap (26) is positioned adjacent to the upper cap (40) of the prismatic battery cell (20). [2] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fire-resistant paper (22) further comprises an adhesive (35), wherein the adhesive (35) adheres the underside (34) of the fire-resistant paper (22) to the upper cap (26). [3] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fire-resistant paper (22) further comprises an adhesive (35), wherein the adhesive (35) adheres the top surface (32) of the fire-resistant paper (22) to the left side panel (28). [4] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fire-resistant paper (22) further comprises an adhesive (35), wherein the adhesive (35) adheres the top surface (32) of the fire-resistant paper (22) to the right side plate (30). [5] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the venting feature (44) is defined by a perforated edge and wherein the perforated edge is arranged on an upper surface (52) of the upper cap (26) and extends through a lower surface (54) of the upper cap (26). [6] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the venting feature (44) is a weakened material arranged on an upper surface (52) of the upper cap (26) and extending through a lower surface (54) of the upper cap (26). [7] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper cap (26) further comprises a thermistor cutout (46), wherein the thermistor cutout (46) is arranged on an upper surface (52) of the upper cap (26) and extends through a lower surface (54) of the upper cap (26) and wherein the thermistor cutout (46) is positioned between the vent feature (44) and an upper edge (56) of the upper cap (26). [8] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper cap (26) further comprises a first cell connection cutout (48), wherein the first cell connection cutout (48) is arranged on an upper surface (52) of the upper cap (26) and extends through a lower surface (54) of the upper cap (26) and wherein the first cell connection cutout (48) approaches an upper edge (56) of the upper cap (26) and is positioned between the vent feature (44) and the upper edge (56). [9] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper cap (26) further comprises a second cell connection cutout (50), wherein the second cell connection cutout (50) is arranged on an upper surface (52) of the upper cap (26) and extends through a lower surface (54) of the upper cap (26) and wherein the second cell connection cutout (50) approaches a lower edge (58) of the upper cap (26) and is positioned between the vent feature (44) and the lower edge (58). [10] Cell barrier (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper cap (26), the left side plate (28) and the right side plate (30) are made of mica.

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