rechargeable battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack (30), associated methods, and transport refrigeration unit of a type configured to draw power from a rechargeable battery in cooling the interior of a mobile enclosure, such as a trailer or lorry. The battery pack (30) includes a framework (20) for mounting the pack during use and a battery compartment (40) for a plurality of rechargeable battery cells (41). The framework may include at least one shelf for supporting the plurality of battery cells within the compartment, the shelf having at least one fluid flow path (67) therein, and the battery pack includes at least one fluid movement device (62) configured to move a cooling fluid through the at least one flow path to cool the battery cells during use. The framework may include a plurality of vertically spaced shelves for supporting a row of the plurality of battery cells within the compartment, the battery cells being oriented with terminals for connection to the cells vertically upward.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an associated method, and a transport refrigeration unit of the type configured to draw power from a rechargeable battery when cooling the interior of a mobile enclosure such as a trailer or lorry. [Background technology]

[0002] Rechargeable battery packs are known in many industries. Most of the development work to date has been in the electric vehicle sector. However, there are other applications where rechargeable batteries are used when the approach used in the EV sector is not appropriate or optimal.

[0003] For example, recent attempts have been made to provide transport refrigeration units powered by rechargeable batteries. Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) play an important role in the food distribution industry in delivering fresh, frozen, and other perishable foods from field to market. They are used with small rigid vans / trucks, ranging from articulated trucks towing refrigerated containers. TRUs are often used with tractor units towing semi-trailers (known as semi-trailer trucks in the United States, articulated lorries in the United Kingdom, and various other names in other countries), in which case the TRU is added to a specially designed and insulated trailer according to a particular customer's specifications. The TRU includes a refrigeration system that, when driven, blows cool air into one or more compartments inside the trailer to cool the contents.

[0004] Traditionally, TRUs are diesel-powered, especially when used with trailers. While well-established in the industry, such units have several drawbacks, including noise and exhaust emissions. To address the inefficiencies associated with typical diesel-powered TRUs, several hybrid designs and eTRUs have been proposed that use solar power and / or batteries to supplement and / or replace other power sources in powering the refrigeration unit. More recently, the applicant, in International Application PCT / EP2021 / 062825, entitled "Electric Mobile Refrigeration Unit," filed May 14, 2021 (the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), proposed a refrigeration unit powered by a rechargeable battery, optionally supplemented by solar power, to minimize or eliminate the need for diesel power from a tractor unit or a separate generator to power the refrigeration system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Despite the advent of battery-powered TRUs, little consideration has been given to how to most effectively house batteries in such systems. Wherever batteries are located, they must be secure and protected from the elements. Typically, batteries are heavy and require a strong support framework. Accessibility is a key concept in battery placement, for example, for ease of repair. It is also important to pack batteries efficiently to avoid occupying space that could be used for other purposes. The envelope available for a TRU is tightly constrained by its positioning and attachment to the container being refrigerated. Therefore, placing batteries in racks under the trailer has been proposed. However, such a configuration has the disadvantages that the space under the trailer is often already in use for other purposes, and that provisioning and attaching the system to the trailer is more difficult because separate units are required for the TRU housing the refrigeration system located at the front of the trailer and the battery rack under the trailer, and connections must be made between those units. Furthermore, there are currently no standards for battery racking systems under trailers, or indeed anywhere else, meaning that TRU manufacturers must work with trailer manufacturers in provisioning the appropriate racking system for each particular trailer, rather than being able to ship a compliant unit that can be relied upon to be integrally coupled with any compatible trailer and thus shipped and installed by the trailer end user.

[0006] Other considerations are the need to thermally manage the battery, keep it free of moisture and dirt, protect it from damage from collisions, vibrations, or shocks, manage the interconnect and battery management functions, and maintain proper orientation for optimal performance as determined by the battery cells being used. The weight of the battery must also be properly supported and transferred to the trailer. Also to consider are the ease and cost of manufacturing the unit, its reliability, and the ability to maintain and repair the unit in the field.

[0007] It should be noted that it is well known in the prior art that diesel-powered TRUs include small batteries for powering electronics and starting refrigeration systems. However, these batteries are small and are not intended or capable of providing the primary power source for a refrigeration system, and therefore fitting such small batteries within the confines of the TRU or achieving high battery density is not a major consideration. The present disclosure relates to a battery pack suitable for providing the primary power source for a TRU, possibly supplementally charged by a solar or other power source, where it is desirable to optimally incorporate a large amount of battery power (i.e., sometimes referred to as a “traction battery”) capable of driving a refrigeration system into the TRU itself.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to address these and other problems in the prior art, both in the field of transport refrigeration units and in other applications where rechargeable batteries are used to power mobile devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rechargeable battery pack comprising: a framework to which the pack is attached when in use; a battery compartment for a plurality of rechargeable battery cells, the framework including at least one shelf for supporting the plurality of battery cells within the compartment, the shelf having at least one fluid flow path therein; at least one fluid displacement device configured to displace a cooling fluid through the at least one flow path to cool the battery cells in use; A rechargeable battery pack is provided.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rechargeable battery pack comprising: a framework to which the pack is attached when in use; a battery compartment, wherein the framework includes a plurality of vertically spaced shelves for supporting a row of a plurality of battery cells within the compartment, the battery cells being oriented with terminals for connecting to the cells vertically upward; A rechargeable battery pack is provided.

[0011] In one embodiment, the battery cells are supported by shelves of a framework, each shelf having at least one fluid flow path therein; The at least one fluid displacement device is configured to displace fluid through the flow passages to cool the battery cells during use.

[0012] Any suitable device may be powered by a battery pack.

[0013] Thus, the shelves have a joint function of supporting the weight of the battery cells mounted thereon, allow rows of battery cells to be stacked vertically on multiple shelves of the framework, and provide thermal management of the battery cells by moving a cooling fluid through channels in the shelves such that heat from the batteries is drawn into the channels from the top surface of the shelves in contact with the battery cells and dissipated, thereby allowing for a higher density of battery cells within the battery pack.

[0014] Cells can be stacked according to the needs of the application, i.e., to meet the voltage / capacity requirements of the device being powered. Cells can be stacked into modules, i.e., cell stacks arranged in series and / or parallel within a housing to protect the cells, and modules can be stacked into module stacks, e.g., connected in series and / or parallel to a BMU or other service that supplies each battery module stack. The modules / cells are preferably the same size and / or orientation. The cells are preferably mounted vertically during use, with each cell having a surface that contacts the bottom of the casing / thermal plate, which contacts the shelf to allow the shelf to thermally manage the cells. Also, some battery cell designs require a vertical orientation for performance. Preferably, the terminals of the battery cells or battery modules (if organized into modules) are at the top. The NB orientation is provided by the shelf that supports the weight of the battery modules, i.e., the battery modules are on top of the shelf during use, defining the vertical direction. In most applications, the battery cells are arranged laterally across the shelf, and the fluid flow paths are also aligned in this laterally direction, which in most cases coincides with the longer dimension of the pack, i.e., the pack is elongated laterally, i.e., its width, compared to its depth. Battery packs are generally mounted vertically, in use, for example, to a vertical wall or framework of a device powered by the battery pack.

[0015] This is particularly useful when the pack is for power supply and is housed in a TRU or similar technology. Trailer design, trailer attachment to the tractor unit, and various standards applicable to trailers impose various constraints on the dimensions and layout of the TRU. That is, a TRU typically has a shallow box shape, i.e., a flat, generally rectangular back surface with a depth dimension smaller than the other dimensions for placement against the wall of an enclosure, and a flat, generally rectangular, but possibly curved (due to the pivoting of the enclosure) front surface that, in use, is fixed to a vertical surface when attached to the side wall of an enclosure (e.g., a trailer or lorry). The TRU framework can define a first volume in which the refrigeration system is located and a second volume in which the battery pack is attached, the second volume typically located below. Providing a dedicated volume for the battery within the TRU is preferred to optimize battery packing and maximize the use of the limited available space within the TRU that is not required for other components (e.g., the refrigeration system). The battery pack can be adapted to fit into the available volume, maximizing space utilization while still allowing access to necessary components such as fans, contactors, chargers, etc. for use and repair.

[0016] The battery framework typically includes structural members, e.g., welded metal members, permanently secured to one another for structural integrity. Preferably, the area for accessing the batteries is unobstructed by the framework members, i.e., the batteries can be advanced to their final shelf-mounted position unobstructed by members within that layer of batteries or adjacent batteries during construction or maintenance of the unit. This may involve, for example, advancing the battery modules from the rear (or possibly the front) of the battery framework into the space allocated for the batteries on the shelf before securing the battery framework in place. The framework may have fastening means for fastening to the device it is intended to power during use. These fastening means may be, for example, holes in the framework that allow the framework to be attached to the device using bolts or other fasteners, located outside the battery compartment (e.g., on the sides and / or top and bottom of the framework). When used in a TRU system, the battery pack may include structural framework members for direct attachment to the truck or trailer, as well as to the refrigeration system pack (i.e., the portion of the overall TRU that includes the refrigeration system). Alternatively, the battery packs may be attached to the TRU's integral framework (which also supports the refrigeration system), which is attached to the truck or trailer.

[0017] In embodiments, the TRU refrigeration system can operate solely on battery power from batteries within the TRU (optionally supplemented by solar power) to cool the mobile enclosure without power input from an ICE, an axle regeneration system, or batteries mounted externally to the TRU, although in other embodiments, other power sources can be used to supplement the batteries within the TRU. Thus, the present invention is advantageous for efficient use of available space within the TRU, especially when battery capacity is large, e.g., preferably when the TRU's battery capacity for powering the refrigeration system is greater than 20 kWh, or in some instances greater than 60 kWh, or in some further instances greater than 120 kWh.

[0018] As mentioned above, the space within a TRU, and therefore the battery pack, is typically shallow, and the volume dedicated to the batteries is also relatively shallow, i.e., its depth is less than its width or height. Typically, battery modules are prismatic, i.e., rectangular in shape, so that multiple modules of the same dimensions can be efficiently packed into an array, i.e., one or more rows and one or more columns of batteries within the overall rectangular battery volume.

[0019] The battery pack is configured to be sealed and dry, i.e., to protect and / or seal the battery pack from the broader environment, preventing water, mud, or other liquids that may be encountered during use from entering the compartment and making it water / liquid impermeable. The battery pack may have one or more covers (e.g., front and / or rear) that cooperate with the framework to completely enclose the battery compartment and are removable to allow access to the battery cells (e.g., during manufacturing or maintenance). Thus, the first and second compartments within the TRU can be open to the environment to a certain extent, as typically required to allow external airflow to reach components of the refrigeration system and / or battery thermal management system. This also simplifies manufacturing of the TRU, as no special measures are required to separate the first and second compartments and keep the second compartment isolated.

[0020] Bus bars may be provided to make electrical connections to the multiple battery modules. Typically, the bus bars are attached to the front of the shelf. Thus, the bus bars can be installed when the battery modules are secured in place within the battery rack space. Typically, the battery volume extends across most of the width of the TRU (e.g., 50% to 90% of the width), maximizing the use of space within the TRU. If the front of the TRU is curved, additional space is created in the central region where the curvature creates additional space. This can be conveniently used to accommodate the battery management unit and components of the power distribution system.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery pack may have a curved front cover that is concentric at a fixed radius from the standard kingpin connection to the trailer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the battery modules are arranged in an array of multiple rows and columns.

[0023] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery pack is configured to power a transport refrigeration unit for a truck or trailer, where: (i) the battery pack framework is configured to be attached to a refrigeration system pack forming a transport refrigeration unit, with at least the battery pack framework being mounted to a truck or trailer; or (ii) The battery packs are configured to be attached to a TRU framework that also supports the refrigeration system, and the TRU framework is attached to the truck or trailer. Thus, the TRU may be divided into two separate packs, the refrigeration system pack and the battery pack, which can be attached to each other and both of which include structural framework elements for fastening to the truck / trailer. Alternatively, the TRU may have an integrated framework to which the refrigeration system and battery packs are attached, and this integrated framework is attached to the trailer or truck.

[0024] TRUs have an envelope that is constrained by the way they are attached to the end of a container, trailer, or vehicle. This often results in an available volume for a battery pack that is substantially rectangular but relatively shallow. The battery pack can advantageously be configured with multiple battery cells / modules along multiple shelves to fit itself into the available space.

[0025] In one embodiment, the battery compartment is sealed to keep the battery pack dry during use.

[0026] In one embodiment, the battery cells are arranged in battery modules, each battery module comprising a housing that houses a subset of the total number of cells.

[0027] In one embodiment, the framework includes left and right side members with one or more shelves extending therebetween, the channels passing laterally through the shelves and communicating with openings in the side members.

[0028] Thus, thermal management of the battery and / or BMU may be achieved through flow paths that are not in communication with the sealed battery compartment by flowing cooling fluid into these flow paths via a fluid movement device mounted outside the battery compartment (e.g., on a side member of the framework that is preferably accessible for repair).

[0029] In one embodiment, there is at least one battery management unit (BMU) for the battery cells mounted within the battery compartment (preferably on the shelf).

[0030] In one embodiment, each shelf has multiple flow paths, at least one of which is for cooling the battery cells supported by that shelf and at least one of which is for cooling the BMU mounted on that shelf.

[0031] This allows for the separation of cooling mechanisms and avoids coupling of different heat sources. The BMU, in particular, creates a more concentrated heat load, and it is generally desirable to protect the battery from being heated by this heat load, which is difficult in the limited space available. By using separate flow paths that can be sized and positioned accordingly, the thermal management system can separate the cooling of these elements and avoid or reduce the coupling of heat from one heat source to another. If desired, separate cooling systems can be used for each flow path, e.g., liquid cooling for the BMU unit and air cooling for the battery, or the same system can be used for both, e.g., for air or liquid cooling fluid circulating or passing through the flow paths.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one flow path for cooling the BMU is positioned at least partially below the at least one flow path for cooling the battery cells and extends to a front surface of the shelf on which the BMU is mounted.

[0033] Thus, the top surface of the shelf on which the battery cells are mounted can absorb heat from the battery and transfer that heat to dedicated flow paths for dissipating the battery thermal load, while the flow paths for the BMU can absorb heat from the BMU at the front and be maintained substantially away from the top surface, thus avoiding or reducing thermal coupling from the MBU to the battery unit. The front surface of the shelf can have thicker walls compared to the rest of the shelf (e.g., the top surface of the shelf) to absorb locally generated heat from the BMU and help spread that heat laterally across the front of the shelf and help transfer that heat to the BMU thermal flow paths.

[0034] In one embodiment, the flow path for cooling the battery cells is divided into multiple sub-flow paths from the front to the rear of the shelf by at least one internal vertical wall to help strengthen the shelf.

[0035] Preferably, the flow path for cooling the BMU extends only from the front surface to the first interior wall. Because the BMU is mounted on the front surface, it is generally not necessary for the BMU flow path to extend all the way to the back of the shelf. In contrast, because the battery modules / cells are in contact with substantially the entire depth of the shelf, the battery heat flow path preferably extends from the front to the back of the shelf. The battery heat flow path at the rear of the shelf can be expanded in height to occupy the entire thickness of the shelf.

[0036] In one embodiment, one side member includes a plenum outboard for communicating one or more air moving devices with air flow paths within one or more shelves.

[0037] In one embodiment, the top member extends over the top of the top row of battery cells between the side members, and the front and rear covers are secured to the side members, the top member, and the at least one shelf to form seals around the front and rear of the battery compartment to seal the battery compartment.

[0038] In one embodiment, the battery pack includes at least one contactor or at least one connector on a side member located in an externally accessible position for making external connections to the battery pack, the contactor or connector comprising one or more of the following: High voltage / current connectors for connecting to battery cells / modules, a contactor for switching power to / from the battery pack; Connection to the heater element, and Connection to the BMU.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contactors, fluid movers, and / or chargers are accessible outside the battery compartment and / or while still coupled to a device powered by the battery pack during use, so they can be serviced and / or replaced. For example, in a TRU application, the charger is accessible when the battery pack is coupled to a refrigeration system and / or mounted on a trailer or truck.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one shelf includes at least one heating element on an upper surface thereof that is controllably configured to heat the battery module it supports.

[0041] In one embodiment, at least one shelf has a front or rear sealing surface extending across its front or rear surface, being substantially planar, at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, and configured to seal against the front or rear cover of the battery pack.

[0042] In one embodiment, the framework includes one or more lifting mechanisms outside the battery compartment configured to allow the battery pack to be lifted by a crane or forklift for use in installing / removing the battery pack from an end device.

[0043] In one embodiment, the battery module is insertable into the battery compartment through the rear side of the framework.

[0044] In one embodiment, the battery cells and / or modules are provided in the battery compartment with: The horizontal distance between adjacent battery modules is less than 1 cm, and / or the battery modules contain a width that is at least 90% of the width of the battery compartment; The vertical distance between adjacent battery modules is less than 5 cm, and / or the battery modules contain a height that is at least 75% of the height of the battery compartment; the battery module comprises a depth that is at least 90% of the depth of the battery pack; It is configured to take one or more of these shapes.

[0045] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a rechargeable battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4 attached to a device; an electrical system powered by a rechargeable battery pack; This extends to mobile devices equipped with

[0046] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: a framework for attachment to a mobile enclosure (e.g., a trailer, container, or truck); a refrigeration system for cooling and / or heating the interior of the mobile enclosure attached to the TRU framework; A rechargeable battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, adapted to power a refrigeration system; and transport refrigeration units equipped with

[0047] In a further aspect, the invention extends to a method of providing a temperature controlled load at a destination using a unit as set forth in claim 23, the method comprising powering a refrigeration system with a battery pack to control the temperature of the load in a mobile enclosure during transport to the destination.

[0048] In one embodiment, Replacing a fan, contactor, or charger while the battery pack is coupled to the refrigeration system and mounted on the truck or trailer; and Removing the battery pack from the refrigeration system and truck or trailer and replacing it with another battery pack to restore, maintain or change battery capacity Contains one or more of:

[0049] In one embodiment, the method includes: mounting the battery cells or battery cells stacked in modules on shelves of a pack; Attaching the BMU to the front of the shelf; Making electrical connections between the battery cells of the battery pack, the BMU, and an external connector; Attaching the front and rear covers to the framework to seal the battery compartment; Includes.

[0050] It will be understood that any feature expressed herein as being provided "by way of example" or "in one embodiment" or as being "preferably" may be provided in combination with any one or more of the aspects of the invention, and in any one or more other such features.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example TRU from the front in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2a is a front view of the TRU of FIG. 1 with the TRU outer cover removed, and FIG. 2b shows the TRU with the battery pack removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example battery pack for use with the TRU of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the battery pack of FIG. 3 with the front cover removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a framework for the battery pack of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shelf of the framework of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the shelf-mounted BMU of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a top view of the top surface of the shelf showing a simulated thermal analysis during use. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a charger mounted on the underside of the bottom shelf of the framework. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a bus bar connector. [Figure 12] A view of the connector from the right side of the framework. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a battery module containing a stack of cells. [Figure 14] 10A-10C illustrate the lifting mechanisms of the battery pack framework and how they engage with lifting equipment such as a forklift. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack installed in a trailer-mounted TRU. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a top view of the connections between the battery modules. [Figure 17a] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a refrigeration system pack and battery pack for a TRU in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17b]FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a refrigeration system pack and battery pack for a TRU in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] 1 is a perspective view of an example of a transport refrigeration unit 10 mounted on the front of a semi-trailer 12 of the type that can be attached to and towed by a tractor unit (not shown) for transporting goods loaded inside the trailer through the trailer's rear door; TRU 10 implements a system for refrigerating the interior of the trailer. (Generally, in the following description, "front" refers to the direction of arrow 16, i.e., the forward direction of the trailer; "rear" refers to the direction of arrow 17; "top" refers to the direction of arrow 18; "bottom" refers to the direction of arrow 19; and "side" refers to the direction of arrow 15.) It will be understood that the TRU may similarly be mounted on other vehicle types, such as rigid trucks, vans, and lorries, or on containers, such as shipping containers, that can be lifted onto a trailer for transport, and may be generally applicable to cooling the interior of any enclosure. While the unit is described as cooling the interior of a trailer, it may also be configured to heat the interior of a trailer.

[0054] TRU 10 includes a structural framework 20 (shown separately in FIG. 2B ) that supports various elements of the unit and includes attachment points 20 c for securing to the trailer, generally on the sides (e.g., on vertical side members 20 a). Framework 20 generally defines an upper volume 22 and a lower volume 24. Upper volume 22 has an exterior cover (not shown for clarity) and houses a vapor compression refrigeration system 28 (shown in FIG. 2B but omitted from FIG. 1 for clarity), primarily including an evaporator 28 a, a compressor 28 b, a condenser 28 c, and an expansion valve 28 d, along with a fan 28 e for moving air over the evaporator and condenser. When the compressor and fan are activated, they together blow cooled (or heated) air into the interior of trailer 12 through openings 26 in the end walls of trailer 25, cooling (or heating) the contents, as is commonly known in the art.

[0055] The lower volume 24 houses a rechargeable battery pack 30 for powering the refrigeration system. An outer cover of the TRU (here three sections 32a, 32b, 32c) covers the battery pack. The TRU cover, e.g., plastic, has separate portions covering the battery compartment area and two side areas, allowing access to components in the side areas without removing the entire cover. These covers preferably have a primarily aesthetic appearance and are not required to keep the battery module moisture-free.

[0056] 2 shows the TRU without its outer cover and shows battery pack 30 (preferably removably) secured to framework 20 by fasteners 34 connecting the side flanges of battery pack 30 with the lower vertical side member 20b sections of framework 20. Crash barriers 37 may be installed above and / or below the battery pack attached to the framework of TRU 20 to protect against impacts to the exposed surfaces of the battery pack. FIG. 3 shows the battery pack removed from TRU framework 20.

[0057] In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, a unitary structural framework 20 is used in a TRU to which a battery pack is attached. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, the framework 20 may be provided in the form of separable portions 20a, 20b divided into upper and lower volumes. For example, the lower portion of the framework (e.g., vertical side members 20b) supporting the battery pack may be separated from the upper portion of the framework 20a supporting the refrigeration system. The lower portion of the frame may be incorporated into the battery pack 30 itself. For example, in this embodiment, flanges on the sides of the battery pack are permanently secured (e.g., welded) to the lower vertical side members 20b. A connecting flange 20e is formed by the battery pack for fastening to the upper portion of the framework 20a (or the upper framework for fastening to the lower framework, or both) at point 20f to structurally connect the two portions. Thus, in effect, a refrigeration system pack and a battery pack are provided that can be connected to each other to form a TRU, both of which incorporate structural elements having attachment points 20c for attachment to a truck or trailer via fasteners. This configuration of incorporating structural members into battery pack 30 for direct attachment to the trailer can increase the structural integrity of the battery pack, and therefore make it more likely that the battery pack will remain secured to the trailer surface in the event of a collision. In other respects, the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 and 17a and 17b can be identical.

[0058] As described more fully below, battery pack 30 includes a structural framework 33 that defines a battery compartment 40 containing a plurality of battery modules 41 (shown in FIG. 13 ). Front and rear covers 35, 36 cooperate with the framework to seal the battery compartment so that moisture cannot penetrate the battery modules. The framework (i) provides structural support for the battery pack, including the mounting of the battery modules and other components therein; (ii) allows for mounting the battery pack to TRU framework 20 via fasteners 34 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 , or to upper framework 20 a and the trailer in the embodiment of FIGS. 17 a, 17 b ; and (iii) allows for lifting of the battery pack into position for installation / removal via lifting mechanism 38. A fan unit 62, forming part of the battery pack's thermal management system 60, is positioned on one side of the battery pack, and a connector 70 (shown in more detail in FIG. 12 ) for contacting the battery pack is positioned on the opposite side. A charger may be conveniently mounted below the battery pack (shown in more detail in FIG. 10) to charge the batteries (e.g., from the AC grid when in the garage and / or from solar power mounted on a trailer during transport or in the garage), power the refrigeration system 30 (i.e., to drive the compressor and fan), and / or export power from the batteries to the garage grid.

[0059] The TRU 10 further comprises control electronics, communication means 29 for transferring data to and from a remote service that can manage or monitor the TRU, a UI that allows an operator to control the TRU, and connectors for connecting to solar panels on the trailer roof or to shore power when the trailer is stationary, which can be mounted at any suitable point within the framework and communicate with the battery pack via connector 70 and the refrigeration system.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows the battery pack 30 with the front cover 35 removed. In this example, there are three rows 44a, 44b, and 44c of eight battery modules 41, each containing multiple battery cells within a housing strong enough for handling and installation. In each row, the eight battery modules 41 are connected in series to form two battery module stacks of four modules each. The battery module terminals are at the top when the modules are secured within the unit. The battery cells are preferably in an upright orientation when the stack is secured within the pack. This is because, for at least some battery cell configurations, an upright orientation is important for battery performance to avoid potential electrolyte starvation in some of the battery plates. Additionally, for thermal management purposes, as described below, it is advantageous to have each battery cell in contact with the underside of the battery module (which may be a thermal plate) to manage heat load dissipation from the battery cells. The battery modules are preferably, but not necessarily, identical in size, voltage / capacity, and internal cell arrangement.

[0061] Each row 44 of battery modules is supported by shelves 50a, 50b, 50c that extend laterally across the battery pack, i.e., left and right. The shelves are laterally connected to vertical left and right side members 52a, 52b. The side members have a generally L-shaped cross section, with one leg attached to the shelf and one leg extending laterally away from the battery compartment to form a flange for attachment to the body of the TRU via fasteners in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, or to vertical side member 20b in the example of FIGS. 17a, 17b. Optionally, a cross plate 51b can be included to stiffen the two legs while maintaining open space for access to components mounted thereon (as described below). Alternatively, or additionally, the shelves themselves may have extensions 51a at their ends that are welded to the lateral legs to help stiffen the side members. A top member 54 extends across the top of the battery pack and is connected at the sides to the left and right side members. The shelves, top member, and top member form a structurally rigid battery support framework 20. Additional members 53 may be provided between the shelves to reinforce the framework. The framework further includes lifting mechanisms 38 (e.g., toward the top of the framework on both sides) configured to allow, for example, a forklift to lift and manipulate the battery pack, i.e., advance the battery pack to the TRU framework for installation and removal. The framework elements may be welded together to form a watertight connection or may use other structurally sound attachment methods. Figure 5 shows only the framework.

[0062] The front cover 35 and rear cover 36 are removably attached, preferably by fasteners, to the side members, shelves, and top members (and optionally any intermediate shelves) around at least the open front 57 and rear 58 perimeters 57a, 57b, 57c, and 57d, helping to stiffen and structurally strengthen the assembly and also forming a seal to keep the internal battery compartment dry during use, i.e., sealed against intrusion of rain, road spray and dirt, and condensation in the refrigeration compartment, e.g., to IP67 or any other suitable standard. The rear cover 36 may be a thin aluminum sheet. The front cover 35 may be aluminum or plastic and may curve outward to utilize additional space in the center of the TRU envelope to accommodate additional components in front of the battery pack in front of the battery modules (see FIG. 15).

[0063] A two-stage venting system may be provided within the battery compartment 40. In Stage 1, a flex vent regulates pressure changes due to fluctuating temperature / altitude changes. In Stage 2, a burst vent regulates for battery venting. These may be provided in the front cover 35 of the battery pack (not specifically shown).

[0064] A battery charger 80 is mounted to the underside of the bottom shelf, with the charger connector accessible when the battery pack is mounted to the TRU framework. The framework may have additional structures 59 extending downwardly below the bottom shelf that enclose the volume occupied by the charger on the sides and rear to protect the charger and / or to provide a structure that allows the battery pack to be positioned on the ground.

[0065] As shown in more detail in FIG. 16, the battery modules 41a-41d in each stack of modules 41 are connected to each other via interconnects 42, i.e., the positive terminal 43b is connected in series to the negative terminal 43a. The positive and negative terminals of each battery module stack 41, i.e., the end terminals of the series-connected battery stacks, are then connected in parallel via interconnects 47, 48 to respective positive and negative bus bars 45a, 45b attached to respective positions at the front of the shelf on standoffs 49. As shown in FIG. 13, the connection to the rear terminal 43a (negative in this example) is preferably made before the battery module is installed on the shelf during assembly. The front terminal 43b (positive in this example) is pre-installed with an L-shaped bus bar extending downward so that it can be connected to the terminal at the front of the battery stack after it is placed on the shelf. This configuration addresses the issue of difficult terminal access when the battery modules are on the shelf. A fuse may be provided within the series of interconnects / bus bars to protect the circuit. As shown in FIG. 12, each module bus bar 45 is connected to a respective high-voltage / current connector 46 that passes through a side member 52 (here, the right side member 52b, but could be at any other convenient point) of the battery framework 33 via a sealed grommet / gland to maintain a waterproof battery compartment. Positive and negative contactors 48b may be provided for each terminal, allowing current to / from the battery pack to be switched by the TRU's control system to isolate the battery pack. Thus, external high-current connections can be made to the battery pack via the contactors to charge the refrigeration system and power / deliver power to the cooling system via appropriate cables (not shown).

[0066] A module may, for example, provide 12V, and each module stack, and therefore the entire pack, may provide 48V. It will be appreciated that battery cells may be stacked in many different ways. For example, different configurations and different numbers of battery cells, modules may be provided to provide the required voltage and capacity. The number of cells in a module may be varied. Using so-called "cell-to-pack" technology, cells may be individually mounted on shelves rather than housed in a battery module. Different numbers of shelves of modules may be used depending on the desired battery capacity, etc.

[0067] Returning to FIG. 4 , a battery management unit (BMU) 75 is provided for each battery module stack 41 secured to the front of the shelf 50, as described below. As is commonly known, the function of the BMU is to balance the battery cells as they charge by bleeding off current through a resistor from the higher voltage / SoC cells (i.e., weaker cells with lower capacity that charge faster), so that the cells within the module appear to have the same capacity. The BMU connects to the battery cells via connector 43c (shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 ) at the front of the battery module. The BMU is connected by a harness (not shown) to low voltage / current connector 48a on the side of the battery pack, through which external connections can be made for controlling and powering the BMU.

[0068] Since the volume occupied by the battery modules is generally a regular flat rectangular prism, i.e., has a constant depth, it is generally preferred to mount the busbars 45 and BMUs 75 on a shelf at the front of the pack, while the envelope available to the TRU has a curved front face due to a constant distance (R) from the trailer kingpin (see FIG. 15), leaving usable space at the front between the battery modules and the front of the TRU, at least in the central region.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows only the shelf 50. The shelf serves to remove heat from the battery modules as well as from the battery management unit and thus forms part of the thermal management system 60. The shelf includes channels 67 that run laterally through the shelf, i.e., in a left / right direction. The side members have openings 68 (shown in FIG. 5) that communicate with the channels 67. A fan unit 62 is positioned on the outside of the left side member 52a (similarly, the positioning can be reversed so that it is on the right side of the unit, but is typically located opposite the connector so that the connector is not obscured, while both the connector and the fan are conveniently located and accessible) and draws air 66 through these channels to provide cooling airflow. A plenum 69 is formed between the fan unit 62 and the opening 68 in the side member 52. On the opposite side, air is drawn into the channels through the opening 68 in the side member. Because the shelf 50 is welded (or otherwise sealed) to the side members around its periphery, these openings only allow air to enter the shelf flow passages 67 and do not provide a path to the battery compartment, i.e., the waterproofing of the battery compartment is not compromised.

[0070] Battery heat load 64 is absorbed from the top surface of shelf 50, which is in intimate thermal contact with the bottom surface of the battery stack, and BMU heat load 65 is absorbed by the BMU heat dissipation surface at the front of the shelf. The heat is transferred to the airflow and dissipated outside the battery pack. The shelf may be made, for example, from extruded aluminum, with the necessary sections welded together to form the various flow paths. The top surface of the shelf may be recessed for a thin heating pad (not shown), such as a self-regulating PTC heater, which, when supplied with current, may be used to heat the batteries to a preferred operating point when operating in low ambient temperature conditions. The PTC heater may be connected to connector 48a on the side of the battery pack to supply current to the heating pad to heat the battery modules.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of shelf 50. Sealing surfaces 91a, 91b are formed on the front and rear of the shelf and are used to seal the battery pack, as described below, i.e., to abut the front and rear covers as described above. The side and top members have similar sealing surfaces (not shown) that perform similar functions. These may have widths of, for example, 10 mm to 20 mm to promote a good seal. Beads or gaskets or other elements may be included in the sealing surfaces to further promote a good seal between the battery pack cover and the structural members of the framework.

[0072] The shelf 50 has multiple flow channels 67a, 67b, 67c, and 67d formed by the shelf walls. Air is drawn through these channels by a fan unit. These channels have internal heat dissipation fins 94 on the surfaces most exposed to the heat loads 64 and 65 to help dissipate heat from the material into the flow channels. As shown in FIG. 8 , the front of the shelf has a BMU mounting surface 92 by which the BMU is secured to the shelf, for example, by placing the bottom edge 95 of the BMU circuit board into a recess 96 in the mounting surface and locking it in place with a snap fastener 56c or other fastener. The BMU resistor 75b is configured to abut and thermally bond to the heat dissipation surface 93 of the shelf 50, facilitating the drawing of heat 65 from the resistor into the shelf material. The walls are thicker in this region to increase the bulk of the material and encourage heat to be conducted laterally within the material, away from the resistor's local heat load, helping to spread the heat and dissipate it into the flow channels. Directly behind the heat dissipation surface is a BMU hot air channel 67d configured to dissipate heat from the BMU and keep it isolated from the battery modules so as not to overheat them, and this channel extends partway towards the rear of the shelf.

[0073] The battery stack / module 41 also generates heat during charging / powering of the refrigeration system, and this heat must be dissipated because the cells have an optimal temperature range. Typically, the cells powering the TRU require an ambient temperature operating range of -20°C to 45°C and an optimal cell operating temperature range of 10°C to 30°C. Operating temperature over its lifetime can be expected to affect the number of cycles a cell can provide before performance degradation occurs. Therefore, thermal management of the battery cells is an important consideration. Another separate flow path 67c is formed approximately at the front of the shelf above the BMU heat dissipation channel 67d to dissipate heat from the battery. Behind this path 67c and the BMU hot air flow path 67d, two more flow paths 67a and 67b are formed in a front-to-back configuration, both extending from the top to the bottom of the shelf and also used to dissipate heat from the battery. Thus, in this embodiment, three flow paths 67a-67c are provided to dissipate battery heat, although it will be understood that a different number of flow paths can be used. For example, these could be combined into a single large channel for dissipating heat from the battery that runs from the front to the back of the shelf, although it will be appreciated that using three separate channels (or any number of multiple channels could be used) has the advantage of allowing the vertical walls between the channels that reinforce the shelf to better support the weight of the battery.

[0074] As mentioned above, a heating pad may be placed on top of the shelf to help heat the battery modules operating in low ambient temperatures, in which case the cooling fan may be switched off.

[0075] As an example, with a battery pack having a storage capacity of 70 kWhr, the fan unit can travel 266 m through the shelf. 3 / hr airflow, which gives a maximum heat load from the battery modules of 144W per shelf and a maximum heat load from the BMUs of 233W per shelf.

[0076] The BMU 75 generates concentrated heat, and it is important to prevent this heat from flowing to the batteries and causing undesirable battery heating. It is preferable to keep the thermal management of the BMU and the battery modules separate. Therefore, at the front of the shelf, the BMU hot air flow path is positioned substantially below the shelf so that it does not substantially contact the top surface of the shelf that is in contact with the battery modules. Optionally, a small section just behind the front surface extends upward toward the top surface to capture as much heat generated by the BMU as possible before it is dissipated into the flow path. Therefore, some of this heat may locally affect the top surface of the shelf. However, this is approximately aligned with the steel flange 44 of the battery stack / module used for mounting, not the battery cells, and therefore the heat does not affect battery performance. As shown in Figure 8, rivet nuts 56a can be press-fit into the aluminum shelf material to accept fasteners 44b through holes 44a in the battery stack flange 44. Similarly, rivet nuts 56b can be provided for mounting the BMU and busbars to the front of the shelf. As shown in FIG. 5, the front faces of the intermediate shelves 50a, 50b may be cut out and machined in places to provide space for connections to the battery, bus bars, etc., since the intermediate shelves are not used to seal the front cover.

[0077] Figure 9 shows a thermal analysis of the shelf during operation during maximum thermal load. As can be seen, hot spots form on the top surface of the shelf near the BMU resistors. Only the temperature of the directly adjacent battery cells (B) in the directly adjacent cell stacks / battery modules (1 and 2) rises significantly due to BMU heating, which is generally found to be acceptable. As can be seen, the most intense heat coincides with where the steel flanges of the battery modules are located. Therefore, the shelf provides separate cooling for the BMU and the batteries, tailored to their individual needs. The BMU can withstand higher temperatures than the batteries, i.e., up to 65°C. Preferably, the BMU temperature is maintained within 25°C of ambient temperature, and the cell temperatures are maintained within 10°C of ambient temperature.

[0078] It will be appreciated that in this example, air cooling is used for both battery thermal management and heat dissipation from the BMU. However, liquid cooling may be used as an alternative to air cooling, for example, by replacing the fan with a pump and the air plenum with a manifold / pipe to circulate liquid through the flow paths in the shelf, drawing heat from the shelf (e.g., via a radiator) and expelling that heat outside the battery pack. A combination of air cooling for the battery modules and liquid cooling for the stronger heat load generated by the BMU could be used. In either case, separate flow paths are preferably provided in the shelf for BMU cooling and battery cooling, with appropriate fluid movement devices moving / circulating the fluid in the flow paths.

[0079] The shelf structure may therefore provide multiple functions within the battery pack, including: - Structural integrity of the battery pack Cooling of the battery stack fixed on top Front-mounted BMU cooling Sealing surfaces for front and rear covers Bottom charger installation Battery stack heating in sub-zero ambient temperatures Repair and Maintenance

[0080] It is contemplated that the fan unit, contactors, and charger may be repaired in the field, for example, by replacing them with new units. These are accessible at the sides and bottom of the unit by removing the side TRU covers, without opening the battery compartment or removing the battery pack from the TRU. However, the battery pack is intended to be a sealed unit that cannot be used in the field, for example, to replace a failed battery module. Preferably, in this case, the entire battery pack is removed and replaced. The battery pack may be opened and reprovisioned by the manufacturer / service company. However, preferably, the battery pack does not contain any moving parts (as found in fluid movers / contactors), and therefore, repairs are expected to be required less frequently. assembly

[0081] The battery pack framework is provided as a fully welded assembly, i.e., in the form shown in Figure 5. It can be mounted in a custom fixture to allow for different positioning and aid in assembly. The assembly is preferably initially placed in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 10, and the charger is mounted in the hole in the bottom extrusion shelf. As shown in Figure 11, a gland is added to the hole in the right side member, and the main pack bus bar is inserted through the gland. As shown in Figure 13, the connector and contactor are mounted in the right side member of the mounting plate. A heating pad can be mounted in a recess in the top surface of the shelf.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 13, diagonal interconnects 42 and L-shaped busbars 46 are pre-installed on the respective terminals on the cell stack / battery module. The terminals and busbars may be electrically insulated / protected with covers (not shown). Battery modules are introduced onto the shelf through the rear open face 57 of the framework, i.e., through directional arrow 16 in FIG. 5, and secured in place at the front and rear of the shelf 50 via fasteners 44a that pass through holes 44b in the flanges 44 of the battery stack. When installed, a gap of 1 mm to 5 mm is preferably present between battery modules on the shelf. The battery modules within each module stack are connected in series by connecting the diagonal interconnects 42 of one battery to the L-shaped busbar 46 of its adjacent battery.

[0083] The BMU board 75 is snapped onto connector 56c. A BMU->Stack harness is installed to connect the module to the BMU (not shown for clarity). A BMU->SMU harness is installed to connect the battery management unit to a power measurement unit (SMU), which charges the battery by setting a desired current rate or discharges the battery by dissipating power while monitoring the battery's voltage.

[0084] A fan plenum 69 is mounted in the left side member and mounts the fan 62 (and / or pump and manifold if liquid cooling is used).

[0085] The module stack and pack level cables and bus bars are installed, and the remaining standoffs and fuses are installed.

[0086] The front cover 35 and rear cover 36 are installed, i.e., via fastening to the sealing surfaces of the bottom shelf, side members and top member.

[0087] The battery packs are then attached to the framework 20 in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, or on top of the framework 20a in the embodiment of Figures 17a and 17b. As shown in Figure 14, the assembly is ready to be lifted into place by a forklift and attached to the trailer via bolts. A fixture 100 may be provided to engage (102) the forks of the forklift and to engage (104) the lifting mechanism 38 of the battery framework 20.

[0088] Finally, the crash barrier is installed and the TRU outer cover is attached.

[0089] Figure 15 shows a TRU 10 installed on a trailer 12, with a radius R from the kingpin sweeping a volume above the face of the trailer that constrains the volume of the TRU. The framework and battery compartment / battery module are roughly rectangular, typically 2m to 2.5m wide and 2m to 2.5m high to fit on a standard trailer while maximizing the space available for the battery chemistry.

[0090] The members used for the framework can be made from appropriately sized aluminum box sections. The entire battery pack weighs between 400kg and 600kg, and when installed in the TRU the assembly weighs between 800kg and over 1200kg, making the assembly weight similar to that of a conventional diesel TRU.

[0091] The battery pack is described in connection with use with a TRU, however, the invention is not so limited and the battery pack may be used in other applications where it is desirable to power a mobile device, particularly where the space available for mounting the battery pack makes it desirable to vertically stack the battery cells within the pack.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples shown in the drawings, it will be understood that variations and modifications to the described examples are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A rechargeable battery pack, comprising: a framework to which the pack is attached in use; and a battery compartment for a plurality of rechargeable battery cells, the framework including at least one shelf for supporting the plurality of battery cells within the compartment, the shelf having at least one fluid flow path therein; at least one fluid displacement device configured to displace cooling fluid through the at least one flow path to cool the battery cells in use; A rechargeable battery pack.

2. 1. A rechargeable battery pack, comprising: a framework to which the pack is attached in use; and a battery compartment, wherein the framework includes a plurality of vertically spaced shelves for supporting a row of a plurality of battery cells within the compartment, the battery cells being oriented with terminals for connecting to the cells vertically upward; A rechargeable battery pack.

3. the battery cells are supported by shelves of the framework, each shelf having at least one fluid flow path therein; The pack of claim 2 , wherein the at least one fluid movement device is configured to move fluid through the flow paths to cool the battery cells during use.

4. The rechargeable battery pack is configured to power a transport refrigeration unit for a truck or trailer, wherein: (i) the battery pack framework is configured to be attached to a refrigeration system pack forming a transport refrigeration unit, and at least the battery pack framework is attached to the truck or trailer; or (ii) the battery pack is configured to be mounted to a TRU framework that also supports a refrigeration system, the TRU framework being mounted to the truck or trailer; The pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pack is any one of the following:

5. A pack according to any preceding claim, wherein the battery compartment is sealed to keep the battery pack dry during use.

6. The pack of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery cells are arranged in battery modules, each of the battery modules comprising a housing containing a subset of the total number of cells.

7. 7. The pack of claim 1, wherein the framework comprises left and right side members with one or more shelves extending therebetween, the flow path passing laterally through the shelves and communicating with openings in the side members.

8. A pack according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one battery management unit (BMU) for the battery cells within the battery compartment, preferably mounted on a shelf.

9. 9. The pack of claim 8, wherein each shelf has a plurality of flow paths, at least one of which is for cooling the battery cells supported by the shelf and at least one of which is for cooling the BMU mounted on the shelf.

10. 10. The pack of claim 9, wherein at least one flow path for cooling the BMU is positioned at least partially below at least one flow path for cooling the battery cells and extends to a front surface of the shelf on which the BMU is mounted.

11. 11. The pack of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the flow path for cooling the battery cells is divided into a plurality of sub-flow paths from the front to the rear of the shelf by at least one internal vertical wall to help strengthen the shelf.

12. 12. The pack of claim 9, further comprising a plenum on an outboard side of one of the side members for communicating the one or more air moving devices with air flow paths in one or more shelves.

13. 13. The pack of claim 1, wherein the top member extends over the top of the top row of battery cells between the side members, and front and rear covers are secured to the side members, the top member, and the at least one shelf to form seals around the front and rear faces of the battery compartment to seal the battery compartment.

14. at least one contactor or at least one connector on a side member in an externally accessible position for making an external connection to the battery pack, the contactor or connector comprising one or more of the following: a high voltage / current connector for connecting to said battery cell / module; a contactor for switching power to / from the battery pack; Connection to the heater element, and Connection to BMU The pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein

15. A pack as described in any preceding claim, wherein the contactor, the fluid movement device and / or the charger are accessible outside the battery compartment and / or while still coupled to a device being powered by the battery pack in use, and therefore are serviceable and / or replaceable.

16. 16. The pack of any preceding claim, wherein at least one shelf includes at least one heating element on an upper surface thereof that is controllably configured to heat the battery module it supports.

17. 17. The pack of any preceding claim, wherein at least one shelf has a front or rear sealing surface extending across its front or rear, being substantially planar and at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, configured to seal against the front or rear cover of the battery pack.

18. 18. The pack of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the framework includes one or more lifting mechanisms outside the battery compartment configured to allow the battery pack to be lifted by a crane or forklift for use in installing / removing the battery pack from an end device.

19. The pack of any preceding claim, wherein a battery module is insertable into the battery compartment through the rear face of the framework.

20. The battery cells and / or modules are arranged in the battery compartment as follows: the horizontal distance between adjacent battery modules is less than 1 cm, and / or the battery modules comprise a width that is at least 90% of the width of the battery compartment; the vertical distance between adjacent battery modules is less than 5 cm, and / or the battery modules comprise a height of at least 75% of the height of the battery compartment; the battery module comprises a depth that is at least 90% of the depth of the battery pack; A pack according to any preceding claim, configured to take one or more of the following shapes:

21. A mobile device, A rechargeable battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 20 attached to the device; an electrical system powered by the rechargeable battery pack; A mobile device comprising:

22. 1. A transport refrigeration unit comprising: a framework for attachment to a mobile enclosure, e.g., a trailer, container, or truck; and a refrigeration system for cooling and / or heating the interior of the mobile enclosure attached to the TRU framework; A rechargeable battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 20, configured to power the refrigeration system; A transport refrigeration unit comprising:

23. 24. A method of providing a temperature controlled load at a destination using the unit of claim 23, comprising powering a refrigeration system with a battery pack to control the temperature of the load in a mobile enclosure during transport to the destination.

24. 24. A method for repairing a TRU according to claim 23, comprising: replacing a fan, contactor, or charger while the battery pack is coupled to the refrigeration system and mounted on the truck or trailer; and Removing the battery pack from the refrigeration system and truck or trailer and replacing it with another battery pack to restore, maintain or change battery capacity. A method comprising one or more of:

25. A method for assembling the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising: Mounting battery cells or battery cells stacked in modules on shelves of said pack; attaching a BMU to the front of the shelf; Making electrical connections between the battery cells of the battery pack, the BMU, and an external connector; attaching a front cover and a rear cover to the framework to seal the battery compartment; A method comprising:

Images