UROP Project

Integrated Zero-Emission Aviation (IZEA)

IZEA

Research Mentor: Christopher Akporoghene,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida state University, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: coa24a@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Engineering.
Project Location: 2525 Pottsdamer St., Tallahassee, FL 32310-6046
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

My role in the IZEA project focuses on the design, experimental validation, and performance characterization of cryogenic power-distribution systems for electrified aircraft. I develop experimental configurations for busbars and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables, including the associated instrumentation, data-acquisition systems, and automated test procedures required for high-current evaluation. I also analyze the resulting electrical and thermal data to identify performance limitations and assess if the power-distribution architecture can satisfy aircraft requirements for power density, efficiency, and thermal management.

Research Tasks: Researchers can support the project by conducting literature reviews, collecting and organizing data, and performing preliminary analysis. They can also assist with preparing test equipment, documenting experimental procedures, maintaining research logs, organizing references, and creating simple plots or tables from completed experiments. As they gain experience, they can help with basic SolidWorks drawings, sensor configurations, spreadsheet calculations, and preparation of figures or summaries for presentations and weekly reports.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required skills include a willingness to learn, follow safety procedures, take good notes, have research experience, and work well with others. Basic experience with hand tools, measurements, SolidWorks, mechanical assembly, or laboratory work is recommended but not required. Students should have an interest in hands-on engineering and be comfortable learning new equipment and experimental procedures.