Having Specified Venting, Feeding Or Circulation Structure (other Than Feeding Or Filling For Activating Deferred Action-type Battery) Patents (Class 429/72)
  • Patent number: 9653746
    Abstract: A manifold for a redox flow battery capable of effectively suppressing a shunt current has a supply flow pathway and an exhaust flow pathway respectively formed at a left side and a right side of an anode or cathode electrode electrolyte reaction unit so as to include a U-shaped curved portion, and the U-shaped curved portion is formed to be positioned on the upper part of the top or the lower part of the bottom of the first electrode electrolyte reaction unit. When the manifold is applied to a redox flow battery, the supply flow pathway and the exhaust flow pathway having the U-shaped curved portion are formed on the upper part of the top or the lower part of the bottom of the electrode electrolyte reaction unit to prevent an electrolyte existing in the inside of a stack and a pipe from passing through the U-shaped curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Chang-Soo Jin, Jae-Deok Jeon, Bum-Suk Lee, Joonmok Shim, Kyoung-Hee Shin, Sea-Couk Park, Myung Seok Jeon, Kyu-Nam Jung, Sun-Hwa Yeon, Sukeun Yoon
  • Patent number: 9627666
    Abstract: An exemplary battery pack filtering device includes, among other things, a frame that provides at least one passageway to communicate air through the frame to an interior of a battery pack, a desiccant held by the frame, and a membrane configured to block liquid from communicating through the at least one passageway to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Steven Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9564615
    Abstract: A pouch type battery and a method of using the pouch type battery that includes an electrode assembly that includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates, and a pouch case that includes the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, wherein the pouch case includes an additional electrolyte inlet that protrudes from the pouch case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Bum Ahn
  • Patent number: 9509022
    Abstract: An electric storage device includes a case having a cuboid shape and including a terminal surface having an electrode terminal, a bottom surface opposite to the terminal surface, a long side surface, and a short side surface. The device also includes an electric storage element formed by winding positive and negative plates being laminated via a separator, the electric storage element being housed in the case and being away from an inner surface of the long side surface, the electric storage element being in electrical connection with the electrode terminal, and a heat transfer member in contact with an outer surface of the long side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tasai, Seiji Nemoto
  • Patent number: 9300012
    Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolyte secondary battery with a greater capacity than previous solid electrolyte secondary batteries. Furthermore, the disclosed solid electrolyte secondary battery can obtain a high power output and improve battery function while ensuring a large capacity. The solid electrolyte secondary battery is provided with a cathode chamber, a cathode active material container that is provided independently and stores some cathode active material, and a channel medium that is provided between the two and through which the active material passes. The cathode active material is transferred by the channel medium and heterogeneity, when the active material is discharged, can be curbed. By providing a transfer medium, which transfers the cathode active material, the cathode active material can be forcibly transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 9287536
    Abstract: Described are mechanically robust, thermally managed battery module constructions including a battery case, a reinforcing divider in the case, and battery cells housed by the reinforcing divider. The reinforcing divider defines a plurality of thermal transfer elements externalized of the battery case. A shock dampening material can be provided between the reinforcing divider and the battery case to facilitate a mechanical, shock-dampened, reinforcing integration of the divider and case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: John E. Waters
  • Patent number: 9281702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric storage unit group, a charger, an electronic device, an electric vehicle, a method for charging the electric storage unit, a method for discharging the electric storage unit group, a method for supplying and receiving power, and a method for determining a charging/discharging route in the electric storage unit group, which can provide a method for charging the electric storage unit group in which a plurality of electric storage units are connected in a desired form. The method for charging the electric storage unit group is a method for charging a rechargeable battery cell in an electric storage unit group in which a plurality of electric storage units having rechargeable battery cells are linearly or reticulately connected. At an upstream side of the electric storage unit group, the electric storage unit group is connected to a power supply for charging the electric storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shin Hotta
  • Patent number: 9269983
    Abstract: An electrolyte system for a flow battery has an anolyte including [Fe(CN)6]3? and [Fe(CN)6]4? and a catholyte including Fe2+ and Fe3+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stephen M. Lipka, Christopher R. Swartz
  • Patent number: 9219267
    Abstract: A secondary battery including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate that includes an uncoated portion, a second electrode plate that includes an uncoated portion, and a separator that is interposed therebetween, wherein the first and second electrode plates and the separator are wound so that the uncoated portion of the first electrode plate and the uncoated portion of the second electrode plate are arranged in different directions; a groove formed in at least one of the uncoated portions of the first and second electrode plates; and a current collector including a lead tab that is bent passing the groove in such a way that a portion of the lead tab contacts a side surface of at least one first uncoated portions and another portion of the lead tab contacts another side surface of the at least one uncoated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok-Gyun Woo
  • Patent number: 9118061
    Abstract: A battery, including a housing defining an interior space, the housing including a safety vent, the safety vent having a concave shape such that a central portion of the safety vent protrudes toward the space, a region of the safety vent that protrudes farthest toward the space being about midway between peripheral edges of the safety vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignees: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventors: Yongsam Kim, Sangwon Byun, Byungkyu Aiin
  • Publication number: 20150135939
    Abstract: A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of the batteries within the battery pack and the lower battery pack enclosure panel. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object, such as road debris, strikes the lower surface of the lower battery pack enclosure panel. Further protection may be achieved by positioning a ballistic shield, alone or with a layer of compressible material, under the bottom surface of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • Publication number: 20150140371
    Abstract: A curved container for electrochemical battery cells manufactured with an open side into which the battery cells are placed along with a resilient structure such that when the lid is placed on the container and attached/sealed, the battery cells are sealed in the container and preloaded against the large top and bottom surfaces of the container. Electrical contacts feed through one edge of the container to enable the electrical power generated by the cells to be safely accessed, and the cells can be safely charged without external atmospheric leaks into the container, or gases generated during battery use to escape. The containers can be stacked on edge next to each other as a stack but without the need to compress the stack to maintain battery cell compression, which enables a container to be easily replaced without having to dissemble the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander H. SLOCUM
  • Publication number: 20150140376
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article comprising; a) one or more stacks of battery plates comprising one or more bipolar plates; b) located between each plate is a separator and a liquid electrolyte; further comprising one of more of the features: 1) c) the one or more stacks of battery plates having a plurality of channels passing transversely though the portion of the plates having the cathode and/or the anode deposited thereon; and d) i) one or more seals about the periphery of the channels which prevent the leakage of the liquid electrolyte into the channels, and/or posts located in one or more of the channels having on each end an overlapping portion that covers the channel and sealing surface on the outside of the monopolar plates adjacent to the holes for the transverse channels and applies pressure on the sealing surface of the monopolar plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Edward O. Shaffer, II, Donald Hobday
  • Publication number: 20150135940
    Abstract: A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a plurality of deformable cooling conduits located between the lower surface of each of the batteries and the lower battery pack enclosure panel, with a thermal insulator interposed between the conduits and the lower enclosure panel. A layer of thermally conductive material may be included which is interposed between the cooling conduits and the thermal insulator and in contact with a lower surface of each of the cooling conduits. The cooling conduits are configured to deform and absorb impact energy when an object, such as road debris, strikes the lower surface of the lower battery pack enclosure panel. Further protection may be achieved by positioning a ballistic shield, alone or with a layer of compressible material, under the bottom surface of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Peter Dore Rawlinson
  • Publication number: 20150140377
    Abstract: Battery structures are formed such that the use of wires and soldering is eliminated or reduced. The battery plates can be infused down their anode and the cathode edges with an electrically conductive epoxy or sealant that connects said plates to each other and takes the place of traditional copper wires. Additional connection channels, including those in the top structure, can be filled with electrically conductive materials to replace wires and make the necessary connections. The battery structures can be configured to create a dual voltage battery. The insertion of the battery plates is easily configured within the assembly process to achieve a variety of in-series or in-parallel connections thus varying the voltage and amperage to achieve a desired output, all within the same enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Steve Waterford, Thomas R. Zwaska
  • Patent number: 9028989
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yan Zhang, Steven R. Falta, Steven D. Burch, Glenn W. Skala
  • Publication number: 20150125722
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery (10) in which at least one battery module (12) having a plurality of battery cells (14) is provided. A cooling device (26) is selected depending on whether liquid cooling or cooling by a gaseous medium is intended for the at least one battery module (12). Depending on the selection, at least one first heat sink (26), through which a cooling liquid can flow, or at least one second heat sink, through which a gaseous medium can flow, is arranged on the at least one battery module (12) as the cooling device. The invention further relates to a battery arrangement and a modular system for producing a battery (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Heiner Fees, Ralf Maisch, Andreas Track, Alexander Eichhorn, Ricky Hudi
  • Publication number: 20150118529
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells extending in a lengthwise direction between a first end and a second end; and a battery case accommodating the plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery case includes a holder unit protruding in the lengthwise direction of the plurality of battery cells and fixing the plurality of battery cells within the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soomin Ahn
  • Patent number: 9017843
    Abstract: A prismatic secondary battery includes a prismatic hollow outer body having a mouth and a bottom and storing an electrode assembly, a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode collector, and an electrolyte, a sealing plate sealing up the mouth of the prismatic hollow outer body, and a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal attached to the sealing plate; the sealing plate includes a gas release valve at the center between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal and includes an electrolyte pour hole on one side of the gas release valve and, on the other side on the front face, a concaved flat face with a height lower than that of the peripheral portion; and the concaved flat face is formed with an identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Hattori, Eiji Okutani, Yoshinori Yokoyama, Yasuhiro Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20150111074
    Abstract: A battery stack is provided having lower and upper battery tiers each formed of at least two battery cell arrays. A pair of brackets are provided for connecting the lower arrays along a top surface of the lower tier and connecting the upper arrays to a bottom surface of the upper tier. The lower and upper battery tiers are secured together by the brackets without hardware mounted to an exterior surface of the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhaskara Boddakayala, Thomas M. Gunther, Rajaram Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8999565
    Abstract: An improved battery construction for increasing the life of a storage battery is disclosed, the storage battery including a lid addition integral with the battery case or jar which condenses escaping dielectric fluid and causes the condensed liquid to return to the main supply of dielectric fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Doyle Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Doyle
  • Patent number: 8999540
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery cell holder configured so that a cylindrical battery cell is mounted therein, the battery cell holder including an upper cover including a first main body to cover an upper part of the battery cell in a state in which a first electrode terminal of the battery cell is exposed and at least one first extension fastening part extending downward from the first main body and a lower cover including a second main body to cover a lower part of the battery cell in a state in which a second electrode terminal of the battery cell having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode terminal is exposed and at least one second extension fastening part extending upward from the second main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Bang, Sooryoung Kim, Gi Hwan Kwon, Burn Choi, Kyung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 8999547
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, and a heat exchanging member adjoining the plurality of battery cells in heat exchanging relationship therewith. The heat exchanging member includes a plurality of tubes arranged therein, and each tube defines a plurality of heat exchanging medium flow passageways therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventors: In-Hwan Cha, Kwon Sohn, Seung-Woo Yang, Min-Kyun Mok
  • Publication number: 20150093606
    Abstract: A Pump-free lithium ion liquid flow battery, battery reactor and preparation method of electrode suspension solution. The Pump-free lithium ion liquid flow battery includes a positive electrode liquid preparation tank (27), a negative electrode liquid preparation tank (32), a positive electrode liquid collection tank (30), a negative electrode liquid collection tank (35), a positive electrode conveying tank (31), a negative electrode conveying tank (36) and several battery sub-systems. The positive electrode conveying tank (31) intermittently moves vertically to and fro for the transportation of positive electrode suspension solution between the positive electrode liquid collection tank (30) and the positive electrode liquid preparation tank (27). The negative electrode conveying tank (36) intermittently moves vertically to and fro for the transportation of negative electrode suspension solution between the negative electrode liquid collection tank (35) and the negative electrode liquid preparation tank (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: BEIJING HAWAGA POWER STORAGE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Yongchong Chen, Caimei Feng, Yanping Zhang, Ping Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150086818
    Abstract: Provided is an electric storage apparatus capable of preventing a decrease in its performance for cooling electric storage devices. An electric storage apparatus includes an electric storage device, an end holder adjacent to the electric storage device, a frame sandwiching the electric storage device and the end holder, and a seal member arranged between the frame and the end holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yosuke NISHIMURA, Jun MACHIDA, Sunao TERAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150079436
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pouch type secondary battery. The pouch type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, and a pouch type case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, the pouch type case comprising a sealing part disposed on an edge thereof. The sealing part includes an inner sealing part forming a closed curve to protect the electrode assembly against the outside, and an outer sealing part defining a gas flow path between the inner and outer sealing parts to surround a peripheral portion of the inner sealing part, the outer sealing part having a safety vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Chung, Sun Kyu Kim, Cha Hwan Hwang
  • Publication number: 20150079435
    Abstract: Provided is a pouch type case, which includes a pouch type body part including an inner space for accommodating an electrode assembly, and an injection part extending from the body part to guide electrolyte into the inner space. The injection part is corrugated in a zigzag shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Seok SHIM, Se Hyun KIM, Min Su KIM, Jung Kyu WOO
  • Patent number: 8980456
    Abstract: A modular battery pack and method of making a battery pack. The modular structure includes an open box with an interlocking features to allow for flexibility in assembly of numerous battery pack configurations. The design is such that numerous sub-module assemblies are formed that can be fastened, connected or otherwise secured to a tray, frame or other underlying primary support structure. Aligned stacks of individual battery cells can be placed within the volume defined within the box-like structure so that portions of the box-like structure move in response to a spring-like force imparted by the stack of battery cells. Adapter plates facilitate the modular construction by an interlocking connection between the box-like structure and the underlying support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Insana, Andrew P. Oury, Barton W. McLaughlin, Kevin T. Joy
  • Publication number: 20150072191
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cell configured such that at least one electrode assembly of a structure having a cathode, an anode, and a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode is mounted in a battery case, at least one heat dissipation member to dissipate heat generated in the electrode assembly during charge and discharge of the battery cell or upon occurrence of a short circuit is disposed in the electrode assembly and/or is in contact with an outer surface of the electrode assembly, and a portion of the heat dissipation member is exposed outward from the electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hyun LEE, Seunghyun CHUNG, Geun Chang CHUNG
  • Patent number: 8974942
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a battery thermal management system includes at least one battery, at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one battery, and a conduit comprising an inlet configured to allow a working fluid to enter and flow into the conduit and into thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric device. The conduit further comprises an outlet configured to allow the working fluid to exit and flow from the conduit and away from being in thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric device. The battery thermal management system can further include a first flow control device which directs the working fluid through the inlet of the conduit and a second flow control device which directs the working fluid through the outlet of the conduit. The first flow control device and the second flow control device are each separately operable from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: Lon E. Bell, John LaGrandeur, Stephen Davis
  • Patent number: 8974934
    Abstract: A battery module is provided. The battery module includes a battery cell and a heat exchanger disposed adjacent to the battery cell. The battery module further includes a cooling manifold having a tubular wall, a first fluid port, and a ring shaped member. The tubular wall defines an interior region and having first and second end portions. The first fluid port extends outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular wall and fluidly communicates with the interior region of the tubular wall. The ring shaped member is disposed on an outer surface of the first fluid port a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the tubular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Merriman, Thomas J. Gadawski, Josh Payne
  • Patent number: 8974935
    Abstract: A secondary battery module including a plurality of secondary battery cells, each secondary battery cell including electrodes on one side thereof and a vent on the same side as the electrodes, a module frame coupled to the plurality of secondary battery cells and fixing the secondary battery cells in a predetermined arrangement, the module frame including a plurality of vent holes corresponding to the vents of the secondary battery cells, and protrusions disposed around the vent holes and protruding toward the vents, wherein each vent of the secondary battery cells is coupled to one of the protrusions of the module frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sangwon Byun, Sungbae Kim
  • Publication number: 20150064522
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of bare cells electrically connected to one another and a housing that accommodates the bare cells therein. The housing includes a frame portion and a pair of side portions respectively connected to one end and the other end of the frame portion. The housing includes a guide portion to guide a flow of fluid, the guide portion being located where the one end of the frame portion and one side portion of the pair of side portions are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Myung-Chul KIM
  • Publication number: 20150064521
    Abstract: A battery includes a battery module provided by covering a group of batteries including arranged cells with an insulating external material, the battery module folded at an area where a conductive member connecting adjacent ones of the cells is located, a case having a hermetically sealing structure to house the battery module, and a coolant passage in which a coolant is passed along a face of the case closest to the conductive member, wherein the case has an internal pressure higher than an external pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: KOJIMA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotaka Watanabe, Masahiro Imai, Tuyoshi Hayashi, Kenji Kimura, Ryogo Murayama, Tomotaka Osakabe
  • Patent number: 8968948
    Abstract: A self contained energy generating system that comprises a galvanic battery and a power distribution system. The energy generating system is used to purify water by using a reverse osmosis device that draws in a source of water and transfers electrolytes to the galvanic battery. Upon contact with the electrolyte, the galvanic battery produces energy by an oxidation-reduction reaction of the cathode and anode and transfers energy to the power distribution system, which in turn provides power to the osmosis device. Additionally, the system includes a hydrogen fuel cell to increase the amount of energy generated and a power storage device for storing excess energy generated. The system also includes a controller which is configured to regulate the overall operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michel J. McCluskey, Mark Becker, Michael Pollock, Daniel R. Markiewicz
  • Patent number: 8968904
    Abstract: A secondary battery module includes a plurality of secondary battery cells each having a measureable temperature and each spaced apart from an adjacent one of the cells to define a cooling channel therebetween. The plurality of cells includes a first one of the cells having a measureable first temperature, and a terminal one of the cells having a measureable terminal temperature and separated from the first one of the cells by at least one other of the cells. The module includes a fluid flowable within each of the cooling channels and in thermal energy exchange relationship with each of the cells. The module includes a housing having a surface defining an inlet channel disposed in fluid flow communication with each of the cooling channels and configured for directing the fluid flow to each of the cooling channels. The surface has a shape defined by a spline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Taeyoung Han, Kuo-Huey Chen, Bahram Khalighi
  • Patent number: 8956745
    Abstract: A metal halogen electrochemical energy cell system that generates an electrical potential. One embodiment of the system includes at least one cell including at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode, at least one electrolyte, a mixing venturi that mixes the electrolyte with a halogen reactant, and a circulation pump that conveys the electrolyte mixed with the halogen reactant through the positive electrode and across the metal electrode. Preferably, the positive electrode comprises porous carbonaceous material, the negative electrode comprises zinc, the metal comprises zinc, the halogen comprises halogen, the electrolyte comprises an aqueous zinc-halide electrolyte, and the halogen reactant comprises a halogen reactant. Also, variations of the system and a method of operation for the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Primus Power Corporation
    Inventor: Rick Winter
  • Patent number: 8956747
    Abstract: The case 20 housing a plurality of cells 100 is divided, by a circuit board 30 provided at the same sides of the cells 100, into a housing space 50 housing the cells 100 and an exhaust duct 60 for releasing a gas from the vents 8a of the cells 100 to outside the case 20. The vents 8a of the cells 100 communicate with the exhaust duct 60 through openings 30a formed in the flat plate 30. The exhaust duct 60 is divided into a first space 61 and a second space 62 by a partition 40 provided between the flat plate 30 and an external plate 21 of the case 20. The first space 61 communicates with the second space 62 through through holes 40a formed in the partition 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Itoi, Shunsuke Yasui, Hiroshi Takasaki
  • Publication number: 20150042158
    Abstract: A battery system comprises at least one battery module and a docking station on which the at least one battery module is arranged in a separately removable manner. Preferably, the docking station comprises supply and/or power connections for the battery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicants: Robert Bosch BmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ralph Schmidt, Joachim Fetzer, Ralf Angerbauer, Stefan Butzmann, Holger Fink
  • Publication number: 20150044529
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery is disclosed. In one aspect, the rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a casing having an opening and housing the electrode assembly, a cap plate covering the opening of the casing and including a first injection hole and a first induction hole spaced apart from the first injection hole. The rechargeable battery also includes an insulating casing including a body contacting the electrode assembly and a blocking member protruding from the body. The insulating casing forms a space between the cap plate and the body and the blocking member divides the space into a first space fluidly connected to the first injection hole and a second space fluidly connected to the first induction hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Won Yun
  • Patent number: 8951655
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a middle or large-sized battery pack case in which a battery module having a plurality of stacked battery cells or unit modules (‘unit cells’), which can be charged and discharged, is mounted, wherein the battery pack case is provided at an upper part and a lower part thereof with a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port, respectively, which are directed in opposite directions such that a coolant to cool the unit cells can flow from one side to the other side of the battery module in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the unit cells, the battery pack case is further provided with a flow space (‘coolant introduction part’) extending from the coolant inlet port to the battery module and another flow space (‘coolant discharge part’) extending from the battery module to the coolant outlet port, an upper end inside of the coolant introduction part facing the top of the battery module is configured so that the distance between the upper end inside of the coolant intro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chae Ho Chung, Ye Hoon Im, Dal Mo Kang, Jongmoon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20150037631
    Abstract: A battery module includes a first battery cell, a first barrier, and a second barrier, the first battery cell being between the first barrier and the second barrier, wherein a first opening is in flow communication with a first space defined between a first side of the first battery cell and a first side portion formed by at least one of the first and second barriers, the first space being in flow communication with a second space defined between a second side of the first battery cell and a second side portion formed by at least one of the first and second barriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jang-Wook LEE, Jang-Yeong IM
  • Patent number: 8945739
    Abstract: A metal-halogen flow battery system includes a stack of flow cells, an electrolyte reservoir and one or more of a concentrated halogen return line fluidly connecting the stack to the reservoir, a venturi, a mixer, a concentrated halogen pump, or a concentrated halogen line heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Primus Power Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Cole, Rick Winter, Jonathan Hall, Pallavi Pharkya, Gerardo Jose la O', Lauren W. Hart, Paul Kreiner, Peter Tennessen
  • Publication number: 20150030894
    Abstract: A battery module with a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction in a battery array, the battery module including a plurality of barriers in which a pair of adjoining ones of the barriers mount a battery cell therebetween, a frame having at least a pair of opposed frame members, the battery array and the barriers being between the opposed frame members and disposed internally thereof, the frame including a pair of end blocks at outermost sides of the battery array, side frames connecting the end blocks, and a degassing portion overlying vent portions of each of the plurality of battery cells and providing a passage for directing vented gas from the battery cells away from the battery module, the degassing portion rigidly supporting the battery cells and barriers of the battery array within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jang-Wook LEE, Jang-Yeong IM
  • Patent number: 8927129
    Abstract: A battery module is described. The battery module includes a plurality of cooling fins having an inlet section, a center section, and an outlet section, the inlet and outlet sections extending from opposite ends of the center section at an angle from a plane defined by the center section, the cooling fins having at least one cooling channel extending from an inlet of the inlet section through the center section to an outlet of the outlet section; and a plurality of battery cells positioned in the center section between the plurality of cooling fins. A method of cooling a battery module is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Axel Heise
  • Patent number: 8920951
    Abstract: In a battery module, having a housing, at least one battery, which is disposed in the housing, at least one inlet opening for introducing a cooling fluid into the housing, and at least one outlet opening for conducting the cooling fluid out of the housing. According to the invention, compressed cooling fluid can be supplied to the at least one inlet opening using a compressor. A reduction of the cooling performance because of heating of the compressed cooling fluid is to be at least partially avoided. Furthermore, the design effort is to be low and the battery module is to be cost-effective to produce. The invention solves a problem in that the cooling fluid can be cooled by a cooling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Leuthner, Philipp Kohlrausch
  • Publication number: 20140377606
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cable-type secondary battery, comprising: an inner electrode; and a sheet-form laminate of separation layer-outer electrode, spirally wound to surround the outer surface of the inner electrode, the laminate being formed by carrying out compression for the integration of a separation layer for preventing a short circuit, and an outer electrode. According to the present disclosure, the electrodes and the separation layer are compressed and integrated to minimize ununiform spaces between the separation layer and the outer electrode and reduce the thickness of a battery to be prepared, thereby decreasing resistance and improving ionic conductivity within the battery. Also, the separation layer coming into contact with the electrodes absorbs an electrolyte solution to induce the uniform supply of the electrolyte solution into the outer electrode active material layer, thereby enhancing the stability and performances of the cable-type secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo-Han Kwon, Byung-Hun Oh, Hye-Ran Jung, Je-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20140370339
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bus bar connected or fastened to a terminal part of a battery pack and fixedly mounted to a battery pack case, the bus bar including a power input part located at one end of the bus bar such that the power input part is connected or fastened to an output terminal part of the battery pack, a power output part located at the other end of the bus bar such that the power output part is connected or fastened to an input terminal part of the battery pack, a plate-shaped main body connected between the power input part and the power output part, the plate-shaped main body including a vapor chamber, and a fastening part formed at the power input part to fix the bus bar to the battery pack case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kyoung Ho Kim, Chae Ho Chung, Ye Hoon Im, Won Chan Park
  • Publication number: 20140370335
    Abstract: A system for distributing energy among a plurality of power consumers may include a plurality of reaction cells configured to receive electrolytes and provide electric power. The system may also include a first tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including positively charged electrolytes and a second tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including negatively charged electrolytes. The system may also include at least one pump configured to pump fluid among the plurality of reaction cells and the first and second tanks. The system may include a controller configured to control operation of the at least one pump based on a desired power supply to at least one of the plurality of power consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Van Polen
  • Publication number: 20140370340
    Abstract: A battery cooling structure in which a heat transfer sheet that can be deformed by pressure is held between a cooling plate and a cooling surface of a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and heat of the battery module is transferred from the cooling surface to the cooling plate via the heat transfer sheet to thus carry out cooling, wherein the cooling plate is a hollow member in which a cooling medium passage is formed for a cooling medium to flow, and the heat transfer sheet is formed so as to have a larger thickness in a middle part than in an outer peripheral part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Arihisa Kimura, Goichi Katayama