Energy storage battery wire welding

Why is welding important for EV battery systems?

Welding is a vitally important family of joining techniques for EV battery systems. A large battery might need thousands of individual connections, joining the positive and negative terminals of cells together in combinations of parallel and series blocks to form modules and packs of the required voltage and capacity.

Which welding techniques can be used for connecting battery cells?

Brass (CuZn37) test samples are used for the quantitative comparison of the welding techniques, as this metal can be processed by all three welding techniques. At the end of the presented work, the suitability of resistance spot, ultrasonic and laser beam welding for connecting battery cells is evaluated.

How are battery cells welded?

Different welding processes are used depending on the design and requirements of each battery pack or module. Joints are also made to join the internal anode and cathode foils of battery cells, with ultrasonic welding (UW) being the preferred method for pouch cells.

What types of welding do EV batteries need?

“In these situations, cooperative development and reliable relationships are of high value.” While there many kinds of welding, in EV battery applications the most common are resistance welding and laser welding, along with ultrasonic welding and wire bonding, and benefit from standardisation for mass production.

Can laser welding be used in EV battery production?

Of these, laser and ultrasonic welding processes dominate in EV battery manufacture – with laser welding the preferred solution for mass production – and continue to be improved and refined. “We see a lot of laser welding and ultrasonic wedge bonding for the larger packs,” says Boyle at Amada Weld Tech.

Can a battery be welded?

There are only so many ways to join materials together, and for battery applications – particularly where high currents and voltages and tough operating environments are encountered – welding beats alternatives such as soldering, conductive adhesives and mechanical fasteners.