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The USAF in conjunction with NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory established the DoD/NASA joint program to competitively develop high power, lithium ion battery technology and to establish North American domestic sources for lithium ion batteries. The program was initiated in FY97 to meet DoD and NASA requirements not addressed by commercial battery developments. Four contracts were awarded for cylindrical and prismatic cell and battery systems development. Technical and program management advisory groups were established to coordinate program management and to verify and validate test results from individual contractors. Specific applications, contract deliverable items and the overall schedule are presented.

General Motors Powertrain Division has developed a new V-8 engine for Cadillac vehicles in the 1990s. The Northstar engine incorporates the use of aluminum for both the cylinder block and head and other lightweight materials throughout. The valve train incorporates direct acting hydraulic lifters actuating the four valves per cylinder through dual overhead camshafts. The primary focus of the project has been to produce an engine of unquestioned reliability and exceptional value which is pleasing to the customer throughout the range of loads and speeds. The engine was designed with a light weight valve train, low valve overlap and moderate lift, resulting in a very pleasing combination of smooth idle and a broad range of power. The use of analytical methods early in the design stage enabled systems to be engineered to optimize reliability, pleaseability and value by reducing frictional losses, noise, and potential leak paths, while increasing efficiency and ease of manufacture.

This paper presents a state-of-the-art report on polymer battery development. The research and development activities related to materials of construction for battery components, i.e., anode, electrolyte, and cathode are reviewed. Major achievements have been accomplished in the last decade and the progress is very encouraging. Some potential problems have been identified and these problems may require significant development efforts before polymer batteries become a commercial reality.