Abstract: A method for constant pressure regulation of battery cells includes disposing the cells in a stacked arrangement within a battery cell placement volume of an apparatus configured to maintain a constant pressure on the cells, providing a gas pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, thereby causing an initial pressure to be applied on the battery cells, and detecting an expansion of the battery cells during a predetermined timespan using a linear displacement sensor. During the predetermined timespan, if the detected expansion is less than a maximum allowable expansion minus a predetermined measurement error, then the gas pressure within the chamber is increased, and if the detected expansion is greater than the maximum allowable expansion plus the predetermined measurement error, then the gas pressure within the chamber is decreased. An apparatus for constant pressure regulation of battery cells is also provided.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for use in a power module assembly having at least one battery cell and corresponding method of forming. The thermal barrier includes at least one compressible member having one or more pockets. A first layer and a second layer are positioned adjacent to the compressive member at a first side and a second side, respectively. The thermal barrier includes one or more phase change materials configured to be deposited into the pockets. The phase change materials are configured to undergo an endothermic phase change reaction when a temperature is at or above an activation temperature. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to at least partially reflect radiant heat. In one example, the phase change materials include a bicarbonate salt.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for use in a power module assembly having at least one battery cell and corresponding method of forming. The thermal barrier includes at least one compressible member having one or more pockets. A first layer and a second layer are positioned adjacent to the compressive member at a first side and a second side, respectively. The thermal barrier includes one or more phase change materials configured to be deposited into the pockets. The phase change materials are configured to undergo an endothermic phase change reaction when a temperature is at or above an activation temperature. The first layer and the second layer may be configured to at least partially reflect radiant heat. In one example, the phase change materials include a bicarbonate salt.