Provided herein are energy storage devices. In some cases, the energy storage devices are capable of being transported on a vehicle and storing a large amount of energy. An energy storage device is provided comprising at least one liquid metal electrode, an energy storage capacity of at least about 1 MWh and a response time less than or equal to about 100 milliseconds (ms).

A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a non-metal-air battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the event is directed into the metal-air cells of a metal-air battery pack. The metal-air cells provide a large thermal mass for absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.

An air-zinc battery assembly includes a first air-zinc battery module that has a first coupling portion which is embossed or engraved, one or more second air-zinc battery modules that has a second coupling portion which is embossed or engraved so as to be fastened in engagement with the first coupling portion, and a third coupling portion which is embossed or engraved, and a power draw module that has a fourth coupling portion which is embossed or engraved so as to be fastened in engagement with the third coupling portion.

A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a non-metal-air battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the event is directed into the metal-air cells of a metal-air battery pack. The metal-air cells provide a large thermal mass for absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.

An object is especially to provide a metal-air battery unit that has a compact configuration including a water supply space and an electrical system space. The metal-air battery unit of the present invention includes a unit main body including a plurality of metal-air battery cells, a water supply space supplying an electrolyte to the metal-air battery cells and an electrical system space coupling to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the metal-air battery cell to control a battery output, disposed on an outer surface of the unit main body.

Disclosed embodiments include thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include a heat spreader in thermal communication with a temperature sensitive region of the electrical device. The heat spreader can include the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The heat spreader can include thermal/electrical elevators connecting the one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets. The systems can include a thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the heat spreader. Electric power can be directed to the heat spreader and/or thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling of the electrical device.

Lithium ion batteries are provided that include materials that provide advantageous endothermic functionalities contributing to the safety and stability of the batteries. The endothermic materials may include a ceramic matrix incorporating an inorganic gas-generating endothermic material. If the temperature of the lithium ion battery rises above a predetermined level, the endothermic materials serve to provide one or more functions to prevent and/or minimize the potential for thermal runaway, e.g., thermal insulation (particularly at high temperatures); (ii) energy absorption; (iii) venting of gases produced, in whole or in part, from endothermic reaction(s) associated with the endothermic materials, (iv) raising total pressure within the battery structure; (v) removal of absorbed heat from the battery system via venting of gases produced during the endothermic reaction(s) associated with the endothermic materials, and/or (vi) dilution of toxic gases (if present) and their safe expulsion from the battery system.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for multifunctional battery packaging and insulation are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack further comprises a block comprising a plurality of recesses formed within the block. In one or more embodiments, each of the recesses respectively houses one of the battery cells within the block. In at least one embodiment, the block comprises a low density ceramic fiber reinforced foam that is porous such that a gas or liquid may pass through the block to cool the battery pack. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the block is covered with a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material comprising a ceramic slurry composite pre-impregnated (prepreg) with fibers. In some embodiments, the CMC material is cured via kiln firing the block.

An object is especially to provide a metal-air battery unit that has a compact configuration including a water supply space and an electrical system space. The metal-air battery unit of the present invention includes a unit main body including a plurality of metal-air battery cells, a water supply space supplying an electrolyte to the metal-air battery cells and an electrical system space coupling to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the metal-air battery cell to control a battery output, disposed on an outer surface of the unit main body.

An electrochemical cell (10) comprising an anode compartment (14) and a cathode compartment (15) each defined in part by a respective metal plate (11, 12), the anode compartment (14) of the cell when charged containing an alkali metal, and the of the alkali metal, and the anode compartment (14) also comprises a perforated planar sheet (24) of an inert metal immediately adjacent to the sheet (23) of ceramic, to provide support to the sheet of ceramic. The perforated metal sheet and the planar sheet of ceramic are formed separately. The cell (10) may be a sodium/metal halide cell; and multiple cells (10) which define edge flanges (20) may be stacked in an insulating frame (35), so a heat transfer fluid may be passed between the edge flanges (20) of the cells (10).