Many of the early experiments were concerned with constructing machinery to process heat. Research included collection of solar energy, fabrication of special heat sinks, experiments with engine and compressor processes and many other related research topics. Work here laid the foundations for development of new alternative energy devices and associated technology.

A special vapor handler was constructed for experiments to gather data on real performance of compression and expansion machines to validate theoretical models. The unit had electronically controlled valves, digital rotational encoders and an ultra fast pressure sensor ported directly into the cylinder. These features allowed measurements of the dynamic conditions within the machine and comparison with theoretical models.

Complementing basic technology development, mechanism improvement targets specific problem areas that have not been adequately addressed by existing component manufacturers. Early stage technology often relies on off-the-shelf products as a starting point for innovation. These components are typically designed for established applications and employ trade-offs in their manufacture because traditional technology evolved in an era when efficiency was not a primary concern. There are many areas like this that must be addressed as new technology is perfected.

One of the most difficult problems to solve in any engine concept is the loss of heat through the metal walls of the cylinder. These losses occur during the small increment of time while mechanical energy is being extracted from the working fluid. Such losses reduce the amount of heat available for conversion causing the real engine to depart from theoretical performance values. Conventional engines simply tolerate this reduction in performance because designing and implementing adiabatic components was not a high priority when energy costs were low.

It has been known for many years that ceramic cylinder liners and pistons can alleviate the heat losses previously noted. An engine constructed in such a fashion operates in an almost adiabatic manner, converting nearly all of the heat in the cylinder to mechanical energy, approaching theoretical conversion limits.

A design for such a cylinder was implemented for the experimental vapor handler using a pair of aluminum oxide ceramic cylinder sleeves. The ceramic cylinder liner sleeve contains the working fluid while the ceramic piston sleeve operates as the piston working surface. The top of the piston is provided with an insulating surface which is noncritical as it encounters only the working fluid itself. No cylinder lubrication is needed and the smooth surfaces are nearly frictionless. The very low heat conductivity of this ceramic cylinder and piston results in virtually adiabatic engine operation.