Abstract:
In an embodiment, a cooling plate comprises a first substrate and a second substrate; wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are adhesively bonded via an adhesive layer; wherein a conduit is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate having an inlet and an outlet that forms a flow field for a coolant to flow through; wherein the adhesion layer forms a tight fluid seal to prevent leakage of the coolant from the conduit to a bonded region proximal to the conduit area between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Abstract:
A cooling system for a battery is provided which includes a first tube, a second tube and a middle section which may be formed from an electrically insulating yet thermally conductive material. The first tube and the second tube may each be adapted to transfer coolant from a first end to a second end. The middle section integral may be the first tube on the first side of the middle section and integral to the second tube on the second side of the middle section. The first tube, the second tube and the middle section may be operatively configured to draw thermal energy away from at least one bus bar and corresponding cell tabs for a battery.
Abstract:
A fuel distributor assembly for a fuel cell stack that includes an inner shell positioned within an outer shell. The outer shell is curved to define a central longitudinal chamber, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The outer shell also has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge in combination define a longitudinal slot. The first longitudinal edge is bent inwardly towards the longitudinal chamber to form a longitudinal lip. The inner shell includes a plurality of ribs extending outwardly and contacting the inner wall surface of the outer shell. The inner shell, the outer shell, the lip, and the ribs define a plurality of flow channels. The inner shell has a length along which a plurality of apertures are positioned in a partial helical pattern. A method of forming the fuel distributor is also provided.
Abstract:
A fuel distributor assembly for a fuel cell stack that includes an inner shell positioned within an outer shell. The outer shell is curved to define a central longitudinal chamber, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The outer shell also has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface. The first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge in combination define a longitudinal slot. The first longitudinal edge is bent inwardly towards the longitudinal chamber to form a longitudinal lip. The inner shell includes a plurality of ribs extending outwardly and contacting the inner wall surface of the outer shell. The inner shell, the outer shell, the lip, and the ribs define a plurality of flow channels. The inner shell has a length along which a plurality of apertures are positioned in a partial helical pattern. A method of forming the fuel distributor is also provided.
Abstract:
A method of leak testing a fluid passage of a part manufactured from a low conductivity material includes measuring an electrical resistance between an interior wall surface of the fluid passage of the part, and an exterior wall surface of the fluid passage of the part. The measured electrical resistance is compared to a threshold value to determine if the measured electrical resistance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, or if the measured electrical resistance is less than the threshold value. The threshold value is equal to a nominal wall thickness of the fluid passage multiplied by a resistivity of the material used to form the part. The part passes the leak test when the measured electrical resistance is equal to or greater than the threshold value. The part fails the leak test when the measured electrical resistance is less than the threshold value.
Abstract:
A battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells each including a cell tab and a bus bar connected to the cell tabs of adjacent battery cells. The bus bar including a pair of 180 degree bend regions that each define a channel for receiving a respective cell tab and a cut-out region defining an opening having opposing edge portions that allows direct access to the cell tab within the cut-out region. A weld line connects the cell tab to at least one of the opposing edge portions within the cut-out region.
Abstract:
A modular battery pack assembly and method of making the same. Prismatic battery cells are placed along a stacking axis within a structural frame that is made of a polymeric material that includes foldable components made up of a top section disposed adjacent an edge of the stacked cells, and numerous side sections cooperatively coupled to the top sections to define an enclosure about the cells. In one form, apertures, protrusions and other features may be formed in or on the enclosure surface that faces or otherwise engages the cells, while in another form, built-in hinges permit selective latching between adjacent enclosure sections. A bottom section, which may be made of the same or similar material, may be secured to the remainder of the enclosure that is formed by the top and side sections such that the stacked cells are completely enclosed in a portable, modular assembly. In assembling the battery pack, top-down construction is employed so that the edge of the cell stack that defines the battery electrical terminals is first seated into the top section of the frame along a generally downward vertical axis.
Abstract:
A cover for a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacked configuration includes a non-conductive main body having a plurality of spaced apart recessed regions formed therein and a plurality of electrically conductive connectors, each of the connectors disposed in one of the recessed regions and coupled to the main body.
Abstract:
Provided herein are battery packs comprising a first polymeric endplate, a second polymeric endplate, and a plurality (n) of partitions extending between the first endplate and second endplate and defining (n−1) battery cavities. Each cavity is capable of receiving a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells and optionally cooling plates and foam pads. Partitions comprise a plurality of polymeric repeating spacers, and each spacer from each partition can correspond to a cooling plate common to a plurality of battery cell stacks. Each of the repeating spacers and cooling plates can include a plurality of aligned apertures, and corresponding bolts can occupy the aligned apertures and secure the same to the endplates. Each repeating spacer can correspond to a complete or partial battery unit, wherein a complete battery unit comprises a first battery cell, a cooling plate, a second battery cell, and a foam pad.
Abstract:
Provided herein are battery packs comprising a first polymeric endplate, a second polymeric endplate, and a plurality (n) of partitions extending between the first endplate and second endplate and defining (n−1) battery cavities. Each cavity is capable of receiving a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells and optionally cooling plates and foam pads. Partitions comprise a plurality of polymeric repeating spacers, and each spacer from each partition can correspond to a cooling plate common to a plurality of battery cell stacks. Each of the repeating spacers and cooling plates can include a plurality of aligned apertures, and corresponding bolts can occupy the aligned apertures and secure the same to the endplates. Each repeating spacer can correspond to a complete or partial battery unit, wherein a complete battery unit comprises a first battery cell, a cooling plate, a second battery cell, and a foam pad.