Module for assembly of electrochemical cells, corresponding electrochemical assembly, method for manufacturing a support element and method for assembling a module

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochemical module (4) for an assembly (2) of electrochemical cells (10), said electrochemical module delimiting electrochemical cell housings (30). The electrochemical module comprises one electrochemical cell (10) for each electrochemical cell housing (30) and one of the electrochemical cells is arranged in each electrochemical cell housing. Each electrochemical cell comprises a side surface. The electrochemical module comprises two elements (36) for supporting the electrochemical cells. Each electrochemical cell (10) is supported by two support elements (36). Each electrochemical cell housing (30) is partially delimited by two adjacent support elements. The support elements are in contact with the side surface of at least one electrochemical cell. The support elements (36) are made of an aluminium-based material, in particular aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Module for assembling electrochemical cells, Electrochemical assembly, Method for manufacturing a holding element and Method for assembling a corresponding module

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrochemical module for an assembly of electrochemical cells, the electrochemical module delimiting electrochemical cell housings, the electrochemical module comprising, one electrochemical cell for each electrochemical cell housing, one of the electrochemical cells being arranged in each electrochemical cell housing, each electrochemical cell comprising a lateral surface, the electrochemical module comprising at least two electrochemical cell holding elements, each electrochemical cell is held by two, in particular exactly two, holding elements, each electrochemical cell housing being partly delimited by two adjacent holding elements, and the holding elements being in contact with the lateral surface of at least one electrochemical cell.

[0003] From document US2013 / 183566 with reference to Figures 29 and 30, an electrochemical battery module comprising cylindrical batteries and heat distribution elements is known. The heat distribution elements are formed by sheet-shaped graphite material, foam-shaped graphite or extruded graphite.

[0004] This battery module has limited heat distribution capacity and limited lifespan for a given size.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to propose an electrochemical cell module or battery module having a significant heat distribution capacity and a long service life, while being economical.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a module as indicated above, characterized in that the holding elements are made of an aluminum-based material, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0007] According to particular embodiments of the module, it may include one or more of the following characteristics:

[0008] - the aluminum content by weight of the material of each holding element is at least 70%, preferably at least 85%; - each of the holding elements is an extruded profile, in particular a single piece;

[0009] - the electrochemical cell housings are arranged in housing rows and housing columns, and the holding elements comprise at least one inter-row holding element, adapted to hold the electrochemical cells of two adjacent cell rows and end holding elements, adapted to hold the cells of a single cell row and forming an end surface of the electrochemical module;

[0010] - each holding element comprises at least two housing surfaces, each housing surface defining a portion of an electrochemical cell housing;

[0011] - the electrochemical module comprises a first terminal flange, delimiting, for each electrochemical cell housing, an end portion of this electrochemical cell housing and in which this end portion is adapted to house one end of the associated electrochemical cell;

[0012] - the electrochemical module comprises a cooling plate, and wherein the first terminal flange is arranged between the cooling plate and the holding elements;

[0013] - the electrochemical module comprises thermal bridge elements, each thermal bridge element being adapted to thermally connect a holding element to the cooling plate, the first terminal flange forms, for each thermal bridge element, a thermal bridge housing, and each thermal bridge element is housed in the associated thermal bridge housing;

[0014] - the electrochemical module comprises, for each thermal bridge element, a thermal shim, in particular made of a silicone-based material, arranged between the thermal bridge element and the cooling plate, in which the thermal shim has a thermal conductivity of at least 3W / mK or 5W / mK, and an elasticity greater than that of the cooling plate and the thermal bridge element;

[0015] - the electrochemical module comprises a second end flange, delimiting, for each electrochemical cell housing, an end portion of this electrochemical cell housing and in which this end portion is adapted to house one end of the associated electrochemical cell, and where appropriate, in which the second end flange is arranged opposite the first end flange; - the lateral surface of each cell is cylindrical, in particular of circular section, and / or each electrochemical cell is held by exactly two holding elements;

[0016] - each electrochemical cell comprises a housing and an electrically insulating layer disposed on the housing and in which the electrically insulating layer forms the lateral surface; and

[0017] - the lateral surface of each electrochemical cell is of circular section having a given cell radius (RC), and in which each housing surface comprises a housing radius (RL) and in which the housing radius is between the cell radius RC and 1.05 times the cell radius (RC).

[0018] The invention also relates to an electrochemical assembly, characterized in that it comprises at least two electrochemical modules as defined above, and a common, single-piece cooling plate and in that the common cooling plate constitutes the cooling plate of each electrochemical module.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a holding element for an electrochemical module as defined above, comprising the following steps: extruding a bar of base material by forming an extruded bar; cutting the extruded bar to length by obtaining a blank of a holding element; deburring the blank of the holding element; optionally drilling and tapping tapped holes; obtaining the holding element.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a module as defined above, comprising the following steps: providing a first end holding element; providing electrochemical cells of a first row of electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a central axis (XX); depositing each electrochemical cell radially relative to its central axis on an end holding element housing surface, forming a first row of electrochemical cells; providing an inter-row holding element; depositing the inter-row holding element on the first row of electrochemical cells, radially relative to the axis of each of the electrochemical cells of the first row of electrochemical cells;providing electrochemical cells of a second row of electrochemical cells, depositing each electrochemical cell of this second row radially with respect to its central axis on the inter-row holding element forming a second row of electrochemical cells; providing a second end holding element; and depositing the second end holding element on the second row of electrochemical cells, radially with respect to the axis of each of the electrochemical cells of the second row of electrochemical cells.;

[0021] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] [Fig 1] Figure 1 shows an electrochemical assembly according to the invention in a partially exploded view;

[0023] [Fig 2] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the electrochemical assembly according to Figure 1;

[0024] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an electrochemical module according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of an electrochemical module according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of an electrochemical module of Figure 4;

[0027] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an end holding element of an electrochemical module according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an inter-row holding element of an electrochemical module according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 4, with the electrochemical elements omitted;

[0030] [Fig 9] Figure 9 is a plan view of the electrochemical module portion of Figure 5, illustrating assembly steps of the module;

[0031] [Fig 10] Figure 10 is a view analogous to that of Figure 9, but being a perspective view; and

[0032] [Fig 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first terminal flange of an electrochemical module and thermal bridge elements.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an electrochemical assembly or battery, according to the invention, designated by the general reference 2.

[0034] The electrochemical assembly 2 or battery comprises a plurality of electrochemical modules 4, which can be connected to each other. The electrochemical assembly 2 is provided with a cooling plate 6. The cooling plate 6 is in this case a common cooling plate 6, i.e. belonging to a plurality of electrochemical modules 4. The cooling plate 6 is in one piece. Alternatively, the electrochemical assembly 2 comprises a single cooling plate 6 per electrochemical module 4.

[0035] The electrochemical assembly 2 comprises in this case eight electrochemical modules 4. However, the electrochemical assembly 2 may comprise more or less than eight electrochemical modules 4, for example between two and sixteen electrochemical modules. Each electrochemical module 4 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0036] Each electrochemical module 4 is provided with a plurality of electrochemical cells 10.

[0037] Each electrochemical cell 10 comprises a lateral surface 12, in this case cylindrical and with a circular section. Alternatively, the lateral surface 12 may be cylindrical with a non-circular section or have another shape. Each electrochemical cell 10 extends along a central axis XX of this electrochemical cell.

[0038] In the following, the terms “axially”, “radially” and “circumferentially” will be used in relation to one of the axes XX of an electrochemical element 10 or of the electrochemical element concerned each time.

[0039] Each electrochemical cell 10 is a Lithium-Ion type electrochemical cell. Preferably, each electrochemical cell is of the LiFePO4, LiMnFePO4, or LiVPO4F type.

[0040] An electrochemical element of the LiFePO4 or LiMnFePO4 type is understood to mean an electrochemical element whose positive electrode (cathode) comprises one or more electrochemically active materials, at least one of which is based on a lithium phosphate of at least one transition metal, of formula Li x Fei-yM y PO4, where M is selected from the group consisting of B, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb and Mo; 0.8 <x<1 ,2 ; et 0<y<0,6.

[0041] An electrochemical element of the LiVPO4F type is understood to mean an electrochemical element whose positive electrode (cathode) comprises one or more electrochemically active materials, at least one of which is based on a compound of the LiVPO4F type.

[0042] Each electrochemical cell 10 comprises a casing 16, in this case made of metal, and an electrically insulating layer 18 arranged on the casing 16. The electrically insulating layer 18 forms the lateral surface 12.

[0043] The casing 16 comprises, for example, a metal wall. The electrically insulating layer 18 is, for example, a polyimide layer and an adhesive material and has an insulating thickness of between 0.15 mm and 1 mm. The electrically insulating layer 18 may be in a single layer or two superimposed partial layers, for example by essentially making two complete turns of a tape around the casing. The insulating thickness is the entire thickness of the electrically insulating layer 18. The material is, for example, an aramid tape of the type “MYOFLEX NHN 2_3_2” ® (registered trademark) from the company “Von Roll”. The thickness of the insulator and the adhesive is, for example, 0.32 mm and the thickness of the insulator alone may be 0.19 mm + / - 10%.

[0044] In this case, the lateral surface 12 has a circular cross-section and has a given cell radius RC. This cell radius RC is, for example, between 54mm and 54.6mm. The cell radius RC can, for example, also be between 28mm and 70mm.

[0045] The electrochemical cells 10 of an electrochemical module 4 are arranged in rows of cells 20 and columns of cells 22 (see Figure 4). The electrochemical cells 10 of each row of cells 20 have parallel and coplanar central axes XX. The distance between two adjacent rows of cells 20 is greater than the diameter of each electrochemical cell. The rows of cells 20 are therefore not nested within each other.

[0046] The electrochemical cells 10 of each column of cells 22 have parallel and coplanar central axes XX. The distance between two adjacent columns of cells 22 is greater than the diameter of each electrochemical cell. The columns of cells 22 are therefore not nested within each other.

[0047] In this case, each electrochemical module 4 comprises three electrochemical cells per row of cells 20 and four electrochemical cells 10 per column of cells 22.

[0048] The electrochemical module 4 delimits electrochemical cell housings 30. Each electrochemical cell housing 30 receives one of the electrochemical cells 10.

[0049] These electrochemical cell housings 30 are arranged in rows of housings 32 and columns of housings 34. These rows of housings 32 and columns of housings 34 correspond to the rows of cells 20 and columns of cells 22 and their arrangement is identical.

[0050] The electrochemical module 4 comprises at least two holding elements 36 for the electrochemical cells 10. Each electrochemical cell housing 30 is partly delimited by two adjacent holding elements 36. The holding elements 36 are adapted to be in contact with the lateral surface 12 of at least one electrochemical cell 10. In this case, each time two adjacent holding elements 36 receive between them the electrochemical cells 10 of a row of cells 20 and hold these electrochemical cells 10.

[0051] For this purpose, each holding element 36 comprises, for each electrochemical cell 10, a housing surface 38 which is complementary to a segment of the lateral surface 12 of the electrochemical cell. Generally, each holding element 36 comprises at least two housing surfaces 38. Each housing surface delimits a portion of an electrochemical cell housing.

[0052] Generally speaking, in the assembled state of the electrochemical module 4, each electrochemical cell 10 is held radially by two, in particular exactly two, adjacent holding elements 36.

[0053] The housing surface 38 surrounds the side surface 12 of the associated electrochemical cell 10 preferably over at least 30% of the circumference of the side surface 12 and preferably over at least 40% of this circumference. The housing surface 38 surrounds the side surface 12 of the associated electrochemical cell preferably over less than 50% of the circumference of the side surface 12 or preferably over less than 45% of this circumference.

[0054] In the present case, where the electrochemical cells 10 have a cylindrical surface with a circular section, this means that the housing surface 38 extends over an angular sector corresponding to at least 118° (30%) of the circumference and preferably over at least 144° (40%) of the circumference. Similarly, in the present case, the housing surface 38 surrounds the lateral surface 12 of the associated electrochemical cell over an angular sector less than 180° (50%) of the circumference or preferably over an angular sector less than 162° (45%) of this circumference.

[0055] Furthermore, the housing surface 38 may have an axial length LAL which is at least 50% of the axial length LAC of the electrochemical cell 10 or at least 60% of the axial length LAC. Preferably the length LAL is at least 70% of LAC.

[0056] The axial length LAL of the housing surface 38 may also be less than 90%, 80% or 70% of the axial length LAC.

[0057] Each housing surface 38 is for example a segment of a cylinder having a housing radius RL. The size of this housing radius RL may be between the cell radius RC and 1.05 times the cell radius RC. Alternatively, the housing radius RL may generally be greater than the cell radius RC. Thus, each electrochemical cell 10 is held in a centered manner between the holding elements. Furthermore, in the assembled state of the electrochemical module 4, the electrochemical cells 10 are held between the housing surfaces 38 by an interference fit.

[0058] Each holding element 36 is made of an aluminum-based material. Preferably, each holding element 36 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Preferably, the aluminum content by weight of the material of each holding element is at least 70%, preferably at least 85%. The aluminum content may be in % by weight.

[0059] Preferably, the aluminum-based material is a 2000 Series (copper aluminum), 5000 Series (magnesium aluminum), 6000 Series (magnesium silicon aluminum), or 7000 Series (zinc aluminum) aluminum alloy. These alloys are preferred because they are extrudable.

[0060] Each holding element 36 is advantageously an extruded profile. In this case, the material of the holding element 36 is extrudable.

[0061] Each holding element 36 is advantageously made of a single piece.

[0062] Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the material of each holding element 36 is greater than 120 W / mK, greater than 130 W / mK, greater than 150 W / mK; greater than 160 W / mK; greater than 170 W / mK; greater than 180 W / mK, and preferably greater than 200 W / mK. The thermal conductivity of the material of each holding element 36 may also be less than 250 W / mK, less than 230 W / mK, or less than 210 W / mK. The thermal conductivity of the material of each holding element 36 may be greater than the thermal conductivity of graphite.

[0063] Also preferably, the holding surfaces 38 have not been machined after extrusion and their surface condition is therefore the condition obtained by extrusion.

[0064] The holding elements 36 of the module comprise two types of holding elements, namely inter-row holding elements 40 (Figure 7) and end holding elements 42 (Figure 6).

[0065] Each inter-row holding element 40 is adapted to hold the electrochemical cells 10 of two adjacent cell rows 20. For this purpose, each inter-row holding element 40 comprises pairs of holding surfaces 38 opposite one another. The number of pairs of holding surfaces 38 is identical to the number of housing columns 34 or cell columns 22. In this case, each inter-row holding element 40 comprises exactly three pairs of holding surfaces 38.

[0066] Each end holding element 42 is adapted to hold the cells of a single cell row 20, namely of an end cell row, and furthermore forms an end surface 44 of the electrochemical module 4. The number of holding surfaces 38 is identical to the number of housing columns 34 or cell columns 22. In this case, each end holding element 42 comprises exactly three holding surfaces 38.

[0067] The number of inter-row holding elements 40 of an electrochemical module 4 is equal to the number of rows of housings 32 or number of rows of cells 20 minus two and exactly two end holding elements 42.

[0068] In the assembled state of the electrochemical module (see Figure 3 and Figure 4), the ends of the inter-row holding elements 40 and the end holding elements 42 together form two free and closed side surfaces 45 of the module. The side surfaces 45 are in this case substantially planar and rectangular.

[0069] The electrochemical module 4 comprises a first terminal flange 50 delimiting, for each electrochemical cell housing 30, an end portion 52 of this electrochemical cell housing. This end portion 52 is adapted to house an axial end of the associated electrochemical cell 10.

[0070] The first end flange 50 is electrically insulating and preferably made of plastic. The first end flange 50 is for example made of Polyamide 66. Preferably, it is a single piece and / or manufactured by injection molding.

[0071] The first end flange 50 is made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the material of the cooling plate 6 and that of the material of the holding elements 36.

[0072] The first end flange 50 is arranged between the cooling plate 6 and the holding elements 36.

[0073] The electrochemical module 4 comprises thermal bridge elements 54, each thermal bridge element being adapted to thermally connect a holding element 36, and therefore the electrochemical cells 10, to the cooling plate 6. Each thermal bridge element 54 is made of a material having a thermal conductivity substantially identical to that of the materials of the holding elements 36 and / or of the cooling plate 6. The material of each thermal bridge element 54 has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the material of the first terminal flange 50. The thermal bridge element 54 is for example made of a metal and in particular an aluminum-based alloy or aluminum.

[0074] In Figure 11 are shown in perspective the first end flange 50 and the thermal bridge elements, the thermal bridge elements 54 being outside their housing. The thermal bridge elements 54 are arranged so that, seen in plan, each thermal bridge element is adjacent to at least two electrochemical cells or cell housings. In the present case, six thermal bridge elements 54 are surrounded by four electrochemical cells and ten thermal bridge elements 54 which are adjacent to exactly two electrochemical cells.

[0075] Each thermal bridge element 54 is thermally connected to a holding element 36 and is in particular in contact with the latter.

[0076] In this case, each thermal bridge element 54 is a stepped sleeve. The thermal bridge element 54 is fixed by a fixing screw 56 axially against the holding element 36. For this purpose, each holding element 36 comprises for each fixing screw a threaded hole 58.

[0077] The first end flange 50 forms, for each thermal bridge element 54, a thermal bridge housing 66. The thermal bridge housing 66 is in this case a substantially cylindrical stepped open cavity in which the thermal bridge element 54 is received by adjustment and in particular by tight adjustment. In the absence of the fixing screw 56, the thermal bridge element 54 is advantageously held in the thermal bridge housing 66 by friction.

[0078] Each thermal bridge element 54 is housed in the associated thermal bridge housing 66. Each thermal bridge element 54 preferably slightly protrudes beyond the first end flange 50 on the cooling plate side.

[0079] The electrochemical module 4 comprises, for each thermal bridge element 54, a thermal pad 68 arranged between the associated thermal bridge element 54 and the cooling plate 6 and connecting the thermal bridge element 54 thermally to the cooling plate 6. The thermal pad 68 has a thermal conductivity of at least 3W / mK or 5W / mK, and an elasticity greater than that of the cooling plate 6 and the thermal bridge element 54. The thermal pad 68 is for example made of a silicone-based material. For example, the thermal pad 68 is made of a material having a Shore 00 hardness of 40 and a thermal conductivity of 4W / mK.

[0080] The electrochemical module 4 also comprises a second terminal flange 70 delimiting, for each electrochemical cell housing 30, an end portion 72 of this electrochemical cell housing. This end portion 72 is adapted to house an axial end of the associated electrochemical cell 10.

[0081] The second end flange 70 is arranged opposite the first end flange 50. The second end flange 70 is electrically insulating and preferably made of plastic. The second end flange 70 is for example made of Polyamide 66. Preferably, it is in one piece and / or manufactured by injection molding. The second end flange 70 is made of a material having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the material of the cooling plate and that of the material of the holding elements 36.

[0082] The holding elements 36 are manufactured according to a manufacturing method comprising the following steps:

[0083] First, a bar of base material is extruded through an extrusion die, forming an extruded bar. The base material is, for example, heated aluminum or a heated aluminum-based alloy. The temperature of the base material during this step is a temperature that allows extrusion.

[0084] Second, cutting the extruded bar to length, obtaining a blank of a holding element. The length of the blank is identical to the length of the holding element 36 to be manufactured. The blank of the holding element corresponds, for example, essentially to an inter-row holding element 40 or end holding element 42 of Figures 6 and 7, but is not yet trimmed and without threads.

[0085] Third, deburring the blank of the holding element.

[0086] Fourth, possibly drilling and / or tapping of tapped holes 58.

[0087] Thus, the holding element 36 is obtained.

[0088] Depending on the extrusion die used during extrusion, the holding element 36 obtained is for example the inter-row holding element 40 or the end holding element 42.

[0089] Advantageously, the housing surfaces 38, the end surface 44 and the surfaces, which form portions of the side surface 45, of each holding element 36, are obtained directly by extrusion, that is to say these surfaces are not machined between the extrusion and the assembly of the electrochemical module 4. In the assembled state of the electrochemical module 4, these surfaces are therefore in the extruded state.

[0090] The electrochemical modules 4 according to the invention are advantageously assembled according to a method comprising the following steps (see Figure 9):

[0091] Providing a first end holding element 42 (step E1).

[0092] Providing electrochemical cells 10 of a first row of electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell having a central axis XX (step E2).

[0093] Deposition of each electrochemical cell 10 radially relative to its central axis on a housing surface 38 of the end holding element by forming a first row of electrochemical cells (step E3). The direction of this deposition of electrochemical cell 10 on the housing surface 38 is illustrated as direction DEC in FIG. 10.

[0094] Providing an inter-row holding element 40 (step E4). Depositing the inter-row holding element 40 on the first row of electrochemical cells 10, radially relative to the axis of each of the electrochemical cells of the first row of electrochemical cells (step E5), therefore in the direction DEC.

[0095] Supplying electrochemical cells of a second row of electrochemical cells (step E6), depositing each electrochemical cell 10 of this second row radially relative to its central axis on the inter-row holding element 40 (step E7) forming a second row of electrochemical cells.

[0096] Then, possibly other inter-row holding elements 40 and other electrochemical cells 10 of other rows are provided successively and these holding elements and these electrochemical cells are deposited or stacked in a manner analogous to those deposited previously, therefore according to the direction DEC. In the example of Figure 9, two inter-row holding elements 40 and two additional rows of electrochemical cells 10 are provided and deposited.

[0097] Next, providing a second end holding element 42 (step E8).

[0098] Deposition of the second end holding element 42 on the second row of electrochemical cells or on one of the rows of additional cells (step E9), radially relative to the axis of each of the electrochemical cells of the associated row of electrochemical cells, therefore in the direction DEC.

[0099] Thus, the part of the electrochemical module of Figure 5 is obtained. This part of the electrochemical module is a successive stack of the holding elements 36 and the electrochemical cells 10, in this case a stack of a first end holding element 42, a row of electrochemical cells 10, an inter-row holding element 40, a row of electrochemical cells 10, ..., and a second end holding element 42.

[0100] Then, the first terminal flange 50 is deposited on the axial ends of the electrochemical cells, extending beyond the holding surfaces 38. This deposition is carried out in an axial movement along the central axes XX of the electrochemical cells 10. This axial movement is shown in FIG. 11 as direction DEB.

[0101] If necessary, before this deposition or simultaneously, the stack of holding elements 36 and electrochemical cells 10 is compressed or clamped.

[0102] Then, the thermal bridge elements 54 are inserted into the thermal bridge housings 66 and the first end flange 50 is fixed, together with the thermal bridge elements to the holding elements 36, in this case by screwing.

[0103] Then, the second end flange 70 is deposited on the other axial ends of the electrochemical cells 10, protruding from the holding surfaces 38 on the side opposite the first end flange 50. This deposition is also carried out according to an axial movement along the central axes XX of the electrochemical cells 10. This movement is indicated in Figures 3 and 10 as direction DEB. If necessary, before this deposition or simultaneously, the stack of holding elements 36 and of the electrochemical cells 10 is compressed or clamped.

[0104] Then, the second end flange 70 is fixed to the holding elements 36, in this case by screwing.

[0105] The structure of the electrochemical module according to the invention is advantageous, in particular for the following reasons.

[0106] - The holding elements lead to efficient heat dissipation, particularly during thermal runaway of one or more electrochemical cells.

[0107] - The electrochemical module is reliable, especially since the superposition of the holding elements and the electrochemical cells leads to a low risk of damage to the insulating layer during assembly.

[0108] - The module is easy and economical to manufacture, thanks in part to the extruded support elements.

[0109] - The large contact surface between the holding elements and the electrochemical cells acts against swelling of the electrochemical cells and reduces the risk of rupture of the housing wall.

[0110] The preceding description contains technical features of the invention. These technical features, although presented in a technical context and possibly in combination with other technical features, can be used individually in each case, without the other technical features, as far as this is technically possible.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Electrochemical module (4) for an assembly (2) of electrochemical cells (10), the electrochemical module delimiting electrochemical cell housings (30), the electrochemical module comprising one electrochemical cell (10) for each electrochemical cell housing (30), one of the electrochemical cells being disposed in each electrochemical cell housing, each electrochemical cell comprising a lateral surface (12), the electrochemical module comprising at least two retaining elements (36) for the electrochemical cells, each electrochemical cell (10) is held by two, in particular exactly two, retaining elements (36), each electrochemical cell housing (30) being partially delimited by two adjacent retaining elements, the retaining elements being in contact with the lateral surface of at least one electrochemical cell,characterized in that the retaining elements (36) are made of an aluminium-based material, in particular aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

2. Electrochemical module according to claim 1, wherein the aluminum content by weight of the material of each retaining element (36) is at least 70%, preferably at least 85%.

3. Electrochemical module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the retaining elements (36) is an extruded profile, in particular one-piece.

4. Electrochemical module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrochemical cell housings (30) are arranged in housing rows (32) and housing columns (34), wherein the retaining elements comprise at least one inter-row retaining element (40), adapted to retain the electrochemical cells of two adjacent cell rows and end retaining elements (42), adapted to retain the cells of a single cell row and forming an end surface (44) of the electrochemical module.

5. An electrochemical module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each retaining element (36) comprises at least two housing areas (38), each housing area delimiting a part of an electrochemical cell housing (30).

6. Electrochemical module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrochemical module comprises a first terminal flange (50), delimiting, for each electrochemical cell housing (30), a terminal portion (52) of this electrochemical cell housing and wherein this terminal portion (52) is adapted to house an end of the associated electrochemical cell.

7. Electrochemical module according to claim 6, wherein the electrochemical module comprises a cooling plate (6), and wherein the first terminal flange (50) is disposed between the cooling plate (6) and the retaining elements (36).

8. Electrochemical module according to claim 7, wherein the electrochemical module comprises thermal bridge elements (54), each thermal bridge element being adapted to thermally connect a retaining element (36) to the cooling plate; wherein the first terminal flange (50) forms, for each thermal bridge element, a thermal bridge housing (66); and wherein each thermal bridge element is housed in the associated thermal bridge housing.

9. Electrochemical module according to claim 8, wherein the electrochemical module comprises, for each thermal bridge element, a thermal spacer (68), in particular made of a silicone-based material, disposed between the thermal bridge element (54) and the cooling plate (6), wherein the thermal spacer has a thermal conductivity of at least 3W / mK or 5W / mK, and an elasticity greater than that of the cooling plate and the thermal bridge element.

10. Electrochemical module according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the electrochemical module comprises a second terminal flange (70), delimiting, for each electrochemical cell housing, a terminal portion (72) of that electrochemical cell housing and wherein that terminal portion is adapted to house one end of the associated electrochemical cell, wherein the second terminal flange is disposed opposite the first terminal flange.

11. Electrochemical module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral surface (12) of each cell is cylindrical, in particular circular in cross-section, and / or wherein each electrochemical cell is held by exactly two retaining elements (36).

12. Electrochemical module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each electrochemical cell comprises a housing (16) and an electrically insulating layer (18) disposed on the housing and wherein the electrically insulating layer forms the lateral surface (12).

13. Electrochemical module according to claim 5 taken together with any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the lateral surface (12) of each electrochemical cell has a circular cross-section having a given cell radius (RC), and wherein each housing surface comprises a housing radius (RL) and wherein the housing radius is between the cell radius RC and 1.05 times the cell radius (RÇ).

14. Electrochemical assembly, characterized in that it comprises at least two electrochemical modules according to claim 7 or one of the dependent claims of claim 7, and a common, single-piece cooling plate (6), and in that the common cooling plate constitutes the cooling plate of each electrochemical module.

15. A method for manufacturing a retaining element (36) for an electrochemical module according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or for an electrochemical module of an assembly according to claim 14, comprising the following steps: - extrusion of a base material bar by forming an extruded bar; - cutting the extruded bar to length, obtaining a rough draft of a retaining element; - deburring of the rough part of the retaining element; - possibly drilling and tapping of tapped holes; - by obtaining the retaining element (36).

16. A method for assembling an electrochemical module according to claim 4 or an electrochemical module according to any one of claims 5 to 13 taken in dependence on claim 4 or an electrochemical module of an assembly according to claim 14, the electrochemical module being an electrochemical module according to claim 4 or an electrochemical module according to any one of claims 5 to 13 taken in dependence on claim 4, comprising the following steps: - supply of a first end retaining element (42); - supply of electrochemical cells (10) of a first row of electrochemical cells (20), each electrochemical cell having a central axis (XX); - deposition of each electrochemical cell radially with respect to its central axis on a housing surface (38) of end retaining element forming a first row of electrochemical cells (20); - supply of an inter-row retaining element (40); - deposition of the inter-row retaining element (40) on the first row of electrochemical cells, radially with respect to the axis of each of the electrochemical cells of the first row of electrochemical cells; - supply of electrochemical cells (10) of a second row of electrochemical cells (20), deposition of each electrochemical cell of this second row radially with respect to its central axis on the inter-row retaining element forming a second row of electrochemical cells (20); - supply of a second end retaining element (42); - deposition of the second end retaining element on the second row of electrochemical cells, radially with respect to the axis of each of the electrochemical cells of the second row of electrochemical cells.

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