Thesis Work - Multilevel DC/AC inverters with advanced gate driver circuit in Electric Vehicles 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
In Electric Vehicles (EVs), the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from the DC/AC inverters must be kept below limits to meet legal requirements and to ensure full function. To reduce the EMI from power electronic devices, filters with bulky capacitors and inductors are used that consume quite a lot of space and are costly. At the same time, the electric propulsion system needs to have the highest possible efficiency; therefore, multiple methods for minimizing the inverter’s losses are utilized.

Multilevel inverters have been studied as candidates for future automotive electric drives, due to their capability to function at voltages higher than the existing 800V(dc), higher efficiency and their superior harmonic performance. This can also result in much lower EMI requiring smaller EMI filters.

Scope
The objective of the thesis work is to investigate the development of a new advanced gate driver board suitable for the Neutral-Point-Clamped (NPC) inverter, with 3- and 5-levels. This new gate driver circuit will optimize inverter efficiency and EMI performance with functionalities developed during this project. 

Main tasks:
1.    Conduct literature review of already existing smart gate driver solutions for inverters and study the function of the NPC converter. 
2.    Simulation and modelling part:
a.    Create a detailed SPICE model of the selected gate driver electronic circuit board.
b.    Develop a high-level model of the inverter’s control structure integrating the functionalities of the selected gate driver circuit.
3.    Design gate driver PCB board and select all needed components for an experimental setup.

Your contribution is our future
•    Electric power engineering studies or equivalent
•    Matlab/Simscape or PLECS and model-based development
•    Electric circuit modelling software knowledge, e.g., LTSpice or PSpice
•    Knowledge of PCB design software tools
•    Good English skills
•    Experience of EMC/EMI is meritorious

Duration
•    The work will start in January 2023, exact date is to be discussed
•    The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks.
•    30 ECTS (academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University
•    This thesis is suitable for 2 students working in pair (splitting task 2 between each other). 
•    The work will be performed in Gothenburg

Be part of the change – apply today!
Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application. Attach your CV and personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials.
 

Please note that due to GDPR, applications via email will not be accepted.

Please apply no later than November 15, 2022.

If you have any additional questions regarding the thesis work, you are welcome to contact manager: Fredrik Niklasson (fredrik.niklasson.2@volvocars.com), supervisors Georgios Mademlis (georgios.mademlis@volvocars.com) and Raik Orbay (raik.orbay@volvocars.com).

We are Volvo Cars 
Volvo Cars is a company on a mission to bring traditional car manufacturing into a connected, sustainable and smart future. Since 1927, we've been known for our commitment to safety and for creating innovative cars that make life less complicated. In 2010, we decided to radically redefine our business, resulting in a totally new generation of cars and technology, as well as steady growth and record sales - and we're only getting started. By 2025, we aim to have yearly sales of 1.2 million cars, 50% of which will be electric vehicles and sold directly to customers through digital channels. We also intend to strengthen our position as a modern, progressive employer committed to diversity and gender and racial equality. We believe in the power of people. Join us and be part of Volvo Cars' transformation.