Temperature control of individual electrochemical cells during testing

Abstract

The apparatus includes a clamshell configured to hold an electrochemical cell including first and second terminals, the clamshell having at least first and second portions hinged to one another; first and second contacts positioned to contact the first and second terminals, respectively; and a thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell to control a temperature of the electrochemical cell.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 269,488, filed Mar. 17, 2022, entitled “CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE OF INDIVIDUAL ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL DURING TESTING,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] This document concerns controlling the temperature of individual cells during testing. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, global transportation has begun to transition away from powertrains driven primarily by fossil fuels and towards more sustainable energy sources, particularly electric motors powered by on-board energy storage. Such energy storage (e.g., battery packs) may be based on a collection of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cells are subjected to various test procedures during the product development and manufacturing process. Current approaches often involve manually moving cells from one environmental chamber to another to expose them to specified thermal conditions, which is time consuming, not easily scalable, and can result in uneven airflow between individual cells. Thus, ambient temperature, cooling power, and collected data can vary significantly between cells being tested simultaneously. Such non-automated processes can limit the range of test conditions that can be applied. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, an apparatus includes a clamshell configured to hold an electrochemical cell including first and second terminals, the clamshell having at least first and second portions hinged to one another; first and second contacts positioned to contact the first and second terminals, respectively; and a thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell to control a temperature of the electrochemical cell.

[0005] The implementation may include any or all of the following features: The electrochemical cell has a cylindrical or prismatic form factor; The thermoelectric device is configured to operate according to the Peltier effect; At least one of the first and second contacts has a spring-loaded pin configured to be movable relative to a remainder of the one of the first and second contacts to make electrical contact with a terminal of the electrochemical cell; At least one of the first and second contacts is spring-mounted relative to the electrochemical cell such that the one of the first and second contacts is movable relative to the electrochemical cell; Both of the first and second contacts are spring-mounted relative to the electrochemical cell; The apparatus further comprises a thermal pad of dielectric material on the inside of the clamshell, the thermal pad facing towards the electrochemical cell. The apparatus further comprises a polymer film on a surface of the thermal pad, the polymer film positioned such that when the electrochemical cell is positioned inside the clamshell, the electrochemical cell touches the polymer film and does not touch the thermal pad. The apparatus further comprises a latch on the clamshell, the latch configured to selectively hold the first and second portions of the clamshell in a closed position. The apparatus further comprises a positive temperature coefficient device positioned to detect a temperature inside at least one of the first and second portions of the clamshell. The positive temperature coefficient device is configured to detect a safety cutoff temperature of the electrochemical cell. The positive temperature coefficient device is configured to detect a test temperature of the electrochemical cell.

[0006] In a second aspect, a system includes a frame having an internal channel for a coolant; and an apparatus mounted to the frame, the apparatus having a clamshell configured to hold an electrochemical cell including first and second terminals, the clamshell including at least first and second portions hinged to one another; first and second contacts positioned to contact the first and second terminals, respectively; and a thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell to control a temperature of the electrochemical cell.

[0007] The system may further include a thermal pad positioned between the apparatus and the frame. The frame has an extrusion with an internal channel. At least one fin faces inwardly within the internal channel. The thermoelectric device is positioned between and abuts the clamshell and the extrusion. The frame further includes an upright, the extrusion is bonded to the upright, and a coolant passage is formed between the extrusion and the upright, the coolant passage facilitating flow of coolant to and from the internal channel of the extrusion. The system further includes a fitting mounted to the frame facilitating flow to and from the frame, the fitting having a coolant passage member configured to fit inside an O-ring fitting.

[0008] In a third aspect, a method includes disposing an electrochemical cell including first and second terminals within a clamshell, the clamshell including (i) at least first and second portions hinged to one another and (ii) first and second contacts positioned to contact the first and second terminals, respectively; performing at least one of a charge sequence or a discharge sequence on the electrochemical cell within the clamshell; and controlling a temperature of the electrochemical cell during the charge sequence or the discharge sequence using a thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell.

[0009] Implementations may include any or all of the following features: The method further comprises sensing a temperature inside at least one of the first and second portions of the clamshell using a positive temperature coefficient device. The sensed temperature is a safety cutoff temperature of the electrochemical cell. The sensed temperature is a test temperature of the electrochemical cell. The method further comprises altering the temperature of the electrochemical cell using the thermoelectric device based on sensing the temperature. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of an apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electrochemical cell.

[0011] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates the example device of FIG. 1 with the clamshell in an open position.

[0012] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows an example of a rear side of a fixture that may be part of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0013] [Figure 4] 4 is an exemplary side view of the fixture of FIG. 3.

[0014] [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart of an example method.

[0015] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electrochemical cell.

[0016] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of an apparatus for controlling the temperature of an electrochemical cell.

[0017] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the device of FIG. 7.

[0018] [Figure 9] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a rising portion in FIG. 7. FIG.

[0019] [Figure 10] 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the extrusion of FIG. 7.

[0020] [Figure 11] 1A-1C show examples of fixtures that may be mounted to a frame. [Figure 12] 1A-1C show examples of fixtures that may be mounted to a frame. [Figure 13] 1A-1C show examples of fixtures that may be mounted to a frame. [Figure 14] 1A-1C show examples of fixtures that may be mounted to a frame.

[0021] Like reference numbers in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] This document describes examples of systems and techniques for individually controlling the temperature of electrochemical cells. This may enable the system or technique to provide the ability to test electrochemical cells in a thermally controlled, dedicated environment for each individual cell in a scalable system. Consistent cell test data may be provided across all channels. In some implementations, the cell temperature may be controlled during one or more phases of a test protocol for the electrochemical cells. For example, the temperature may be controlled and monitored during at least one of a charge sequence or a discharge sequence. Each electrochemical cell may be enclosed in a clamshell during testing, and a thermoelectric device may be mounted to the clamshell to control the temperature of the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cells may be electrically coupled to a power source (e.g., to perform a charge sequence) or to a load (e.g., to perform a discharge sequence) as part of the test. For thermal control purposes (e.g., to remove heat from the thermoelectric device to make the clamshell cooler and thereby the cells cooler), one or more clamshells (e.g., an entire batch being processed simultaneously) may be positioned in thermal association with a frame or other structure.

[0023] Examples herein refer to electrochemical cells. As used herein, an electrochemical cell is a device that generates electrical energy from a chemical reaction, or uses electrical energy to cause a chemical reaction, or both. An electrochemical cell may include an electrolyte and two electrodes to store energy and deliver it when in use. In some implementations, an electrochemical cell may be a rechargeable cell. For example, an electrochemical cell may be a lithium-ion cell. In some implementations, an electrochemical cell may function as a galvanic cell when discharged and as an electrolytic cell when charged. An electrochemical cell may have at least one terminal for each electrode. The terminal, or at least a portion thereof, may be located at one end of the electrolytic cell. For example, when an electrochemical cell has a cylindrical shape, one of the terminals may be provided in the center of an end of the cell, and the can that forms the cylinder may constitute the other terminal and thus may also be present at that end. Other shapes of electrochemical cells may be used, including but not limited to prismatic shapes.

[0024] Examples herein refer to testing of electrochemical cells. Herein, testing includes thermal exposure sequences that may be performed as part of the manufacturing process of the electrochemical cells or in connection with assembling multiple electrochemical cells into a battery module. For example, a manufacturer of electrochemical cells may use the present subject matter to perform thermal testing of electrochemical cells before shipping the electrochemical cells to a customer who will ultimately place one or more of the electrochemical cells in a device (e.g., a battery module). As another example, a customer of such electrochemical cells may use the present subject matter to perform thermal testing of the electrochemical cells before assembling the device (whether or not the cell manufacturer has previously performed testing).

[0025] Examples herein refer to battery modules, which are individual components configured to hold and manage multiple electrochemical cells during charging, storage, and use. A battery module may be intended to be the sole power source for one or more loads (e.g., electric motors), or more than one battery module of the same or different type may be used. Two or more battery modules may be implemented in a system separately or as part of a larger energy storage unit. For example, a battery pack may include two or more battery modules of the same or different types. The battery modules may include control circuits for managing the charging, storage, and / or use of electrical energy in the electrochemical cells, or the battery modules may be controlled by external components. For example, a battery management system may be implemented on one or more circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit boards).

[0026] Examples herein refer to top or bottom, front or back. These and similar expressions identify things or aspects relative to one another, based on an explicit or arbitrary notion of perspective. That is, these terms are merely examples used for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily indicate the only possible positions, orientations, or the like.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates generally one example of an apparatus 100 for controlling the temperature of an electrochemical cell. Figure 2 illustrates the example of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 with the clamshell 102 in an open position. The apparatus 100 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein.

[0028] The apparatus 100 may include a clamshell 102 and a fixture 104. The fixture 104 may be designed to house (e.g., hold in place) the clamshell 102. In some implementations, the clamshell 102 is made of a material that has relatively good thermal conductivity (e.g., a metal including, but not limited to, aluminum) and the fixture 104 is made of a synthetic material (e.g., a polymer) or a metal. The clamshell 102 may be designed to wrap around a portion of the fixture 104.

[0029] The clamshell 102 may include at least portions 102A-102B hinged to one another. In some implementations, the hinge 106 may include a barrel hinge (e.g., including at least one barrel and at least one pin). In some implementations, the hinge 106 may include a flexible material that facilitates relative movement between the portions 102A-102B.

[0030] The clamshell 102 can house (e.g., clamp or wrap or otherwise encase) an electrochemical cell to be subjected to thermal testing, conditioning, or other treatment. The electrochemical cell may have any of a number of form factors, as shown here diagrammatically by showing a portion of the interior 108 of the clamshell 102 in isolation. In some implementations, the device may use an electrochemical cell 110 having a cylindrical shape with at least a terminal 112 (e.g., a central terminal at an end of the cell) and a terminal 114 (e.g., a housing terminal that may be provided at an edge of the end of the cell where the terminal 112 is located). For example, the terminal 112 may be a positive terminal and the terminal 114 may be a negative terminal. In some implementations, the device may use an electrochemical cell 116 having a prismatic shape with at least a terminal 118 and a terminal 120. For example, the prismatic shape may include, but is not limited to, a shape made up of straight lines (e.g., a box that is essentially rectangular in shape). Other form factors may be used.

[0031] The device 100 may include a thermal pad 122 of a dielectric material inside the clamshell 102. The portion 102A may include a portion of the thermal pad 122, and the portion 102B may include another portion of the thermal pad 122. In some implementations, (a portion of) the thermal pad 122 may be positioned inside the clamshell 102 to face the electrochemical cell, e.g., to at least partially encase the electrochemical cell. This may ensure uniform and efficient heat transfer between the electrochemical cell and the clamshell 102. For example, here the thermal pad 122 includes a partially cylindrical surface positioned against the portion 102A to face the interior of the clamshell 102. As another example, here the thermal pad 122 includes a partially cylindrical surface positioned against the portion 102B to face the interior of the clamshell 102. The thermal pad 122 may prevent electrical contact between the electrochemical cell and the clamshell 102. The shape of the area of ​​the clamshell 102 that holds the electrochemical cells may be designed with a shape that corresponds to the form factor of the electrochemical cells that will be used with the clamshell.

[0032] The device 100 may include a polymer film 124 on the inside of the clamshell 102. The portion 102A may include a portion of the polymer film 124, and the portion 102B may include another portion of the polymer film 124. In some implementations, (a portion of) the polymer film 124 may be positioned on the inside of the clamshell 102 to face the electrochemical cell, e.g., to at least partially encase the electrochemical cell. This may ensure that the electrochemical cell does not directly contact other portions of the device 100 (including, but not limited to, the thermal pad 122). For example, here the polymer film 124 includes a partially cylindrical surface positioned relative to the portion 102A to face the interior of the clamshell 102. As another example, here the polymer film 124 includes a partially cylindrical surface positioned relative to the portion 102B to face the interior of the clamshell 102.

[0033] The device 100 may include a latch 126 configured to selectively hold the portions 102A-102B of the clamshell 102 in a closed position. In some implementations, the latch 126 may include a latch portion 126A positioned on the portion 102A of the clamshell 102 that is configured to selectively engage with a latch portion 126B positioned on the portion 102B to hold the clamshell 102 closed.

[0034] The device 100 may include contacts 128 and 130 extending from the fixture 104 to contact respective terminals of the electrochemical cell. The contacts 128 may have a terminal 132 distal to the clamshell 102. In some implementations, the terminal 132 may be used to connect the device 100 to a power source and / or load for testing the electrochemical cell. For example, the terminal 132 may contact one of the terminals 112, 114, 118, or 120. The contacts 130 may have a terminal 134 distal to the clamshell 102. In some implementations, the terminal 134 may be used to connect the device 100 to a power source and / or load for testing the electrochemical cell. For example, the terminal 134 may contact one of the terminals 112, 114, 118, or 120 other than the terminal 132.

[0035] One or more of the contacts 128 or 130 may include a spring mounted feature. In some implementations, the contact 128 includes a spring loaded pin 136. The spring loaded pin 136 may have a smaller (e.g., significantly smaller) dimension than the remainder of the contact 128. The spring loaded pin 136 may extend axially with the remainder of the contact 128 in a direction proximate (e.g., toward) the electrochemical cell. For example, the spring loaded pin 136 may include a pogo pin (e.g., a plunger biased by a spring to allow limited movement inside a barrel). The spring loaded pin 136 is configured to be movable relative to the remainder of the contact 128 and thereby make electrical contact with a terminal of the electrochemical cell. In some implementations, the contact 130 includes a spring loaded pin 138. The spring loaded pin 138 may have a smaller (e.g., significantly smaller) dimension than the remainder of the contact 130. The spring-loaded pin 138 may extend axially with the remainder of the contact 130 in a direction proximate (e.g., toward) the electrochemical cell. For example, the spring-loaded pin 138 may include a pogo pin (e.g., a plunger biased by a spring for limited movement inside a barrel). The spring-loaded pin 138 is configured to be movable relative to the remainder of the contact 130 to thereby make electrical contact with a terminal of the electrochemical cell. The spring-loaded pins 136 and 138 may accommodate electrochemical cells of various axial lengths to be used with the device 100 and / or ensure that electrical contact is not lost upon minor movement of the electrochemical cell.

[0036] One or more of the contacts 128 or 130 may be spring mounted relative to the electrochemical cell such that the contacts 128 or 130 are movable relative to the electrochemical cell. In some implementations, the contacts 128 include a spring 140 that allows the remainder of the contact 128 to move relative to the fixture 104. The spring 140 may accommodate electrochemical cells of various axial lengths to be used with the device 100 and / or ensure that minor movements of the electrochemical cell do not result in loss of electrical contact. The contacts 130 may be rigidly or stiffly mounted to the fixture 104.

[0037] The apparatus 100 includes a thermoelectric device (not shown) mounted to the clamshell 102 to control the temperature of the clamshell, and thereby the temperature of the electrochemical cell. The thermoelectric device may be located on the back side of the apparatus 100 for this illustration. The thermoelectric device may be controlled to provide cooling or heating of the electrochemical cell. In some implementations, the thermoelectric device may include a current carrying junction between two dissimilar conductors (e.g., a thermocouple). For example, the thermoelectric device may operate according to the Peltier effect to either cool or heat the electrochemical cell.

[0038] The apparatus 100 includes a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) device 142 positioned to detect a temperature inside at least one of the portions 102A or 102B of the clamshell 102. In some implementations, the PTC device 142 is configured to detect a safety cutoff temperature of the electrochemical cell. For example, the PTC device 142 can trigger a shutdown of the test equipment if the temperature of the electrochemical cell becomes too high. In some implementations, the PTC device 142 is configured to detect a test temperature of the electrochemical cell. For example, the PTC device 142 can continuously output a current temperature of the clamshell 102, which can be used in monitoring, controlling, and / or recording the testing of the electrochemical cell.

[0039] In the above examples, it has been shown that an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 100) may include a clamshell (e.g., clamshell 102) configured to hold an electrochemical cell (e.g., electrochemical cell 110 or 116) having first and second terminals (e.g., terminals 112, 114, 118, or 120). The clamshell may include at least first and second portions (e.g., portions 102A or 102B) hingedly connected to one another (e.g., by hinge 106). The apparatus may include first and second contacts (e.g., contacts 128 and 130) positioned to contact the first and second terminals, respectively. The apparatus may include a thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell to control the temperature of the clamshell, thereby controlling the temperature of the electrochemical cell.

[0040] The device 100 may be used to thermally control individual electrochemical cells. The device 100 may be mounted to a structure designed to remove heat from the device 100 (e.g., to remove heat from its thermoelectric devices). Here, a frame 144 is shown diagrammatically adjacent to the device 100. The frame 144 may be made of metal (e.g., extruded aluminum) and has at least one internal channel 146 for coolant, which is visible here because the frame 144 has been cut to reveal a profile 148. The internal channel 146 may have any shape, including, but not limited to, a rectilinear or circular shape. The profile 148 may have any shape, including, but not limited to, a rectilinear or circular shape. The frame 144 may have any length. For example, one or more devices 100 may be mounted (e.g., abutting) the frame 144. Coolant flowing through the internal channel 146 may remove heat from the device 100. To perform testing, one or more batches of electrochemical cells may be mounted on the frame 144. The modular setup may allow separate tests at different test conditions to be performed simultaneously on each cell of the multiple cells.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a back side of a fixture 300 that may be part of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The fixture 300 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. For example, the fixture 300 may be part of or used in place of the fixture 104 of FIG. 1. The fixture 300 includes a fixture bed 302 and a plate 304. The fixture bed 302 may be configured to hold a clamshell (e.g., clamshell 102 of FIG. 1) such that the clamshell is on the opposite side of the fixture bed 302 from the plate 304. In some implementations, the plate 304 may be referred to as a "back plate" of the fixture 300. For example, the plate 304 may facilitate mounting the fixture 300 (and the remainder of the apparatus for testing individual electrochemical cells) to a frame (e.g., frame 144 of FIG. 1) having internal channels for a coolant. A thermal pad 306 may be positioned against the plate 304. In some implementations, a thermal pad 306 may be located between the apparatus and the frame to act as a thermal interface to facilitate removing heat from the thermoelectric device. For example, the thermal pad 306 may have a similar or identical size as the plate 304.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an example side view of the fixture 300 of FIG. 3. Between the fixture bed 302 and the plate 304 is a gap 400. A thermoelectric device 402 may be positioned in the gap 400. For example, this allows the thermoelectric device 402 to be mounted to a clamshell. The thermoelectric device 402 may control the temperature of an electrochemical cell positioned within the clamshell. The thermoelectric device 402 may be controlled to provide cooling or heating of the electrochemical cell. In some implementations, the thermoelectric device 402 may include a current carrying junction between two dissimilar conductors (e.g., a thermocouple). For example, the thermoelectric device 402 may operate according to the Peltier effect to either cool or heat the electrochemical cell. The thermoelectric device 402 may be powered or otherwise controlled using at least one wire 404. For example, a connector 406 for wires 404 may electrically connect the thermoelectric device 402 to a circuit for controlling the thermal environment of the electrochemical cell test. The clamshell (e.g., clamshell 102 of FIG. 1) may provide sufficient thermal mass for thermal testing. There may be sufficient heat flow to or from the thermoelectric device 402, which may be on one side of the clamshell.

[0043] The fixture bed 302 may include one or more holes 408. In some implementations, the holes 408 may facilitate electrical connections to or from the electrochemical cell. For example, a contact (e.g., contacts 128 or 130 in FIG. 1 ) may be carried by the holes 408.

[0044] 5 shows a flow chart of one example of a method 500. The method 500 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. More or fewer operations may be performed than shown. Unless otherwise indicated, two or more operations may be performed in a different order.

[0045] Operation 502 may include placing an electrochemical cell in a clamshell (e.g., clamshell 102 of FIG. 1 ). The electrochemical cell has first and second terminals. The clamshell includes (i) at least first and second portions hinged to one another, and (ii) first and second contacts positioned to contact the first and second terminals, respectively.

[0046] Operation 504 may include performing at least one of a charge sequence or a discharge sequence on an electrochemical cell within the clamshell, the sequence being performed while the electrochemical cell is within the clamshell.

[0047] Operation 506 may include controlling the temperature of the electrochemical cell during a charge or discharge sequence using a thermoelectric device mounted in the clamshell. For example, thermoelectric device 402 (FIG. 4) may be used.

[0048] Operation 508 may include detecting a temperature inside at least one of the first and second portions of the clamshell using a PTC device (e.g., PTC device 142 of FIG. 1). For example, the temperature may be a safety cutoff temperature and / or a test temperature of the electrochemical cell.

[0049] Operation 510 may include altering a temperature of the electrochemical cell using a thermoelectric device based on detecting the temperature. For example, heat may be provided to or removed from the electrochemical cell based on the detected temperature reading.

[0050] 6 shows a schematic diagram of another example of an apparatus 600 for controlling the temperature of an electrochemical cell. The apparatus 600 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The apparatus 600 includes several components that are the same as or similar to those of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, which are not described in detail here. In the apparatus 600, instances of the contacts 128 and terminals 132 may be used at both terminals (e.g., at both ends) of the electrochemical cell. For example, instances of the spring-loaded pins 136 and springs 140 may also be used at both terminals.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates another example of an apparatus 700 for controlling the temperature of an electrochemical cell. FIG. 8 illustrates an example cross-sectional view of the extrusion of FIG. 7. The apparatus 700 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. For simplicity, only a portion of the apparatus 700 is shown. For example, other portions of the apparatus 700 may be the same or similar to those shown.

[0052] The apparatus 700 includes a plurality of units 702. Each of the units 702 includes a clamshell 704 and a fixture 706. For example, the clamshell 704 may be the same as or similar to the clamshell 102 of FIG. 1. As another example, the fixture 706 may be the same as or similar to the fixture 104 of FIG. 1. The units 702 are mounted to an extrusion 708. Each thermoelectric cooler (TEC) may be mounted between and abut each of the units 702 and the extrusion 708. Compared to the fixture 300 of FIG. 3, the plate 304 may be omitted in the apparatus 700. For example, a thermoelectric device (e.g., a TEC) may abut (e.g., be sandwiched between) the extrusion 708 and the clamshell 704.

[0053] The extrusion 708 may be created by extruding a metal (e.g., aluminum) into any of a number of profiles. The extrusion 708 has at least one interior channel 800 for a coolant. The interior channel 800 may have any shape, including but not limited to the shape shown, or a shape made up of straight lines, or a circular shape. For example, one or more fins 802 may face inwardly within the interior channel 800. The extrusion 708 may have any length.

[0054] The extrusion 708 may be mounted to at least one upright 710. The upright 710 may be made of metal (e.g., extruded aluminum) and has at least one internal channel for coolant. The internal channel of the upright 710 may have any shape. In some implementations, the internal channel of the upright 710 has a shape that is the same as or similar to the shape of the internal channel 146 of FIG. 1. The upright 710 and extrusion 708 may be part of a frame configured to accommodate multiple instances of the unit 702.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows a rear view of the device 700 of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 shows an example of an upright 710 of FIG. 7. The extrusion 708 can have an opening 900 to an interior channel 800. The upright 710 can have an opening 1000 to an interior channel of the upright 710. The openings 900 and 1000 are aligned when the extrusion 708 is mounted to the upright 710 to form coolant channels. Coolant can flow to or from the extrusion 708 through the coolant channels. For example, one instance of a coolant channel can be located at one end of the extrusion 708 where the extrusion 708 is mounted to one instance of the upright 710, and another instance of a coolant channel can be located at an opposite end of the extrusion 708 where the extrusion 708 is mounted to another instance of the upright 710. Coolant from one of the uprights 710 can enter the extrusion 708, pass through its interior channels 800, remove heat generated in the unit 702, and exit the extrusion 708 into the other upright 710. One or more of the instances of uprights 710 may be coupled to one or more instances of extrusion 708.

[0056] A coolant passage member 902 may be provided in one of the openings 900 or 1000, where the coolant passage member 902 is positioned within the opening 900. An O-ring fitting 1002 may be provided in the other of the openings 900 or 1000, where the O-ring fitting 1002 is positioned within the opening 1000. The coolant passage member 902 has a threaded hole 904. The O-ring fitting 1002 has one or more O-rings 1004. For example, the O-ring fitting 1002 may have two instances of the O-ring 1004. The O-ring fitting 1002 may have a through hole 1006. For example, the coolant passage member 902 may fit into the O-ring fitting 1002 when the extrusion 708 is mounted to the upright 710. A bolt may enter from the opposite side of where the extrusion 708 will be mounted and pass through the upright 710 and may extend through the through hole 1006. The threads of the bolt may engage with the threaded hole 904 to secure the upright 710 and extrusion 708 together. Coolant may flow to or from the extrusion 708 through the channels 1008 in the O-ring fitting 1002.

[0057] 11-14 show an example of a fixture 1100 that may be mounted to a frame 1300. The fixture 1100 may be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The fixture 1100 may be mounted to the frame 144 of FIG. 1 and / or the extrusion 708 of FIG. 7, to name just two examples. The fixture 1100 may be used to carry coolant to and / or from the frame 1300.

[0058] The fitting 1100 may have an opening 1102 leading to an internal space, which also has an opening 1104. For example, the opening 1104 may be provided with a hose barb 1106. The frame 1300 may have an opening 1302 leading to an internal channel of the frame 1300. The openings 1102 and 1302 are aligned when the fitting 1100 is mounted to the frame 1300 to form a coolant flow passage. Coolant may flow to or from the frame 1300 through the coolant flow passage. A coolant passage member 1108 may be provided in one of the openings 1102 or 1302, where the coolant passage member 1108 is positioned in the opening 1102. An O-ring fitting 1304 may be provided in the other of the openings 1102 or 1302, where the O-ring fitting 1304 is positioned in the opening 1302. The fitting 1100 has a threaded hole 1110. The O-ring fitting 1304 has one or more O-rings 1306. For example, the O-ring fitting 1304 may have two instances of the O-ring 1306. The O-ring fitting 1304 may have a through hole 1308. For example, when the fitting 1100 is mounted to the frame 1300, the coolant passage member 1108 may fit into the O-ring fitting 1304. A bolt may pass through the frame 1300 from the opposite side of where the fitting 1100 will be mounted and may extend through the through hole 1308. The threads of the bolt may engage the threaded hole 1110 to secure the fitting 1100 and the frame 1300 together.

[0059] The terms "substantially" and "about" used throughout this specification are used to describe and report small variations, such as those due to processing variations. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, as used herein, indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" mean "at least one".

[0060] It should be understood that all combinations of the above concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, (provided that such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0061] Although several implementations have been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the specification.

[0062] Additionally, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Additionally, other processes may be provided or processes may be eliminated from the described flows, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0063] While certain features of the described implementations have been shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the scope of these implementations. It is to be understood that they have been presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and that various changes in form and details may be made. Any part of the apparatus and / or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except in mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the various implementations described.

Claims

1. a clamshell configured to hold an electrochemical cell including a first terminal and a second terminal, the clamshell having at least a first portion and a second portion hingedly connected to one another; a first contact and a second contact positioned to contact the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively; and A thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell for controlling the temperature of the electrochemical cell An apparatus comprising:

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical cell has a form factor of cylindrical or prismatic.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric device is configured to operate according to the Peltier effect.

4. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first contact and the second contact has a spring-loaded pin configured to be movable relative to a remainder of the at least one of the first contact and the second contact to make electrical contact with a terminal of the electrochemical cell.

5. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first contact and the second contact is spring mounted relative to the electrochemical cell such that the at least one of the first contact and the second contact is movable relative to the electrochemical cell.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein both the first contact and the second contact are spring mounted to the electrochemical cell.

7. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a thermal pad of dielectric material on an interior side of the clamshell, the thermal pad facing toward the electrochemical cell.

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a polymer film on a surface of the thermal pad, the polymer film being positioned such that when the electrochemical cell is positioned inside the clamshell, the electrochemical cell touches the polymer film and does not touch the thermal pad.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a latch on the clamshell, the latch configured to selectively maintain the first and second portions of the clamshell in a closed position.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a positive temperature coefficient device positioned to sense a temperature inside at least one of the first and second portions of the clamshell.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the positive temperature coefficient device is configured to detect a safety cutoff temperature of the electrochemical cell.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the positive temperature coefficient device is configured to detect a test temperature of the electrochemical cell.

13. A frame having an internal channel for a coolant; and a device mounted on the frame, the device comprising: a clamshell configured to hold an electrochemical cell including a first terminal and a second terminal, the clamshell including at least a first portion and a second portion hingedly connected to one another; a first contact and a second contact positioned to contact the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively; and A thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell for controlling the temperature of the electrochemical cell The system has:

14. The system of claim 13 , further comprising a thermal pad positioned between the device and the frame.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the frame comprises an extrusion including an internal channel.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein at least one fin faces inwardly within the interior channel.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between and abuts the clamshell and the extrusion.

18. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the frame further comprises an upright, the extrusion is bonded to the upright, and a coolant passage is formed between the extrusion and the upright, the coolant passage facilitating the flow of coolant to and from the interior channel of the extrusion.

19. 19. The system of claim 13, further comprising a fitting mounted to the frame to facilitate flow to or from the frame, the fitting having a coolant passage member configured to fit inside an O-ring fitting.

20. placing an electrochemical cell including a first terminal and a second terminal within a clamshell, the clamshell including (i) at least a first portion and a second portion hinged to one another, and (ii) a first contact and a second contact positioned to contact the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively; performing at least one of a charge sequence or a discharge sequence on the electrochemical cell within the clamshell; and controlling the temperature of the electrochemical cell during the charging sequence or the discharging sequence using a thermoelectric device mounted to the clamshell. A method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising sensing a temperature inside at least one of the first and second portions of the clamshell using a positive temperature coefficient device.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the detected temperature is a safety cutoff temperature of the electrochemical cell.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the detected temperature is a test temperature of the electrochemical cell.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, further comprising altering the temperature of the electrochemical cell using the thermoelectric device based on the step of detecting the temperature.

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