Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle that includes a plurality of batteries stacked in layers one atop the other and electrically coupled together to provide the necessary power to the vehicle. The plurality of batteries is supported on an underlying base. A plurality of spacers are disposed above and below each layer for separating the layers of batteries and providing air passages around the batteries to allow air flow around the batteries to provide heating or cooling of the batteries. A retention frame affixes the batteries to the base to restrict movement of the batteries. The frame includes a plurality of beams that are interconnected and extend along the ends of the batteries. The beams apply a vertical force against the batteries, thereby fixing them rigidly to the base.

Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle including a cooling system that provides a substantially uniform cooling of the batteries within the pack. The battery pack includes a base that supports the batteries stacked in layers one atop the other. Each battery includes a plurality of cells with cooling air channels between them. A retention frame overlays and is affixed to the batteries to restrict the movement of the batteries within the pack. The batteries are held in spacers disposed above and below each layer of batteries. The spacers provide air passages above and below the batteries to allow cool air to flow across the batteries and through the cooling channels. An inlet admits cool air into the pack and an outlet releases the air from the pack after it is has passed through the stack of batteries. A front manifold is connected to the inlet and includes a plurality of separate runners for evenly splitting the air between the spacers below each layer of batteries.

Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle including a cooling system that provides a substantially uniform cooling of the batteries within the pack. The battery pack includes a base that supports the batteries stacked in layers one atop the other. Each battery includes a plurality of cells with cooling air channels between them. A retention frame overlays and is affixed to the batteries to restrict the movement of the batteries within the pack. The batteries are held in spacers disposed above and below each layer of batteries. The spacers provide air passages above and below the batteries to allow cool air to flow across the batteries and through the cooling channels. An inlet admits cool air into the pack and an outlet releases the air from the pack after it is has passed through the stack of batteries. A front manifold is connected to the inlet and includes a plurality of separate runners for evenly splitting the air between the spacers below each layer of batteries.