Thesis Work - Faster charging through advanced battery controls 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 
To meet Volvo Cars goal of being fully electric in 2030 we are now speeding up our advanced battery controls development. Batteries are directly related to driving range and charging time. They are called battery electric vehicles (BEV) for a reason. Batteries have huge impact on vehicle cost and sustainability and must thereby, be utilized optimally to enable the transition to electrification. It is found in the intersection between electro-chemistry, electronics, mathematics, and software development that it poses a multi-level control challenge, from cells, through pack and vehicle to fleet of vehicles. 
 
Scope 
Charging-time is an important and selling customer attribute of electric vehicles. Fast-charging is normally measured up to 80% SOC rather than 100%. The reason is that the battery charging current must be limited in the high-SOC range to avoid a damaging side-reaction called lithium-plating. Lithium-plating occurs when the anode (negative electrode) potential drops below zero and can over time lead to internal short-circuits and failures of the battery. The anode potential is not measurable and therefore, charging is normally conservative to be on the safe side. The aim or this Master Thesis project is to investigate several aspects of the fast-charging problem and to reduce charging time by better models, estimators, and controls.

The main target of the project is to develop and test algorithms for model-based adaptive fast-charging, both in simulations and Volvo Cars battery lab. Depending on the interest and number of applicants, it is also possible to investigate lithium-plating detection algorithms.

Do you fit the profile 
You are currently enrolled as a student in the final year of a master’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or similar. You need to have some skills in mathematical modelling in suitable programming language (Matlab, Simulink, Python, or similar) and have knowledge in methods of automatic control and optimization. Electro-chemical modelling and cell knowledge is a merit, but not mandatory. The work will be conducted on-site at Volvo Cars with access to expertise and our battery lab.

Duration 
•    Start in January 2022
•    30 points ECTS (academic credits) in agreement with your Thesis Advisor at your University 
•    Number of students: 1 - 4 students

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 Björn Fridholm at bjorn.fridholm@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.