Thesis Work - Scalable Battery Enclosures - Strategies and Attributes i Göteborg

Thesis Worker at Volvo Cars

Welcome to explore the world of Volvo Cars by writing your thesis with us! As a thesis worker in our organization you are supported by a supervisor who follows you during your project. All thesis projects are arranged in business critical areas and therefore you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable and personal way – from day one! 

Background
As Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platforms become optimized for housing batteries, the batteries will not just contain the energy to propel the vehicle, they will also to a great extent provide structural rigidity to the vehicle body. As not all customers will need the largest battery, when a smaller capacity battery is used in such structures, the unused space will need to be filled to keep the battery pack’s structural rigidity as well as the required compression to the cells.

Scope
The objective of this thesis work is to find a solution for the choice of material and design of a “filler” that will complement empty spaces within downsized batteries. The goal is for the ‘filler’ to have similar core stiffness and weigh much lighter than cells, safe to use when surrounded by lithium-ion batteries and provide the required structural rigidity while being cost effective and easy to implement in an assembly line. 

This thesis includes:
•    Literature studies on suitable materials and structures. Compare different candidates in terms of positive and negative attributes.
•    Designing and characterizing the new material/structure by testing physically (data can be stored and used later by Volvo)
•    Studies on feasibility within production line (gap fitting, assembly, and gluing into the battery pack)
•    NVH, durability, safety, and structure analysis of the battery enclosure.
•    Documentation and presentation of the results

Do you fit the profile
Masters’ students with background in engineering, more specifically mechanical/automotive/materials and has a great interest in this research area are encouraged to apply. Experience with any FEA / CAD is valuable, knowledge on CATIA, Nastran, Abaqus, and LS-Dyna software are a plus.
 

Duration
•    Start in January 2022 
•    30 ECTS (academic credits) in agreement with your Thesis Advisor at your University
•    Number of students: 1- 2 

How to Learn More and Apply
Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application. Attach your CV, Grades from school and personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. Apply as soon as possible but no later than October 31st. Please note that applications via email will not be accepted. 
 
For questions about the thesis work please contact Klas Olsson at klas.olsson@volvocars.com.
 

Who are we?

Everything we do starts with people. Our purpose is to provide freedom to move, in a personal, sustainable and safe way. We are committed to simplifying our customers’ lives by offering better technology solutions that improve their impact on the world and bringing the most advanced mobility innovations to protect them, their loved ones and the people around them. 

Volvo Cars’ continued success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. The people of Volvo Cars are committed to making a difference in our world. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with over 40,000 employees across the globe. We believe in bringing out the best in each other and harnessing the true power of people. At Volvo Cars your career is designed around your talents and aspirations so you can reach your full potential. Join us on a journey of a lifetime as we create safety, autonomous driving and electrification technologies of tomorrow.