TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Device: The improved rechargeable battery further comprises comb(s) that forms an electrical connection between internal electrode tabs and the terminals. It comprises 19 positive electrodes and 20 negative electrodes alternatingly disposed within the case.Preferred Material: The battery case is formed from a material which is thermally conductive, mechanically strong and rigid, and resistant to corrosion.Preferred Component: The mechanism for providing variable insulation includes temperature sensor, compressible thermal insulation mechanism, and a mechanism to compress the compressible thermal insulation mechanism in response to the temperature detected by the thermal sensor. The mechanism to compress the compressible thermal insulation mechanism includes a piston which variably increases or decreases the compression upon the compressible foam or fiber insulation in response to signals from electronic sensors. The thermal sensors and the mechanism to compress the compressible thermal insulation mechanism are combined as a single unit. The thermal-sensor/insulation-compressor single unit includes a bimetallic strip which allows the compressible thermal insulation mechanism to expand into place to protect the battery system from cold ambient conditions and compresses the insulation to remove its insulating effect from the battery system under warm ambient conditions.Preferred Condition: The exterior of the metal prismatic battery case is electrically insulated from the environment by a non-conductive polymer coating. The interior of the metal prismatic battery case is electrically insulated from the electrodes and electrolyte by coating the interior of the battery case with an electrically insulating polymer material; or by placing the electrodes and electrolyte in a polymer bag which is sealed and inserted into the battery case.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The prismatic battery case is formed from metal (preferably stainless steel, particularly 304L stainless steel). The comb and the terminals are formed of copper, copper alloy, nickel coated copper or nickel coated copper alloy.Preferred Component: The negative electrodes are formed from thermally conductive sintered metal hydride electrode material.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INSTRUMENTATION AND TESTING - Preferred Component: The thermal sensors comprise electronic sensors.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Component: The polymer coating is a layer of electrically insulating polymer tape. The compressible thermal insulation mechanism includes a compressible foam or fiber insulation. The elastomeric, dielectric seal is formed of a hydrogen impermeable polysulfone material. The separators are formed from polypropylene having an oriented grain or groove structure.