Thesis Work - Health Monitor for Silicon Carbide power semiconductors 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 part of Volvo Cars Electrification Strategy, The Power Electronics department within Vehicle Propulsion is developing Power Electronics for Traction Inverter in both hardware and software areas. 
We are aiming for world class performance of these systems with high attention to energy efficiency and sustainability. Therefore, we need to further expand our knowledge and capability within modelling and simulations of inverter system performance using latest technology tools and methods.
 
Scope 
Inverter is one of the important parts in the propulsion system of electrical vehicles. Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices, serving as the key element of inverter, are suffering from complicated electrical/thermal stress, which keeps aging SiC devices. Through having access to the health state of the SiC, alert signal could be generated before serious damage of SiC devices, which contributes to a much safer electrical vehicles design.

Objectives
•    Design a health monitor and Tj estimation hardware circuit for SiC devices in EV motor driver

Activities
•    Investigation of thermal sensitive electrical parameters (TSEP) of SiC and choose optimal TSEP parameter as the health monitor variable for SiC devices
•    Design hardware circuit with high accuracy (<0.5%) and high noise-immune capability
•    Implement software algorithm and test the prototypes in the lab

What you’ll bring  
Student with electrical engineering background, with strong power electronic knowledge and basic experience in wide band gap device, analog hardware design technology and C/python code who like work in advance engineering project are welcome. 
Students should typically be available to be one or two days on site to join weekly consultant meetings.

Duration 
•    30 credits/student
•    January 2024 (or earlier)
•    Number of students:  preferably 2 students if whole scope is going to be covered

How to learn more and apply 
We’d love to receive and review your application. 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. 

Apply as soon as possible but no later than 20th of October. 
 

Please note that applications via email will not be accepted. 

If you want more information about the project or simply learn a bit more about the team, please reach out to: 
 

Riccardo Negri at riccardo.negri@volvocars.com and/or 
Zhang Chi at chi.zhang.6@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.