Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell are described, wherein the battery cell is composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils that are joined to both a positive terminal and a negative terminal at weld junctions. The method includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device and gripping one of the positive and negative terminals in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper is employed to apply a vibrational excitation load to the one of the positive and negative terminals. Impedance between the positive terminal and the negative terminal is monitored via a controller, and integrity of the weld junction of the one of the positive and negative terminals is evaluated based upon the impedance.

Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell are described, wherein the battery cell is composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils that are joined to both a positive terminal and a negative terminal at weld junctions. The method includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device and gripping one of the positive and negative terminals in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper is employed to apply a vibrational excitation load to the one of the positive and negative terminals. Impedance between the positive terminal and the negative terminal is monitored via a controller, and integrity of the weld junction of the one of the positive and negative terminals is evaluated based upon the impedance.

Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils, a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein the positive terminal and the negative terminal are each joined to the cell body at weld junctions. This includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device. The terminal is grasped in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper applies a vibrational excitation load to the terminal. A static stress end effector applies a static load to the terminal. Integrity of the weld junction is evaluated based upon the applied static load.

Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell are described, wherein the battery cell is composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils that are joined to both a positive terminal and a negative terminal at weld junctions. The method includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device and gripping one of the positive and negative terminals in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper is employed to apply a vibrational excitation load to the one of the positive and negative terminals. Impedance between the positive terminal and the negative terminal is monitored via a controller, and integrity of the weld junction of the one of the positive and negative terminals is evaluated based upon the impedance.

Abstract: A battery cell includes a pouch, an electrolyte material, positive and negative electrodes, and one or more heat conducting members. The pouch has an inner surface defining an internal volume, within which is contained the electrolyte material. The electrodes form current collectors that are positioned within the internal volume of the pouch. The electrode terminals are connected to a respective one of the positive and negative electrodes. Each heat conducting member is in thermal communication with a respective electrode terminal fully within the internal volume of the pouch, and extends between the electrodes and the inner surface of the pouch. The heat conducting members form a parallel heat transfer path within the battery cell. A battery pack includes a housing containing multiple such battery cells.

Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell are described, wherein the battery cell is composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils that are joined to both a positive terminal and a negative terminal at weld junctions. The method includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device and gripping one of the positive and negative terminals in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper is employed to apply a vibrational excitation load to the one of the positive and negative terminals. Impedance between the positive terminal and the negative terminal is monitored via a controller, and integrity of the weld junction of the one of the positive and negative terminals is evaluated based upon the impedance.

Abstract: A method and a test fixture for evaluating a battery cell composed of a cell body having a plurality of electrode foils, a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein the positive terminal and the negative terminal are each joined to the cell body at weld junctions. This includes retaining the cell body of the battery cell in a first clamping device. The terminal is grasped in a terminal gripper. A dynamic stress end effector coupled to the terminal gripper applies a vibrational excitation load to the terminal. A static stress end effector applies a static load to the terminal. Integrity of the weld junction is evaluated based upon the applied static load.

Abstract: A battery cell includes a pouch, an electrolyte material, positive and negative electrodes, and one or more heat conducting members. The pouch has an inner surface defining an internal volume, within which is contained the electrolyte material. The electrodes form current collectors that are positioned within the internal volume of the pouch. The electrode terminals are connected to a respective one of the positive and negative electrodes. Each heat conducting member is in thermal communication with a respective electrode terminal fully within the internal volume of the pouch, and extends between the electrodes and the inner surface of the pouch. The heat conducting members form a parallel heat transfer path within the battery cell. A battery pack includes a housing containing multiple such battery cells.

Abstract: Methods and battery cells formed thereby are provided that minimize issues with an exposed metallic layer at the peripheral edge of a flexible laminate forming a battery cell pouch. Sealing the periphery of the pouch is optimized projecting terminals of the electrochemical cell through perforations in the flexible laminate at a folded edge thereof. The folded edge does not present an exposed metallic layer and does not require a sealing material or use of sealing operation complicated by the terminals.