BATTERY CELL STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION
A battery including supporting material is disclosed. The battery comprises a plurality of modules, each of which further comprises a plurality of battery cells that store and discharge electrical energy. To support the battery modules, a supporting material such as foam is inserted in the space between the battery modules. To support the cells within the modules, a supporting material such as foam is also inserted in between the battery cells in each of the modules.
1 . A battery module, comprising:
a plurality of battery cells;
a battery module enclosure enclosing the plurality of battery cells; and
supporting material between the plurality of battery cells within the battery module enclosure.
2 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein:
the supporting material comprises a polymer-based foam.
3 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein:
the supporting material comprises a metallic foam.
4 . The battery module of claim 3 , wherein:
the battery cells are at least partially insulated from the metallic foam.
5 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the supporting material occupies substantially all space between the battery cells.
6 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein:
the cells of the plurality of battery cells are coupled either or both of in parallel or in series.
7 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein:
the battery cells have one of a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, and a pouch shape.
8 . A battery pack, comprising:
a plurality of battery modules, each comprising:
a plurality of battery cells;
a battery module enclosure enclosing the plurality of battery cells; and
supporting material between the plurality of battery cells within the battery module enclosure.
9 . The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein:
the supporting material comprises a polymer-based foam.
10 . The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein:
the supporting material comprises a metallic foam.
11 . The battery pack of claim 10 , wherein:
the battery cells are at least partially insulated from the metallic foam.
12 . The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein the supporting material occupies substantially all space between the battery cells.
13 . The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein:
the cells of the plurality of battery cells are coupled either or both of in parallel or in series.
14 . The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein:
the battery cells have one of a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, and a pouch shape.
15 . An autonomous vehicle comprising:
vehicle components; and
a battery pack powering at least some of the vehicle components, the battery pack comprising:
a plurality of battery modules, each comprising:
a plurality of battery cells;
a battery module enclosure; and
supporting material between the plurality of battery cells within the battery module enclosure.
16 . The autonomous vehicle of claim 15 , wherein:
the supporting material comprises a polymer-based foam.
17 . The autonomous vehicle of claim 15 , wherein:
the supporting material comprises a metallic foam.
18 . The autonomous vehicle of claim 17 , wherein:
the battery cells are at least partially insulated from the metallic foam.
19 . The autonomous vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the supporting material occupies substantially all space between the battery cells.
20 . The autonomous vehicle of claim 15 , wherein:
the cells of the plurality of battery cells are coupled either or both of in parallel or in series.