Thesis Work - Usage strategy optimization for high energy NMC Li-ion batteries 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
Batteries are becoming the most important part of electric vehicles (EVs), but a full understanding of their aging and failure mechanisms is still missing. To better predict battery life behavior in EVs, it is essential to establish a systematic understanding of the battery degradation associated with different aging conditions and cell chemistries. In the other hand, range anxiety is a considerable factor limiting EVs’ adoption. High energy batteries were proposed to solve this limitation by loading SiOx to the graphitic anode and high Ni in the NMC cathode. However, this cell design usually comes at the cost of constrained usage of some State-Of-Charge (SOC) windows and a shorter life. It is therefore crucial to establish an optimized usage strategy for various high energy NMC chemistries. 

Scope
In this project, we will investigate the aging behavior of batteries based on different Ni loadings of the NMC cathode. We aim to identify sensitive degradation factors of high Ni NMC cells such as C-rate, Min/Max SOC, and temperature. Identifying such stress factors will enable the establishment of optimal usage strategy to reduce battery degradation. 
 

In this thesis work, small scale cells will be assembled and electrochemical characterization under various aging conditions will be carried out. In the meantime, material characterization will be conducted at different battery aging stages. In this way we will associate the electrochemical performance of the cell with the material degradation mechanisms in a systematic study.
 

The main tasks planned within this thesis are:
1) Literature review and assembly of small scale half and full cells (coin and single layer pouch cells) with various cathode materials and graphite anodes.
2) Run electrochemical analysis on assembled cells including: CCCV (Constant Current, Constant Voltage) with different SOC windows, incremental capacity analysis (ICA), impedance (EIS), resistance (DCIR), etc.
3) Tear down of cells and material analysis including cross-section scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X Ray Spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), etc.
4) Analyze collected data to correlate battery aging behaviors to stress factors and establish an optimal usage strategy for various cells.

What you´ll bring
We are looking for a student pursuing a Master of Science degree in Electrochemistry, Electrical Engineering, Chemical engineering, Applied physics, or equivalent. The ideal candidate has a background in Li-ion battery cells or electrochemistry and hands-on experience in lab work. You are motivated and a reliable team player with good communication skills. You are comfortable taking the lead at the same time as you can act independently.
 

Duration
•    The work will start in January 2024 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 to be conducted by 1 student. 

Be part of the change – apply today!
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 2023-10-29
 

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:
Manager, Anette Garnemark at anette.garnemark@volvocars.com
Supervisor, Athmane Boulaoued at athmane.boulaoued@volvocars.com
 

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