Patent Publication Number: US-2023133464-A1

Title: Electrochemical cell modules and methods of producing the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/272,755 filed Oct. 28, 2021, both entitled “Electrochemical Cell Modules and Methods of Producing the Same,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate to electrodes and electrochemical cell modules with stacks of electrochemical cells. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrochemical cells can be packaged in module cases to achieve large voltages and/or capacities for a desired purpose. Modules can include multiple electrochemical cells, such that risk is minimized. In other words, the effects of one defective cell can be localized to that cell, such that the electroactive materials in the other cells are not contaminated. However, cell modules often include several additional components for proper functioning. The extra components can negatively affect volumetric capacity of the modules. Minimizing dead space in the cell modules can improve the volumetric capacity of the modules. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments described herein include electrochemical cell modules. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell module can include a first electrochemical cell. The first electrochemical cell includes an anode material disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode material disposed on a cathode current collector, a separator disposed between the anode material and the cathode material and extending beyond the anode material and the cathode material, and a pouch material encasing the first electrochemical cell. The pouch material extends beyond the separator. The electrochemical cell module further includes a second electrochemical cell and a module case housing the first electrochemical cell and the second electrochemical cell. The portion of the separator that extends beyond the outer edge of the anode material and the cathode material and the portion of the pouch material that extends beyond the outer edge of the separator are folded at an angle of about 80 degrees to about 110 degrees with respect to the anode material and the cathode material. 
     In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell module can include a heat sink disposed between the first electrochemical cell and the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the heat sink extends beyond the outer edge of the anode material and the outer edge of the cathode material, and wherein the heat sink is folded such that a portion of the heat sink contacts an interior surface of the module case. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell module can include a temperature sensor disposed between the first electrochemical cell and the second electrochemical cell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  are illustrations of an electrochemical cell, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  are illustrations of an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  are illustrations of an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  are illustrations of an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is an illustration of an electrochemical cell, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 E  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cell modules and methods of producing the same. Unused space is a significant problem faced with large arrays of electrochemical cells. For example, a cathode and an anode can be of different sizes, in order to properly maximize material utilization. Additionally, a separator can be sized such that its length and width dimensions are greater than those of the anode and the cathode, such that the separator can be coupled directly to a pouch material to prevent cross contamination between the anode and the cathode. By stacking multiple cells in a module, more electroactive material per unit volume can be realized. The pouch material can also have longer length and width dimensions than the separator to aid in containment of the electroactive material. These extensions in the separator and the pouch material can create unused space with no electroactive material therein. By folding the extended portions in the electrochemical cell stack, the dead space can be minimized. Examples of electrochemical cell stacks are described further in U.S. Pat. No. 10,181,587 (“the &#39;587 patent”), filed Jun. 17, 2016, and entitled, “Single Pouch Battery Cells and Methods of Manufacture,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporate by reference. 
     As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof. 
     The term “substantially” when used in connection with “cylindrical,” “linear,” and/or other geometric relationships is intended to convey that the structure so defined is nominally cylindrical, linear or the like. As one example, a portion of a support member that is described as being “substantially linear” is intended to convey that, although linearity of the portion is desirable, some non-linearity can occur in a “substantially linear” portion. Such non-linearity can result from manufacturing tolerances, or other practical considerations (such as, for example, the pressure or force applied to the support member). Thus, a geometric construction modified by the term “substantially” includes such geometric properties within a tolerance of plus or minus 5% of the stated geometric construction. For example, a “substantially linear” portion is a portion that defines an axis or center line that is within plus or minus 5% of being linear. 
     As used herein, the term “set” and “plurality” can refer to multiple features or a singular feature with multiple parts. For example, when referring to a set of electrodes, the set of electrodes can be considered as one electrode with multiple portions, or the set of electrodes can be considered as multiple, distinct electrodes. Additionally, for example, when referring to a plurality of electrochemical cells, the plurality of electrochemical cells can be considered as multiple, distinct electrochemical cells or as one electrochemical cell with multiple portions. Thus, a set of portions or a plurality of portions may include multiple portions that are either continuous or discontinuous from each other. A plurality of particles or a plurality of materials can also be fabricated from multiple items that are produced separately and are later joined together (e.g., via mixing, an adhesive, or any suitable method). 
     As used herein, the term “semi-solid” refers to a material that is a mixture of liquid and solid phases, for example, such as a particle suspension, a slurry, a colloidal suspension, an emulsion, a gel, or a micelle. 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell module  100 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell module  100  includes a first electrochemical cell  110   a , a second electrochemical cell  110   b  (collectively referred to as electrochemical cells  110 ), and an external casing  160 . The electrochemical cell module  100  can also include frames  120   a ,  120   b  (collectively referred to as frames  120 ), a heat sink  130 , a degas area  140 , and a pressure member  150 . 
     In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  110  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells described in the &#39;587 patent. Each of the electrochemical cells  110  can include an anode material disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode material disposed on a cathode current collector, and a separator disposed between the anode material and the cathode material. The separator can be large enough that a portion of the separator extends beyond an outer edge of the anode material and an outer edge of the cathode material. The electrochemical cells  110  can further include a pouch material at least partially encasing the anode material, the anode current collector, the cathode material, the cathode current collector, and the separator. In some embodiments, the pouch material can contact the anode current collector, the cathode current collector, and/or the separator. The pouch material can be large enough that a portion of the pouch material extends beyond outer bounds of the separator. In order to minimize unused space in the electrochemical cell module, the pouch material and the separator can be folded relative to the anode material and the cathode material, rather than extending outward from the anode material and the cathode material. 
     As shown, the electrochemical cell module  100  includes two electrochemical cells  110 . In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell module  100  can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, or at least about 100 electrochemical cells  110 , inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  110  can be connected in parallel. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  110  can be connected in series. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  110  can be connected both in series and in parallel. In some embodiments, one or more of the electrochemical cells  110  can include a single unit cell. In some embodiments, one or more of the electrochemical cells  110  can include a bi-cell. 
     The stackable characteristics of the electrochemical cells  110  can allow for ease of production. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  110  can be manufactured via pick-and-place assembly. The electrochemical cells  110  can be manufactured without winding or Z-folding to stack them together. Rather, the pick-and-place procedure can produce the electrochemical cells  110  side-by-side and the electrochemical cells  110  can be stacked upon each other after production is complete. The pick-and-place assembly can also facilitate extra quality control (QC) inspection. For example, a casting and assembly apparatus can produce electrochemical cells  110  via pick-and-place assembly, and the electrochemical cells  110  can be stacked in a first stack. The electrochemical cells  110  can be de-stacked and can individually go through extra QC inspection before assembly into a second stack in the electrochemical cell module  100 . This extra QC inspection can ensure that each of the electrochemical cells  110  that are included in the electrochemical cell module  100  are of high quality. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  110  can be examined via infrared (IR) inspection prior to assembling the electrochemical cells  110  into the second stack in the electrochemical cell module  100 . 
     The frames  120  provide support members for the electrochemical cells  110 . In some embodiments, the frames  120  can be stacked upon one another. In some embodiments, the frames can include holes for coupling members (e.g., bolts, screws) to pass through. In some embodiments, the frames  120  can be composed of plastic, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the frames  120  can be non-flammable and/or flame retardant. 
     The heat sink  130  draws heat away from the electrochemical cells  110  and the active material therein. In some embodiments, the heat sink  130  can include a metal sheet. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell module  100  can include multiple heat sinks  130 . In some embodiments, the heat sinks  130  can be placed between each pair of electrochemical cells  110 . In some embodiments, the heat sinks  130  can be placed intermittently between electrochemical cells  110 . In some embodiments, the heat sink  130  can be integrated into one or more of the frames  120 . In some embodiments, the heat sink  130  can contact the electrochemical cells  110 , the frames  120 , and/or the external casing  160 . In some embodiments, the heat sink  130  can be bent to contact the top and sides of the electrochemical cells  110  while also contacting the interior walls of the external casing  160 . In some embodiments, the heat sink  130  can include a hole for degassing. 
     In some embodiments, the degas area  140  can be formed from holes in various components in the electrochemical cell module  100 , and the holes can be covered once the formation of the electrochemical cell module  100  is complete. In other word, the degas area  140  can be a region of space that is open to the outside environment during production of the electrochemical cell module  100  and sealed after production and degassing is complete. Examples of such implementations are further described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0411825 (“the &#39;825 publication”), filed Jun. 26, 2020 and entitled, “Dual Electrolyte Electrochemical Cells, Systems, and Methods of Manufacturing the Same,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The pressure member  150  can exert a force upon the stack of electrochemical cells  110 . This exerted force can press the electroactive material of the electrochemical cells  110 , such that ion transfer between adjacent electrodes is promoted. In some embodiments, the pressure member  150  can be fixedly coupled to one or more of the frames  120 . As shown, the pressure member  150  is on top of the electrochemical cell  110   b  near the top of the electrochemical cell module  100 . In some embodiments, the pressure member  150  can be located near the bottom of the electrochemical cell module  100 . In some embodiments, the pressure member  150  can be located between the electrochemical cells  110 . In some embodiments, the pressure member  150  can include a spring to exert force upon the electrochemical cells  110 . In some embodiments, the pressure member  150  can include a bar (e.g., a metal bar). 
     The external casing  160  houses the other components of the electrochemical cell module  110 . The external casing  160  includes positive and negative terminals. In some embodiments, the external casing  160  can be composed of a metal. A metal casing can be beneficial for the electrochemical cells  110  if they are connected in parallel. The external casing  160  can include an aluminum base at the positive terminal. The external casing  160  can include nickel, a nickel plate, iron, and/or copper at the negative terminal. In some embodiments, a jumper tab can be used to connect the terminals. In some embodiments, the external casing  160  can include plastic on its exterior surfaces with metal on its interior surfaces. In some embodiments, in a series connection, weld tabs of the first and last electrochemical cells in the series can be welded or mechanically connected to the inside of the external casing. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 B  show an electrochemical cell  210 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  2 A  shows a cross-sectional view of the electrochemical cell  210 , while  FIG.  2 B  shows an overhead view of the electrochemical cell  210 . The electrochemical cell  210  can be integrated into an electrochemical cell module, such as the electrochemical cell module  100 , as described above with reference to  FIG.  1   . As shown, the electrochemical cell  210  includes an anode material  211  disposed on an anode current collector  212 , a cathode material  213  disposed on a cathode current collector  214 , with a separator  215  disposed between the anode material  211  and the cathode material  213 . The anode current collector  212  includes an anode tab  216  and the cathode current collector  214  includes a cathode tab  217 . A pouch material  218  is disposed around the outside of the anode current collector  212  and the cathode current collector  214  to form a pouch. As shown, the anode tab  216  and the cathode tab  217  can extend to a region exterior to the pouch material  218 . The anode tab  216  and/or the cathode tab  217  can be coupled to an anode tab and/or a cathode tab of one or more adjacent electrochemical cells in an electrochemical cell module. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell  210  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells described in the &#39;587 patent. 
     As shown, the pouch material  218  is of sufficient size, such that the pouch material  218  extends beyond an outer edge of the separator  215 . In other words, the pouch material  218  has a length greater than a length of the separator  215  and a width greater than a width of the separator  215 . In some embodiments, the length of the pouch material  218  can be greater than the length of the separator  215  by about 100 μm, about 200 μm, about 300 μm, about 400 μm, about 500 μm, about 600 μm, about 700 μm, about 800 μm, about 900 μm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 8 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 9 mm, about 9.5 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 5 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 6 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 7 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 8 cm, about 9.5 cm, or about 10 cm, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the width of the pouch material  218  can be greater than the width of the separator  215  by about 100 μm, about 200 μm, about 300 μm, about 400 μm, about 500 μm, about 600 μm, about 700 μm, about 800 μm, about 900 μm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 8 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 9 mm, about 9.5 mm, about 1 cm, about 1.5 cm, about 2 cm, about 2.5 cm, about 3 cm, about 3.5 cm, about 4 cm, about 4.5 cm, about 5 cm, about 5.5 cm, about 6 cm, about 6.5 cm, about 7 cm, about 7.5 cm, about 8 cm, about 9.5 cm, or about 10 cm, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. 
     As shown, the pouch material  218  includes vent holes  219 . The vent holes  219  allow for degassing from the electrochemical cell  210  during production and initial cycling of the electrochemical cell  210 . In some embodiments, the vent holes  219  can be formed from laminating a portion of the outer edges of the pouch material  218  and leaving one or more portions of the outer edges of the material  218  unlaminated. In some embodiments, the vent holes  219  can remain open during operation of the electrochemical cell  210 . In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell  210  can be disposed in an external casing (e.g., the external casing  160  as described above with reference to  FIG.  1   ). In some embodiments, the external casing can be hermetically sealed to prevent the electrochemical cell  210  from exposure to the outside environment during operation. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 F  show an electrochemical cell module  300 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell module  300  includes electrochemical cells  310   a ,  310   b ,  310   c ,  310   d ,  310   e  (collectively referred to as electrochemical cells  310 ), heat sinks  330   a ,  330   b ,  330   c ,  330   d ,  330   e  (collectively referred to as heat sinks  330 ), a pressure member  350 , an external casing  360 , and temperature sensors  370   a ,  370   b ,  370   c ,  370   d ,  370   e  (collectively referred to as temperature sensors  370 ).  FIG.  3 A  shows a side view of the electrochemical cell module  300 , while  FIG.  3 B  shows a detailed view of a section B of the electrochemical cell  310   c , while  FIG.  3 C  shows a tab coupling scheme of an electrochemical cell  310 .  FIG.  3 D  shows a front view of the electrochemical cell module  300 ,  FIG.  3 E  shows a back view of the electrochemical cell module  300 , and  FIG.  3 F  shows an external view of the external casing  360  of the electrochemical cell module  300 . In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  310 , the heat sinks  330 , the pressure member  350 , and the external casing  360  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells  110 , the heat sink  130 , the pressure member  150 , and the external casing  360 , as described above with reference to  FIG.  1   . Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cells  310 , the heat sinks  330 , the pressure member  350 , and the external casing  360  are not described in greater detail herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 B and  3 C , the electrochemical cells  310  include an anode material  311  disposed on an anode current collector  312 , a cathode material  313  disposed on a cathode current collector  314 , with a separator  315  disposed between the anode material  311  and the cathode material  313 . The anode current collector  312  includes an anode tab  316  and the cathode current collector  314  includes a cathode tab  317 . The electrochemical cells  310  also include a pouch material  318  disposed around the outside of the anode current collector  312  and the cathode current collector  314  to form a pouch. As shown, the separator  315 , the cathode tab  317 , and the pouch material  318  are folded at an angle with respect to the anode material  311  and the cathode material  313 . In some embodiments, the anode tab  316  can be folded at an angle with respect to the anode material  311  and the cathode material  313 . As shown, the separator  315 , the cathode tab  317 , and the pouch material  318  form an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the lengthwise or widthwise dimension of the anode material  311  and the cathode material  313 . In some embodiments, the separator  315 , the anode tab  316 , the cathode tab  317 , and/or the pouch material  318  can form an angle of about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 95 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 105 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 115 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 125 degrees, or about 130 degrees with respect to the lengthwise or widthwise dimension of the anode material  311  and the cathode material  313 , inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the separator  315 , the anode tab  316 , the cathode tab  317 , and/or the pouch material  318  can be attached to the inner walls of the external casing  360  (e.g., via an adhesive). 
     The separator  315 , the cathode tab  317 , and the pouch material  318  are folded to minimize a distance between the external casing  360  and a leading edge of the anode material  311  and/or the cathode material  313 . Minimizing this distance can minimize the amount of unused space in the electrochemical cell module  300 . In some embodiments, the distance between the external casing  360  and the leading edge of the anode material  311  and/or the cathode material  313  can be less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.9 mm, less than about 1.8 mm, less than about 1.7 mm, less than about 1.6 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1.4 mm, less than about 1.3 mm, less than about 1.2 mm, less than about 1.1 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 900 μm, less than about 800 μm, less than about 700 μm, less than about 600 μm, less than about 500 μm, less than about 400 μm, less than about 300 μm, less than about 200 μm, less than about 100 μm, less than about 90 μm, less than about 80 μm, less than about 70 μm, less than about 60 μm, less than about 50 μm, less than about 40 μm, less than about 30 μm, less than about 20 μm, or less than about 10 μm, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. 
       FIG.  3 C  shows a scheme coupling the electrochemical cell  310  to the external casing  360  via the anode tab  316  and the cathode tab  317 . As shown, the cathode tab  317  is oriented, such that it folds upward with respect to the electrochemical cell  310 , and the anode tab  316  is oriented, such that it folds downward with respect to the electrochemical cell  310 . The anode tab  316  extends out of the electrochemical cell  310  in an opposite direction, compared to the cathode tab  317 . This arrangement can correspond to cells connected in series. In some embodiments, the cathode tab  317  can extend out of the electrochemical cell  310  in the same direction as the anode tab  316 . This arrangement can correspond to cells connected in parallel. 
     As shown, the external casing  360  includes a negative terminal  362 , a positive terminal  364 , and a communication device  365 . The negative terminal  362  is electrically coupled to one or more anode tabs  316 . In some embodiments, the anode tabs  316  can be coupled to a metal plate, and the metal plate can be coupled to the negative terminal  362 . In some embodiments, the anode tabs  316  can be coupled directly to the inner wall of the external casing  360 . In some embodiments, the coupling of the anode tabs  316  to the metal plate and/or the inner wall of the external casing  360  can be via welding. In some embodiments, the negative terminal  362  can be connected to a jumper tab. The positive terminal  364  is electrically coupled to one or more cathode tabs  317 . In some embodiments, the cathode tabs  317  can be coupled to a metal plate and the metal plate can be coupled to the positive terminal  364 . In some embodiments, the cathode tabs  317  can be coupled directly to the inner wall of the external casing  360 . In some embodiments, the coupling of the cathode tabs  317  to the metal plate and/or the inner wall of the external casing  360  can be via welding. In some embodiments, the positive terminal  364  can be connected to a jumper tab. 
     The communication device  365  communicates information about the electrochemical cell module  300 . In some embodiments, the communication device  365  can communicate to a user interface (e.g., a computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, or any other suitable device or combinations thereof). In some embodiments, the communication device  365  can communicate information about the state of charge of the electrochemical cells  310 , temperature information from the temperature sensors  370 , pressure information from inside the external case  360 , and/or any other desired information. In some embodiments, the communication device  365  can include a battery management system (BMS). In some embodiments, the BMS can include a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, the temperature sensors  370  and/or the electrochemical cells  310  can be electrically coupled to the PCB. 
       FIG.  3 D  shows a front view of the electrochemical cell module  300  with the cathode tabs  317   a ,  317   c  and the anode tabs  316   b ,  316   d  visible.  FIG.  3 E  shows a back view of the electrochemical cell module  300  with the anode tabs  316   a ,  316   c  and the cathode tabs  317   b ,  317   d  visible. As shown, the electrochemical cells  310  are arranged in series, as the anode tab  316  of a first electrochemical cell  310  is coupled to a cathode tab  317  of a second electrochemical cell  310 . 
       FIG.  3 F  shows an exterior view of the external case  360  of the electrochemical cell module  300 . As shown, the external case  360  includes a degassing aperture  366 . Gases evolved during formation of the electrochemical cell module  300  can flow out of the external case  360  via the degassing aperture  366 . During production of the electrochemical cell module  300 , a portion of the heat sink  330  can be opened (e.g., pierced) to vent gas from the degas area in the electrochemical cells  310 . Once the formation of the electrochemical cell module  300  is complete, the degassing aperture  366  can be covered and sealed. In some embodiments, the external casing  360  can be wrapped with a pouch or additional casing with a hermetic seal to insulate the electrochemical cell module  360 . In some embodiments, the external casing  360  can be wrapped by an aluminum pouch. In some embodiments, the external casing  360  can be wrapped by an aluminum casing. 
     In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell module  300  can include one or more heating elements (not shown). In some embodiments, the heating elements can include heating strips. In some embodiments, the heating elements can be disposed between the electrochemical cells  310  (e.g., between the electrochemical cell  310   a  and the electrochemical cell  310   b ). The heating elements can aid in maintaining an elevated operating temperature. The heating elements can be beneficial for cell designs intended to operate at higher temperatures (e.g., at least about 25° C., at least about 30° C., at least about 35° C., at least about 40° C., at least about 45° C., or at least about 50° C.). In low-temperature environments (e.g., about −20° C.), the heating elements can elevate the operating temperature to at least about −15° C., at least about −10° C., at least about −5° C., at least about 0° C., at least about 5° C., at least about 10° C., at least about 15° C., or at least about 25° C. In some embodiments, the heating elements can be integrated into the heat sinks  330 . In some embodiments, the heat sinks  330  can be used to transfer heat into the electrochemical cell module  300  and to draw heat away from the electrochemical cells  310  in the electrochemical cell module  300  as desired. 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  show an electrochemical cell module  400 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  4 A  shows a front view of the electrochemical cell module  400  while  FIG.  4 B  shows a back view of the electrochemical cell module  400 . As shown, the electrochemical cell module  400  includes electrochemical cells  410   a ,  410   b ,  410   c ,  410   d ,  410   e  (collectively referred to as electrochemical cells  410 ), heat sinks  430   a ,  430   b ,  430   c ,  430   d ,  430   e  (collectively referred to as heat sinks  430 ), a pressure member  450 , and an external case  460 . As shown, the electrochemical cells  410  include anode tabs  416   a ,  416   b ,  416   c ,  416   d , (collectively referred to as anode tabs  416 ) and cathode tabs  417   a ,  417   b ,  417   c ,  417   d  (collectively referred to as cathode tabs  417 ). As shown, the external case  460  includes a negative terminal  462 , a positive terminal  464 , and a communication device  465 . 
     In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  410 , anode tabs  416 , the cathode tabs  417 , the heat sinks  430 , the pressure member  450 , the external case  460 , the negative terminal  462 , the positive terminal  464 , and the communication device  465  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells  310 , anode tabs  316 , the cathode tabs  317 , the heat sinks  330 , the pressure member  350 , the external case  360 , the negative terminal  362 , the positive terminal  364 , and the communication device  365 , as described above with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F . Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cells  410 , anode tabs  416 , the cathode tabs  417 , the heat sinks  430 , the pressure member  450 , the external case  460 , the negative terminal  462 , the positive terminal  464 , and the communication device  465  are not described in greater detail herein. As shown, the electrochemical cells  410  are connected in parallel. In other words, each of the anode tabs  416  are electrically coupled to one another while each of the cathode tabs  417  are electrically coupled to one another. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  show an electrochemical cell module  500 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell module  500  includes electrochemical cells  510   a ,  510   b ,  510   c ,  510   d ,  510   e  (collectively referred to as electrochemical cells  510 ), frames  520   a ,  520   b ,  520   c ,  520   d ,  520   e  (collectively referred to as frames  520 ), heat sinks  530   a ,  530   b ,  530   c ,  530   d ,  530   e  (collectively referred as heat sinks  530 ), a pressure member  550 , an external casing  560 , and temperature sensors  570   a ,  570   b ,  570   c ,  570   d ,  570   e  (collectively referred to as temperature sensors  570 ).  FIG.  5 A  shows a side view of the electrochemical cell module  500 , while  FIG.  5 B  shows a detailed view of a section B of the electrochemical cell  510   c .  FIG.  5 C  shows a detailed view of a frame  520 . As shown, the electrochemical cells  510  each include an anode material  511 , an anode current collector  512 , a cathode material  513 , a cathode current collector  514 , a separator  515 , an anode tab (not shown), a cathode tab  517 , and a pouch material  518 . As shown, the external casing  560  includes a negative terminal  562 , a positive terminal  564 , and a communication device  565 . 
     In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  510 , the anode material  511 , the anode current collector  512 , the cathode material  513 , the cathode current collector  514 , the separator  515 , the anode tab, the cathode tab  517 , the pouch material  518 , the heat sinks  530 , the pressure member  550 , the external casing  560 , the negative terminal  562 , the positive terminal  564 , the communication device  565 , and the temperature sensors  570  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells  310 , the anode material  311 , the anode current collector  312 , the cathode material  313 , the cathode current collector  314 , the separator  315 , the anode tab  316 , the cathode tab  317 , the pouch material  318 , the heat sinks  330 , the pressure member  350 , the external casing  360 , the negative terminal  362 , the positive terminal  364 , the communication device  365 , and the temperature sensors  370 , as described above with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 F . Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cells  510 , the anode material  511 , the anode current collector  512 , the cathode material  513 , the cathode current collector  514 , the separator  515 , the anode tab, the cathode tab  517 , the pouch material  518 , the heat sinks  530 , the pressure member  550 , the external casing  560 , the negative terminal  562 , the positive terminal  564 , the communication device  565 , and the temperature sensors  570  are not described in greater detail herein. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 B , the separator  515 , the cathode tab  517 , and the pouch material  518  are folded at an angle with respect to the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513 . In some embodiments, the anode tab can be folded at an angle with respect to the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513 . As shown, the separator  515 , the cathode tab  517 , and the pouch material  518  form an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the lengthwise or widthwise dimension of the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513 . In some embodiments, the separator  515 , the anode tab  516 , the cathode tab  517 , and/or the pouch material  518  can form an angle of about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees, about 90 degrees, about 95 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 105 degrees, about 110 degrees, about 115 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 125 degrees, or about 130 degrees with respect to the lengthwise or widthwise dimension of the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513 , inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. 
     The separator  515 , the cathode tab  517 , and the pouch material  518  are folded to minimize a distance between an inner surface of the frame  520  and a leading edge of the anode material  511  and/or the cathode material  513 . Minimizing this distance can minimize the amount of unused space in the electrochemical cell module  500 . In some embodiments, the distance between the frame  520  and the leading edge of the anode material  511  and/or the cathode material  513  can be less than about 2 mm, less than about 1.9 mm, less than about 1.8 mm, less than about 1.7 mm, less than about 1.6 mm, less than about 1.5 mm, less than about 1.4 mm, less than about 1.3 mm, less than about 1.2 mm, less than about 1.1 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 900 μm, less than about 800 μm, less than about 700 μm, less than about 600 μm, less than about 500 μm, less than about 400 μm, less than about 300 μm, less than about 200 μm, less than about 100 μm, less than about 90 μm, less than about 80 μm, less than about 70 μm, less than about 60 μm, less than about 50 μm, less than about 40 μm, less than about 30 μm, less than about 20 μm, or less than about 10 μm, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the cathode tab  517  can be welded to the frame  520 . In some embodiments, the anode tab can be welded to the frame  520 . In some embodiments, the frame  520  can be welded to the inner wall of the external casing  560 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 B , a bottom surface  518   a  of the portion of the pouch material  518  that extends beyond the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513  contacts the frame  520 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the portion of the pouch material  518  that extends beyond the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513  can contact an inner wall of the external casing  560 . In some embodiments, a top surface  518   b  of the portion of the pouch material  518  that extends beyond the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513  can contact the frame  520 . In some embodiments, the top surface of the portion of the pouch material  518  that extends beyond the anode material  511  and the cathode material  513  can contact the external casing  560 . As shown, a bottom surface  518   a  of the cathode tab  517  contacts the frame  520 . In some embodiments, a top surface  518   b  of the cathode tab  517  can contact the frame  520 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the cathode tab  517  can contact the inner wall of the external casing  560 . In some embodiments, the top surface of the cathode tab  517  can contact the inner wall of the external casing  560 . In some embodiments, a bottom surface  518   a  of the anode tab  516  contacts the frame  520 . In some embodiments, a top surface  518   b  of the anode tab  516  can contact the frame  520 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the anode tab  516  can contact the inner wall of the external casing  560 . In some embodiments, the top surface of the anode tab  516  can contact the inner wall of the external casing  560 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the pouch material  518  folds in a first direction on a first side of the electrochemical cell module  500  and a second direction on a second side of the electrochemical cell module  500 , the second side opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the pouch material  518  on the first side can form an angle with the pouch material  518  on the second side of at least about 150 degrees, at least about 155 degrees, at least about 160 degrees, at least about 165 degrees, at least about 170 degrees, at least about 175 degrees, at least about 180 degrees, at least about 185 degrees, at least about 190 degrees, at least about 195 degrees, at least about 200 degrees, or at least about 205 degrees. In some embodiments, the pouch material  518  on the first side can form an angle with the pouch material  518  on the second side of no more than about 210 degrees, no more than about 205 degrees, no more than about 200 degrees, no more than about 195 degrees, no more than about 190 degrees, no more than about 185 degrees, no more than about 180 degrees, no more than about 175 degrees, no more than about 170 degrees, no more than about 165 degrees, no more than about 160 degrees, or no more than about 155 degrees. Combinations of the above-referenced angles are also possible (e.g., at least about 150 degrees and no more than about 210 degrees or at least about 160 degrees and no more than about 200 degrees), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the pouch material  518  on the first side can form an angle with the pouch material  518  on the second side of about 150 degrees, about 155 degrees, about 160 degrees, about 165 degrees, about 170 degrees, about 175 degrees, about 180 degrees, about 185 degrees, about 190 degrees, about 195 degrees, about 200 degrees, about 205 degrees, or about 210 degrees. 
       FIG.  5 C  shows detail of one of the frames  520 . As shown, the frame  520  includes coupling pegs  521 , attachment holes  522 , tab passages  523 , and a vent hole  524 . In some embodiments, multiple frames  520  can be stacked on top of one another. In some embodiments, the coupling pegs  521  can aid in coupling one of the frames  520  to another. The coupling pegs  521  from a first frame can fit into a cavity on the underside of the coupling pegs  521  from a second frame. The attachment holes  522  can allow for the heat sinks  530  and/or the pressure plate  550  to couple to the frames  520  (e.g., via bolts or screws). The tab passages  523  are thinned portions of the frame  520 , through which tabs (e.g., anode tabs  516  and/or cathode tabs  517 ) can pass to connect to adjacent cells. In some embodiments, the tab passages  523  can include insulation material if the frame  520  is metallic. The vent hole  524  allows for degassing during production of the electrochemical cell module  500 . After production of the electrochemical cell module  500  is complete, the vent hole  524  can be filled (e.g., by a metal). In some embodiments, the frame can be constructed such that the vent hole  524  aligns or approximately aligns with one or more vent holes in the pouch material of the electrochemical cells  510 . In some embodiments, the vent holes in the pouch material of the electrochemical cells  510  can be the same or substantially similar to the vent holes  219 , as described above with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B . 
       FIG.  6    is an illustration of an electrochemical cell  610 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell  610  includes an anode material  611 , an anode current collector  612 , a cathode material  613 , a cathode current collector  614 , a separator  615 , an anode tab (not shown), a cathode tab  617 , and a pouch material  618 . The electrochemical cell  610  contacts a framing member  620  and a heat sink, and the electrochemical cell  610  the framing member  620 , and the heat sink  630  are housed inside an external casing  660 . In some embodiments, the anode material  611 , the anode current collector  612 , the cathode material  613 , the cathode current collector  614 , the separator  615 , the anode tab, the cathode tab  617 , the pouch material  618 , the heat sink  630 , and the external casing  660  can be the same or substantially similar to the anode material  511 , the anode current collector  512 , the cathode material  513 , the cathode current collector  514 , the separator  515 , the anode tab, the cathode tab  517 , the pouch material  518 , the external casing  560 , and the as described above with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C . Thus, certain aspects of the anode material  611 , the anode current collector  612 , the cathode material  613 , the cathode current collector  614 , the separator  615 , the anode tab, the cathode tab  617 , the pouch material  618 , the heat sink  630 , and the external casing  660  are not described in greater detail herein. 
     As shown, the cathode tab  617  extends through the framing member  620  via a tab passage  623  and contacts the inner wall of the external casing  660 . In some embodiments, the tab passage  623  can be the same or substantially similar to the tab passage  523 , as described above with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C . In some embodiments, the cathode tab  617  can be welded to the inner wall of the external casing  660 . In some embodiments, the cathode tab  617  can be welded to a metal bar (not shown) electrically coupled to a positive terminal (not shown). Similarly, the anode tab can extend through the framing member  620  via a tab passage  623  and contacts the inner wall of the external casing  660 . In some embodiments, the anode tab can be welded to a metal bar (not shown) electrically coupled to a positive terminal. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module  700 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  7 A  shows an auxiliary view of a bottom casing  760   a .  FIG.  7 B  shows a stack of electrochemical cells  710  with pouch material  718  extending from the electrochemical cells  710 . In  FIG.  7 B , the electrochemical cells  710  are shown above the bottom casing  760   a  and lowered into the bottom casing  760   a .  FIG.  7 C  shows the stack of electrochemical cells  710  resting in the bottom casing  760   a , such that the walls of the bottom casing  760   a  cause the pouch material  718  to fold upward. In  FIG.  7 D , a top casing  760   b  is shown above the bottom casing  760   a  and the electrochemical cells  710 . The top casing  760   b  is lowered onto the bottom casing  760   a , such that the top casing  760   b  and the bottom casing  760   a  fit together. As shown, the top casing  760   b  is smaller than the bottom casing  760   a , such that the top casing  760   b  fits inside the bottom casing  760   a  and causes further folds in the pouch material. In some embodiments, the top casing  760   b  can be larger than the bottom casing  760   a , such that the top casing  760   b  fits around the outside of the bottom casing  760   a .  FIG.  7 E  shows the fully formed electrochemical cell module  700 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom casing  760   a  and/or the top casing  760   b  can be rigid and non-flexible. In some embodiments, the bottom casing  760   a  and/or the top casing  760   b  can be composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable casing material. In some embodiments, the bottom casing  760   a  and/or the top casing  760   b  can have a thickness of at least about 100 μm, at least about 200 μm, at least about 300 μm, at least about 400 μm, at least about 500 μm, at least about 600 μm, at least about 700 μm, at least about 800 μm, at least about 900 μm, at least about 1 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 2.5 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 3.5 mm, at least about 4 mm, or at least about 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the bottom casing  760   a  and/or the top casing  760   b  can have a thickness of no more than about 5 mm, no more than about 4.5 mm, no more than about 4 mm, no more than about 3.5 mm, no more than about 3 mm, no more than about 2.5 mm, no more than about 2 mm, no more than about 1.5 mm, no more than about 1 mm, no more than about 900 μm, no more than about 800 μm, no more than about 700 μm, no more than about 600 μm, no more than about 500 μm, no more than about 400 μm, no more than about 300 μm, or no more than about 200 μm. Combinations of the above-referenced thicknesses are also possible (e.g., at least about 100 μm and no more than about 5 mm or at least about 500 μm and no more than about 1.5 mm), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the bottom casing  760   a  and/or the top casing  760   b  can have a thickness of about 100 μm, about 200 μm, about 300 μm, about 400 μm, about 500 μm, about 600 μm, about 700 μm, about 800 μm, about 900 μm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, or about 5 mm. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module  800 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  8 A  shows a plan view of a bottom casing sheet  860   a . As shown, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  includes perforation lines  861  for folding.  FIG.  8 B  shows a stack of electrochemical cells  810  with pouch material  818  extending from the electrochemical cells. The bottom casing sheet  860   a  is placed below the electrochemical cells  810 , while a top casing sheet  860   b  is placed above the electrochemical cells  810 . The bottom casing sheet  860   a  and the top casing sheet  860   b  are moved toward the stack of electrochemical cells  810 . In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and the top casing sheet  860   b  can be moved toward the stack of electrochemical cells  810  at the same time. In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and the top casing sheet  860   b  can be moved toward the stack of electrochemical cells  810  at different times.  FIG.  8 C  shows the bottom casing sheet  860   a  folded (i.e., along the perforation lines  861 ), such that the bottom casing sheet  860   a  causes the pouch material  818  to fold. In  FIG.  8 D , the top casing sheet  860   b  is folded over, such that the top casing sheet  860   b  contacts the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and contains the electrochemical cells  810 . In  FIG.  8 E , the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and the top casing sheet  860   b  are bonded together in bonding regions  865  to form the electrochemical cell module  800 . In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and the top casing sheet  860   b  can be bonded together via tape, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable bonding method, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and/or the top casing sheet  860   b  can be composed of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and/or the top casing sheet  860   b  can be composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other suitable flexible material. In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and/or the top casing sheet  860   b  can have a thickness of at least about 50 μm, at least about 100 μm, at least about 150 μm, at least about 200 μm, at least about 250 μm, at least about 300 μm, at least about 350 μm, at least about 400 μm, at least about 450 μm, at least about 500 μm, at least about 550 μm, at least about 600 μm, at least about 650 μm, at least about 700 μm, at least about 750 μm, at least about 800 μm, at least about 850 μm, at least about 900 μm, or at least about 950 μm. In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and/or the top casing sheet  860   b  can have a thickness of no more than about 1 mm, no more than about 950 μm, no more than about 900 μm, no more than about 850 μm, no more than about 800 μm, no more than about 750 μm, no more than about 700 μm, no more than about 650 μm, no more than about 600 μm, no more than about 550 μm, no more than about 500 μm, no more than about 450 μm, no more than about 400 μm, no more than about 350 μm, no more than about 300 μm, no more than about 250 μm, no more than about 200 μm, no more than about 150 μm, or no more than about 100 μm. Combinations of the above-referenced thicknesses are also possible (e.g., at least about 50 μm and no more than about 1 mm or at least about 100 μm and no more than about 400 μm), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the bottom casing sheet  860   a  and/or the top casing sheet  860   b  can have a thickness of about 50 μm, about 100 μm, about 150 μm, about 200 μm, about 250 μm, about 300 μm, about 350 μm, about 400 μm, about 450 μm, about 500 μm, about 550 μm, about 600 μm, about 650 μm, about 700 μm, about 750 μm, about 800 μm, about 850 μm, about 900 μm, about 950 μm, or about 1 mm. 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 E  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module  900 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell module  900  includes a plurality of electrochemical cells  910 , pouch material  918  extending from the electrochemical cells  910 . In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  910  and the pouch material  918  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells  810  and the pouch material  818 , as described above with reference to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 E . Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cells  910  and the pouch material  918  are not described in greater detail herein. 
       FIG.  9 A  shows a single electrochemical cell  910  with the pouch material  918  extending from the electrochemical cell  910 .  FIG.  9 B  shows an edge of the pouch material  918  partially folded, such that a first portion of the pouch material  918  forms an angle with a second portion of the pouch material.  FIG.  9 C  shows the first portion of the pouch material  918  folded over and bonded to the second portion of the pouch material via an adhesive  925 .  FIG.  9 D  shows a detailed view of box D, as marked in  FIG.  9 C . As shown, the first portion of the pouch material  918  is folded over and bonded to the second portion of the pouch material  918  via the adhesive  925 . In some embodiments, the pouch material  918  can be folded without the adhesive  925 . In other words, the first portion of the pouch material  918  can be folded over the second portion of the pouch material  918  without being bonded thereto. Upon folding the edge of the pouch material  918 , the pouch material  918  becomes stiffer and more robust than an unfolded edge of the pouch material  918 .  FIG.  9 E  shows multiple electrochemical cells  910  stacked to form the electrochemical cell module  900 . The stiffness of the folded pouch material  918  can aid in maintaining the alignment of the electrochemical cells  910  when placed inside a casing (not shown). In some embodiments, the stack of electrochemical cells  910  can be placed in a casing all at once. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  910  can be placed in a casing one by one. 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  are illustrations of a method of forming an electrochemical cell module  1000 , according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell module  1000  includes electrochemical cells  1010  with pouch material  1018 . In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells  1010  and the pouch material  1018  can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cells  918  and the pouch material  918 , as described above with reference to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 E . Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cells  1010  and the pouch material  1018  are not described in greater detail herein. 
       FIG.  10 A  shows a stack of electrochemical cells  1010  with side panels  1067  on either side of the stack of electrochemical cells  1010 .  FIG.  10 B  shows the edges of the pouch material  1018  in a flattened state upon contact with the side panels  1067 .  FIG.  10 C  shows the stack of electrochemical cells  1010  encased by the side panels  1067 , top panel  1068   a , and bottom panel  1068   b . As shown, the side panels  1067  contact the edges of the pouch material  1018  and flatten them to reduce the amount of empty space inside the electrochemical cell module  1000 . As shown, the side panels  1067  have a curved shape. The curved shape of the side panels  1067  helps to corral the edges of the pouch material  1018  near the vertical center of the stack of electrochemical cells  1010  so that the edges of the pouch material  1018  are collected in a common area and do not bend in random directions. In some embodiments, the side panels  1067  can have a sharp V-shape to corral the edges of the pouch material  1018  together. 
     In some embodiments, the edges of the pouch material  1018  can be brought together prior to contact with the side panels  1067 . In some embodiments, the edges of the pouch material  1018  can be brought together via the use of a removable tool that pushes the edges of the pouch material  1018  close to the vertical center of the stack of electrochemical cells  1010 . This can aid in ensuring the edges of the pouch material  1018  are in an intended location when the side panels  1067  are installed. 
       FIG.  10 C  shows the top panel  1068   a  and the bottom panel  1068   b  being secured to the side panels  1067 . In some embodiments, the top panel  1068   a  and the bottom panel  1068   b  can be secured to the side panels  1067  via a tape and/or an adhesive. In some embodiments, the top panel  1068   a  and the bottom panel  1068   b  can aid in keeping the side panels  1067  secured to the stack of electrochemical cells  1010 . In some embodiments, an adhesive (not shown) can be used to secure the side panels  1067  to the edges of the pouch material  1018  without including the top panel  1068   a  or the bottom panel  1068   b . In some embodiments, the stack of electrochemical cells  1010  and the side panels  1067  can be placed in a casing (not shown) to form the electrochemical cell module  1000 . In some embodiments, the side panels  1067  can be incorporated into the casing. 
     Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Put differently, it is to be understood that such features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and/or the like that may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and/or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others. 
     In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisional s, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Depending on the particular desires and/or characteristics of an individual and/or enterprise user, database configuration and/or relational model, data type, data transmission and/or network framework, syntax structure, and/or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein. 
     All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. 
     As used herein, in particular embodiments, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 10%. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. That the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. 
     The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the embodiments, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law. 
     As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc. 
     In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. 
     While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.