Revolutionizing Jet Propulsion With

Experience the next generation of turbocharger jet engine technology—engineered for maximum efficiency, responsive control, and raw power. Designed for aerospace enthusiasts, students, and future-forward developers.

Jet Engine Overview

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Functional

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Testing Hours Logged

Jet Engine Project Image

About the Project

A hands-on journey into jet propulsion and control systems

This turbocharger-based jet engine is the result of our final year engineering project. Built from the ground up using accessible components, sensors, and control logic, the goal was to understand and simulate real jet engine operation at a small scale. It’s not perfect — but it works, and we’re proud of it.

Real Engineering

Designed, wired, and coded entirely by students using real hardware.

Learning by Doing

From control algorithms to thermocouples—we built and tested it ourselves.

Team Effort

Every member contributed with passion, patience, and problem-solving.

Future Potential

We see this as a stepping stone toward more advanced systems in the future.

Key Features

A closer look at what makes our student-built jet engine project unique and functional

Built from the ground up

This project combines mechanical engineering, embedded systems, and control logic to create a fully working, small-scale jet engine system. While it's a prototype, every part was designed, tested, and coded by our team of students.

7 Sensors Integrated
100% Student-Built
0 Pre-made Kits Used
Jet Engine Features
01

Ignition Control

Controlled via boost module and spark system for safe and reliable engine startup.

Ignition Startup
02

Emergency Stop

A hardwired failsafe that shuts everything down instantly in case of unsafe conditions.

Safety Override
03

Temperature Monitoring

Multiple thermocouples track oil, exhaust, and combustion temperatures in real-time.

Sensors Safety
04

Cooling System

Automated fan control based on oil temperatures ensures components remain in safe operating range.

Cooling Automation
05

RPM Sensing

A hall effect sensor monitors engine RPM to detect operation status and auto-stop if idle too long.

RPM Feedback
06

Wi-Fi Control

A lightweight web server allows remote start, stop, and real-time monitoring over local Wi-Fi.

ESP32 Web UI

Project Background

This project began as our capstone for graduation, aiming to convert a turbocharger into a working jet engine. It uses thermocouples, RPM sensors, an ESP32, and a simple control interface to mimic core engine functions safely.

Uses real engine components
Student-designed controller
Focus on affordability
Built for experimentation
9
Months of Work
7
Team Members
100%
Student Built
Jet Engine Concept
Progress +100% Functional

Built-In Safety

Despite being a student project, we implemented essential safety features like auto shutoff if the RPM is zero after ignition or if oil temperature exceeds 120°C. Manual emergency stop is also available.

Emergency Stop Button
Overheat Shutdown Logic
RPM Monitoring
Controlled Ignition & Fuel Flow
45°C
Fan Trigger
120°C
Auto Stop
0 RPM
Failsafe Trigger
Jet Engine Safety
Safety Logic Tested and Working

Engine Performance

While not designed for flight, our jet engine achieves combustion, exhaust flow, RPM tracking, and stable fuel delivery. The boost ignition and fan automation allow stable startup and runtime behavior.

Combustion Achieved
Stable RPM Readings
Thermocouple Monitoring
Controlled Fuel Pump
3x
Test Cycles
100%
Sensor Integration
ESP32
Controller
Jet Engine Performance
RPM Sensor Live Feedback

Testing & Lessons

Through testing, we validated our control logic and identified the limits of our components. This project taught us practical skills in electrical wiring, software debugging, and thermal response in real-world systems.

Functional Testing
Web Interface Control
Thermal Load Challenges
Reliable Fan & Fuel Logic
5
Code Iterations
4
Sensor Types
1
Working Prototype
Jet Engine Testing
Testing Ongoing & Documented

Project Highlights

This project showcases the core engineering and software systems we designed and implemented to run and monitor a jet engine.

WHAT WE BUILT

Engineering Meets Practical Control

This student project transforms a turbocharger into a basic jet engine. Our work covers sensor integration, control logic, safety mechanisms, and real-time monitoring via a custom web dashboard.

See Our Demo
Jet Engine Prototype
01
ESP32-Based Controller

All engine logic is handled by an ESP32 module, including RPM monitoring, thermocouple readings, and GPIO-based device control.

02
Sensor Integration

We used MAX6675 thermocouples, a hall effect RPM sensor, and pressure sensors to monitor engine health in real time.

03
Safety Systems

Automatic shutdown if RPM stays zero after ignition or if oil temperature exceeds 90°C. Manual emergency stop also included.

04
Web-Based Interface

Built-in web server allows monitoring metrics like RPM, temperature, and pressure, and provides buttons to start, stop, or trigger emergency stop remotely.

05
Actuator Control

The controller manages GPIO outputs to control a solenoid valve, boost ignition module, fuel pump, and a cooling fan based on real-time sensor data.

06
Testing & Debugging

Multiple test cycles helped refine sensor calibration, debounce logic, and ensure stable combustion and shutdown behavior under load.

What exactly is this project about?

It's a working prototype of a jet engine built using a modified turbocharger. We've integrated sensors, safety features, and real-time web-based control using an ESP32 microcontroller.

Can the engine actually run?

Yes. The engine starts, idles, and responds to basic input. Combustion is real and controlled electronically, but it's built for demonstration purposes, not continuous thrust or flight.

What components are used in the system?

This system includes a range of hardware components:

  • ESP32: Dual-core 240 MHz MCU with Wi-Fi/BLE, 520KB RAM, 4MB Flash
  • Hall Sensor (KY-024): RPM measurement via magnetic pulses
  • MAX6675 + K-Type Thermocouple: Measures high temperatures up to 1024°C
  • XGZP160 Pressure Sensor: Analog pressure sensing up to 700 kPa
  • Solenoid Valve: 12V normally-closed valve for fuel control
  • LM2596S Buck Converter: Regulates voltage from 12V battery to lower levels
  • 20×4 LCD: Displays real-time sensor data
  • Lead-Acid Battery: 12V, 35Ah SLA battery powers the full system
  • Boost HV Module: Outputs up to 1000kV for spark ignition
  • Spark Plug: Standard M14 for combustion ignition
  • Push Button (LA38): Manual momentary starter switch
  • 1kΩ Resistor: General-purpose for signal conditioning
  • BD243C Transistor: 6A, 100V NPN TO-220 switching transistor
  • 12V Relay: SPDT 5-pin relay for switching larger loads
  • IRFZ44N MOSFET: 55V, 49A N-channel MOSFET for high power
  • Connectors & Wiring: DuPont, JST, 18AWG silicone wires, pin headers
  • Prototype PCB: 20x20 cm board used to mount components

How does the safety system work?

We included auto-shutdown if RPM stays zero after ignition and if oil temperature exceeds 90°C. There's also a manual emergency stop accessible via the web interface.

Can this be scaled or used for real applications?

This is a proof-of-concept for academic purposes. It shows understanding of combustion control, sensor integration, and embedded systems. Scaling it to aerospace use would require more advanced materials and certification.

Have more questions?

If you'd like to know more about how the system works or how we built it, feel free to contact us or check out the documentation and demo videos.

Contact Us

Our Project Team

This project was built by a dedicated team of students under expert supervision at the Technical and Vocational Institute.

Dr. Ahmed Gomaa

Dr. Ahmed Gomaa

Project Advisor

Workshops Supervisor – Technical and Vocational Institute

Dr. Islam ElBanna

Dr. Islam ElBanna

Projects Management Assistant Lecturer

Internal Verifier & Research, Innovation Expert – Technical and Vocational Institute

Dr. Islam ElBanna

Eng. Islam Hassanien

Electrical Supervisor

Project Electrical Supervisor

Ahmed Osama

Ahmed Osama

Mechanics & Design

ID: 231010328

Youssef Eldaly

Youssef Eldaly

All Systems Developer

ID: 231013297

Emad-Eldin Tarek

Emad-Eldin Tarek

Documentation

ID: 231002882

Mohamed Ahmed

Mohamed Taha

Mechanics & Design

ID: 231012913

Belal Omar

Belal Omar

Electrical & Control

ID: 231010373

Menna Hassan

Menna Hassan

Control

ID: 231013212

Rewan Mohamed

Rewan Mohamed

Documentation

ID: 221011667

Contact

Reach out to the TurboJet team for inquiries, support, or collaboration opportunities.

Connect With Us

We’re happy to hear from you. Whether you're a visitor, researcher, or enthusiast — let’s talk.

Visit Our Location

Technical & Vocational Institute, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Abu Qir Campus, Alexandria, Egypt

Call Us

+20 114 040 0865

Working Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 9AM – 4PM

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