Student Highlight: Abhijeet Killol on cars, engineering and research
Since completing his undergraduate degree at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela in India, Abhijeet Killol has continued his education in the Mechanical Engineering Department at The Ohio State University. Learn more about how this car enthusiast is making strides to improve the performance of electric cars.
Hometown: Amravati, India
Program: Mechanical Engineering Department, MS
Do you participate in any campus clubs or activities? Yup, last year I was a part of the EcoCAR Propulsion Control and Modelling team and attended a book club organized by Grad Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE). This year, I will be serving as the treasurer for Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering Graduate Student Association (MEGA).
What did you want to be when you were growing up? My fascination with automobiles started from a young age. I remember taking apart toy cars just to see how they worked and modifying them with different sets of motors, gears etc. Also, watching Formula 1 made me wonder what made these cars run so fast and further piqued my interest in cars. Physics, especially mechanics, was something I found very interesting when I started studying it in high school.
Why did you choose to major in engineering? My fascination with automobiles and interest in physics growing up naturally inclined me toward engineering, especially mechanical engineering. During my sophomore year in the college, I became part of the collegiate Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) team, wherein students build a Formula 1 inspired cars and participate in competition. I became the captain of the team my senior year. My undergraduate research on biofuels in internal combustion (IC) engines and my current work on thermal management of electric vehicles have both stemmed from my interests in automobiles.
What has been your favorite class so far? And why? Marcello Canova’s ME5539, Simulation Techniques for Dynamic Systems. The course covered a wide range of concepts, which created a solid base for other graduate courses. The assignments were challenging but exciting to solve.
Describe the research you are working on: Currently, I am part of a team working with Honda on design and modelling a thermal management system (TMS) for electric vehicles. Thermal management in electric vehicles (EV) is very important as it affects the performance, reliability, and robustness of these vehicles. Electric vehicles need optimum temperatures (neither warm nor cold) to run efficiently. We are aiming to design and model an avant-garde TMS to enhance EV performance especially drive range.
What new skills have you learned being a part of this project? Working on this project with Honda feels more like working in an industry rather than on a research project. Apart from a ton of technical know-hows, I have been learning important skills like critical thinking and collaboration through frequent interactions with senior researchers at Ohio State and Honda.
What is your favorite place on campus and why? The 11th floor of the Thompson Library. It’s quiet and offers an incredible view of campus and downtown Columbus.
What are your hobbies? Playing video games and reading has always been my favorite pastime since childhood. Apart from that, I love hiking and learning to play the piano.