Harnessing Rotating Heat Pipes for Passive Electric Motor Cooling: Enhancing Electric Vehicle Efficiency

https://doi.org/10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2028.58.1.7

Authors

  • Yasmine Karenita Siregar Applied Heat Transfer Research Group (AHTRG), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jalan Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Kampus UI, Depok 16424
  • Khairu Rezqi Applied Heat Transfer Research Group (AHTRG), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jalan Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Kampus UI, Depok 16424
  • Gerardo Janitra Puriadi Putra Applied Heat Transfer Research Group (AHTRG), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jalan Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Kampus UI, Depok 16424
  • Andhy M Fathoni Applied Heat Transfer Research Group (AHTRG), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jalan Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Kampus UI, Depok 16424,
  • Nandy Putra Applied Heat Transfer Research Group (AHTRG), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Jalan Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Kampus UI, Depok 16424, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3010-599X
  • Hairul Abral Laboratory of Nanoscience and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering Universitas Andalas Padang, Jalan Limau Manis, Padang 25163
Share: Share by email

Abstract

Electric vehicles are equipped with electric motors that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle. The motor experiences an increase in temperature during operation due to various losses that cause the motor temperature to rise. The performance of the electric motor will be reduced or even damaged if the heat continues to increase and the temperature exceeds 60°C. Therefore, there is a need for a cooling system that can maintain the electric motor's temperature within its working range. This study aims to investigate and test the rotating heat pipe (RHP) as a passive cooling system for electric motors. The objective of this research is to examine the performance of the RHP. The study employs a RHP with installed thermocouples on its surface. Additionally, a slip ring is utilized to serve as interface between the data acquisition module and the thermocouple sensor.  In this investigation, the Rotating Heat Pipe was equipped with two slip rings to measure temperature in rotary conditions. This study proves that using RHP can reduce thermal resistance by 30-66% compared to stationary heat pipes.

How to Cite

Yasmine Karenita Siregar, Khairu Rezqi, Gerardo Janitra Puriadi Putra, Andhy M Fathoni, Nandy Putra, Hairul Abral (2025). Harnessing Rotating Heat Pipes for Passive Electric Motor Cooling: Enhancing Electric Vehicle Efficiency. Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences, Vol. 58 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 58 No. 1(2026): February , 86-100. https://doi.org/10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2028.58.1.7

Metrics

Download data is not yet available.

References

Agency, I. E. (2022). An energy sector roadmap to net zero emissions in Indonesia.

Aishwarya, M., & Brisilla, R. M. (2022). Design of energy-efficient induction motor using ANSYS software. Results in Engineering, 16, 100616. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100616

Aprianingsih, N., Winarta, A., Ariantara, B., & Putra, N. (2018). Thermal performance of pulsating heat pipe on electric motor as cooling application. E3S Web of Conferences, 67, 03035. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20186703035

Barua, H., Ali, M., Nuruzzaman, M., Islam, M. Q., & Feroz, C. M. (2013). Effect of filling ratio on heat transfer characteristics and performance of a closed loop pulsating heat pipe. Procedia Engineering, 56, 88–95. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2013.03.093

Chapman, S. J. (2012). Electric Machinery Fundamentals. New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Chatterjee, S., Sugilal, G., & Prabhu, S. V. (2018). Impact of inclination on single phase heat transfer in a partially filled rotating pipe. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 123, 867–878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2018.03.033

Chaudhry, H. N., Hughes, B. R., & Ghani, S. A. (2012). A review of heat pipe systems for heat recovery and renewable energy applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(4), 2249–2259. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2012.01.038

Chen, J., Yuan, D., Jiang, H., Zhang, L., Yang, Y., Fu, Y., Qian, N., & Jiang, F. (2022). Thermal management of bone drilling based on rotating heat pipe. Energies, 15(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010035

Davin, T., Pellé, J., Harmand, S., & Yu, R. (2015). Experimental study of oil cooling systems for electric motors. Applied Thermal Engineering, 75, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.10.060

Denkena, B., Bergmann, B., Kono, K., Ishiguro, R., & Klemme, H. (2021). Characterization of heat conductivity of eccentrically rotating heat pipes used for cooling of motor spindles. MM Science Journal, 2021(July), 4698–4705. https://doi.org/10.17973/MMSJ.2021_7_2021078

Deriszadeh, A., & de Monte, F. (2021). Performance valuation of the electric machine cooling system employing nanofluid as an advanced coolant. ChemEngineering, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering5030053

Du, C., & Huang, D. (2022). Evaluation of thermal management scheme of engine cowl based on rotating heat pipe. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2369, 012003. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2369/1/012003

Gammaidoni, T., Zembi, J., Battistoni, M., Biscontini, G., & Mariani, A. (2023). CFD analysis of an electric motor's cooling system: Model validation and solutions for optimization. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 49, 103349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103349

Garniwa, I., Dipantara, B., Nugroho, M. V., Sudiarto, B., & Noorfatima, N. (2019). Analysis of the effect of the motor temperature to brush-less direct current motor performance on KARLING electric vehicle. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1376, 012024. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1376/1/012024

Grandin, M., & Wiklund, U. (2016). Wear and electrical performance of a slip-ring system with silver–graphite in continuous sliding against PVD coated wires. Wear, 348-349, 138–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2015.12.002

Group, H. M. (2022). Impact of Electric Motor Speed on High-Performance EVs,” Hyundai Motor Group’s Dedicated EV And Its Ultra-Speed Motor.

Hodowanec, T. H. a. M. (2009). Electric Motor with Heat Pipes (US007569955B2).

Huang, J., Shoai Naini, S., Miller, R., Rizzo, D., Sebeck, K., Shurin, S., & Wagner, J. (2019). A hybrid electric vehicle motor cooling system—Design, model, and control. IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, 68(5), 4467–4478. https://doi.org/10.1109/tvt.2019.2902135

Lei, S., Xin, S., & Liu, S. (2022). Separate and integrated thermal management solutions for electric vehicles: A review. Journal of Power Sources, 550, 232133. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232133

Li, S. F., & Liu, Z. H. (2020). Parametric study of rotating heat pipe performance: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 117, Article 109482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109482

Lian, W., Chang, W., & Xuan, Y. (2016). Numerical investigation on flow and thermal features of a rotating heat pipe. Applied Thermal Engineering, 101, 92-100. 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.02.110

Luo, F., Ma, C., Liu, J., Zhang, L., & Wang, S. (2023). Theoretical and experimental study on rotating heat pipe towards thermal error control of motorized spindle. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 185, 108095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2022.108095

Markus Jaeger, A. R. a. K. H., Thorben Grosse-von Tongeln. (2018). Thermal analysis of an electrical traction motor with an air cooled rotor. 2018 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo (ITEC). https://doi.org/10.1109/ITEC.2018.8450239

Previati, G., Mastinu, G., & Gobbi, M. (2022). Thermal management of electrified vehicles—A review. Energies, 15(4).

Putra, N., & Ariantara, B. (2017). Electric motor thermal management system using L-shaped flat heat pipes. Applied Thermal Engineering, 126, 1156–1163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.01.090

Qian, N., Fu, Y., Chen, J., Khan, A. M., & Xu, J. (2020). Axial rotating heat-pipe grinding wheel for eco–benign machining: A novel method for dry profile-grinding of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 56, 216–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2020.03.023

Reding, B., & Cao, Y. (2017). Sector rotating heat pipe with interconnected branches and reservoir for turbomachinery cooling. Journal of Heat Transfer, 139(1). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4034487

Saidur, R. (2010). A review on electrical motors energy use and energy savings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(3), 877–898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.10.018

Sandip Garud, K., & Lee, M.-Y. (2024). Thermal management characteristics of electric vehicle driving motor with oil spray cooling based on spray locations and oil types. Applied Thermal Engineering, 248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123234

Sun, Y., Zhang, S., Chen, G., Tang, Y., & Liang, F. (2020). Experimental and numerical investigation on a novel heat pipe based cooling strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motors. Applied Thermal Engineering, 170, 114970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.114970

Tetuko, A. P., Hadi, R. K., Faqih, M., Setiadi, E. A., Kurniawan, C., & Sebayang, P. (2019). Heat pipes as a passive cooling system for flywheel energy storage application. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1191(1), 012024. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1191/1/012024

Tikadar, A., Johnston, D., Kumar, N., Joshi, Y., & Kumar, S. (2021). Comparison of electro-thermal performance of advanced cooling techniques for electric vehicle motors. Applied Thermal Engineering, 183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.116182

Wang, H., Bao, Y., Liu, M., Zhu, S., Du, X., & Hou, Y. (2022). Experimental study on dynamic characteristics of cylindrical horizontal axially rotating heat pipe. Applied Thermal Engineering, 209, 118248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118248

Wang, H., Tang, Y., Liu, M., Zhu, S., Zheng, K., & Du, X. (2023). Experimental study on heat transfer performance of axially rotating heat pipe in steady state. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 184, 107975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2022.107975

Wang, X., Li, B., Gerada, D., Huang, K., Stone, I., Worrall, S., & Yan, Y. (2022). A critical review on thermal management technologies for motors in electric cars. Applied Thermal Engineering, 201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117758

Wang, Z., Turan, A., & Craft, T. (2023). Review of the state of the art for radial rotating heat pipe technology potentially applicable to gas turbine cooling. Thermo, 3(1), 127–147. https://doi.org/10.3390/thermo3010009

Y. Gai, M. Kimiabeig, J. D. Widmer, Y. C. Chong, J. Goss, U. SanAndres, & Staton, D. A. (2017). Shaft cooling and the influence on the electromagnetic performance of traction motors. 2017 IEEE International Electric Machines and Drives Conference (IEMDC). https://doi.org/10.1109/IEMDC.2017.8002307

Yang, X., Zhang, P., Ma, H., Liu, K., & Zhang, D. (2024). Performance investigation on rotating heat pipes under high rotation speed and hypergravity. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 203, 109153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2024.109153

Zhang, L., Chen, J., Jiang, H., & Xu, Y. (2023). Heat transfer characteristics of condensers in rotating heat pipe grinding wheel under impinging jet. Journal of Refrigeration, 44(2), 94–103. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.0253-4339.2023.02.094

Zhang, L., Chen, J., Jiang, H., Xu, Y., Qian, N., Fu, Y., Chen, Y., & Dai, C. (2023). Analysis for green grinding of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloys with profile rotating heat pipe-grinding wheel. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 131, 2537–2549. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-023-11868-2

Zhang, Y., Meng, L., & Liu, M. (2019). Finite angle multichannel space slip ring design. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 252(2), 022108. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/252/2/022108

Zhang, Z., Song, Q., Wang, X., Zhao, S., & Shah, S. W. A. (2024). Reynolds number based optimization on liquid cooling system for permanent magnet synchronous motor of electric vehicle. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 60, 104720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104720

Downloads

Date Log

Submitted
March 26, 2025
Accepted
October 28, 2025
Published
December 12, 2025

Keywords

  • electric motor cooling
  • passive cooling system
  • rotating heat pipes
  • thermal resistance

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 58 No. 1(2026): February

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Harnessing Rotating Heat Pipes for Passive Electric Motor Cooling: Enhancing Electric Vehicle Efficiency. (2025). Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences, 58(1), 86-100. https://doi.org/10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2028.58.1.7

Similar Articles

1-10 of 74

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.