Method and apparatus for assembly of a battery array

A method, comprising:

• compressing at least one battery module to a desired dimension prior to installing the battery module into an array, and wherein the desired dimension is defined as a nominal thickness for the battery module;
• compressing a plurality of battery modules to the desired dimension to provide a plurality of compressed battery modules;
• applying a pressure against one end of the battery module to reduce a thickness of the battery module to the nominal thickness prior to installing the battery module into the array;
• and
• wherein the compressing step includes:
• applying pressure to the battery module to induce a desired amount of residual stress in the battery module sufficient to temporarily hold the battery module at the desired dimension,
• releasing the pressure when the battery module is at the desired dimension, and
• subsequently installing the battery module with the desired dimension into the array.