Meaning
Cell design architecture utilizes a rigid, rectangular aluminum or steel can to house the electrode assembly. The prismatic lithium cell is popular in large scale energy storage and electric vehicles due to efficient space utilization and mechanical durability. This format allows for high capacity in a single unit.
Internal Structure
Electrodes are either wound into a flattened jelly roll or stacked as individual sheets. Inside a prismatic lithium cell, the pressure is more evenly distributed across the face of the electrodes compared to cylindrical designs.
Safety Feature
Integrated vents and sturdy terminals provide protection against internal pressure buildup and high current loads. The metal casing of a prismatic lithium cell acts as a heat sink, facilitating the transfer of thermal energy to the external cooling plate.
Packaging Efficiency
Rectangular shapes allow modules to be built without the large air gaps found in cylindrical configurations. Because a prismatic lithium cell can be made quite large, fewer cells are needed to reach the desired pack voltage and capacity. This reduction in part count simplifies the battery management system and the busbar assembly.
High energy density variants of this format are now the standard for many mid range and luxury electric cars. The structural rigidity of the can also helps the battery pack contribute to the overall stiffness of the vehicle chassis.
