Question: Could a modern steam engine that is made with modern materials and electronic valves be a viable solution to the internal combustion engine?

Motivation: Steam engines create power from steam in a cycle that is more efficient than the internal combustion cycle and produces more low end torque than a comparable size IC engine . Steam can be generated from a wide variety of renewable sources including biomass as well as solar. These provided the incentive to explore whether a steam engine could be viable in the 21st Century

Research: For more information on current steam engine efforts explore:
A Fresh View of the Steam Car for Today
Green Steam (With Videos)
Modernising the Fireless Steam Accumulator Locomotive

Design: The group is currently working to finalize a design for the steam piston and set-up. Below is an image of the preliminary setup modeled in SolidWorks.

Pictures of parts will be uploaded when availible