The battery (cell) is the basic unit for energy storage and output, while the battery pack is a composite device consisting of multiple battery cells with management and protection functions. The manufacturing of battery cells is a completely different industrial process compared to battery packs or modules. Battery production is mainly a chemical process, while module and battery pack production is a mechanical assembly process.
Batteries are sometimes referred to as cells, modules, or packs. But what does that mean? What is the difference?
Batteries are containers that chemically store energy. They come in many shapes and forms, but the three most common are prismatic, pouch, and cylindrical.
Battery cells are arranged in modules to achieve a serviceable unit. These cells are connected in series and parallel into packs to achieve the desired voltage and energy capacity. For example, electric vehicles require 400-800 volts, while a single battery cell typically has 3-4 volts.
Finally, the battery pack is the complete enclosure that powers an electric vehicle. A battery pack typically contains battery cells and/or modules, software (BMS - Battery Management System), and often cooling and heating systems, depending on where and how the battery pack is used.
But wait, soon, you won’t even need to know that… the battery cells will be integrated directly into the entire battery pack, without splitting it into individual modules (cell-to-pack) or directly into the vehicle frame (cell-to-chassis).
FAQ
What are the symbols for cells and batteries?
A cell is a single device unit that converts chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery is a collection of cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
The symbolic representation of a cell is as follows:
The battery symbols are as follows:
Batteries and battery packs play different but critical roles in energy storage and use. Choosing the right type depends on specific application needs and performance requirements.
For more information, please contact us at: ciclibattery.com