The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), has once again produced a new Doctor from the Mechanical Engineering Study Program. Andhy Muhammad Fathoni successfully defended his dissertation titled “Development of a Battery Thermal Management System for Electric Vehicles Based on a Dual Evaporator Loop Heat Pipe“ during his Doctoral Promotion Defense held at the Smart Meeting Room, Dean Building, FTUI Campus, Depok (10/06).
In his dissertation, Andhy Fathoni addressed a critical issue in electric vehicles: battery thermal management. EV batteries have a narrow operating temperature range and are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Suboptimal cooling systems can lead to premature damage and even the risk of thermal runaway. To tackle this challenge, the researcher developed a thermal management system based on the Loop Heat Pipe (LHP), specifically a Dual Evaporator LHP (DE-LHP) configuration capable of handling heat distribution from multiple sources simultaneously.
“The research was conducted using an experimental approach and two-phase flow visualization through neutron radiography at the international ISIS Neutron and Muon Source facility in the United Kingdom. Experimental results showed that the DE-LHP system with a 10° orientation achieved the best thermal performance, with a thermal resistance as low as 0.24°C/W. Meanwhile, the Single Evaporator LHP (SE-LHP), tested for comparison, achieved the highest thermal efficiency of up to 81% under optimal operating conditions,” explained Andhy during his presentation.
Beyond experimentation, Andhy also developed a predictive vapour fraction model using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach based on temperature data from 11 measuring points. This model is capable of accurately predicting vapour distribution, thereby opening up possibilities for more intelligent and adaptive battery cooling systems.
The doctoral promotion was chaired by the Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for the research contribution made by Andhy Fathoni. “This dissertation not only demonstrates academic depth but also offers concrete solutions to the current technological challenges of electric vehicles. It is a tangible contribution from FTUI in supporting the national energy transition agenda,” said Prof. Kemas.
With this achievement, Andhy Muhammad Fathoni officially holds the title of Doctor in Mechanical Engineering from FTUI. Graduating with summa cum laude honours and a perfect GPA of 4.0, Dr. Fathoni became the 117th Doctor who graduated by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the 597th Doctor conferred by the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia. His research is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of efficient and reliable battery cooling systems that support the national goal of building a more advanced and sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem.
The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Nandy Setiadi Djaya Putra, IPU, with co-supervisor Dr.-Ing. Ridho Irwansyah, S.T., M.T. The examination committee consisted of senior academics from FTUI, including Prof. Dr. Ir. Imansyah Ibnu Hakim, M.Eng., Prof. Dr. Ir. Raldi Artono Koestoer, DEA., Prof. Dr. Ir. Engkos A. Kosasih, M.T., Dr. Eng. Sholahudin, S.T., M.Sc., and Dr. Ranggi Sahmura Ramadhan, S.T., M.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.
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