College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor
Rick Lasko, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Graham Roberts, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This project presents the design and validation of a cryogenic fuel delivery system aimed at enabling sustainable aviation through hydrogen fuel vaporization. Developed by a team of senior mechanical engineering students at Cal Poly and sponsored by Boeing, the system utilizes atmospheric air to vaporize liquid nitrogen, used as a stand-in for hydrogen, via forced convection heat exchangers, eliminating the need for engine-supplied heat and reducing parasitic loads. A feedback loop and turbine component are integrated to regulate pressure and recover energy, respectively. A benchtop prototype was built and tested to evaluate system performance, with results closely aligning with analytical models developed using Engineering Equation Solver. The prototype demonstrated successful fuel vaporization and delivery, supporting the concept’s viability for future aircraft application.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/811
Project Poster
ME_2025_8RL-C_SOW.pdf (611 kB)
Scope of Work
ME_2025_8RL-C_PDR.pdf (1925 kB)
Preliminary Design Review
ME_2025_8RL-C_CDR.pdf (3138 kB)
Critical Design Review
ME_2025_8RL-C_Drawings.pdf (2579 kB)
Drawing Package