Thesis Work: Performance improvement of Electric Driveline i Göteborg

Thesis Work: Performance improvement of Electric Driveline considering different modulation techniques

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! 
 

The Electric Drive department 97700 at Volvo Cars is proud of being responsible for designing and delivering system solutions and functionality for the inverters, electric machine, and transmission, in our electrified vehicles.  

Our vision is to become “Leading in electrification” and we are aiming to contribute to world class energy efficiency, E-machine functionality, sustainability, customer satisfaction and best performance and drivability, to all our future products. 

An improved efficient powertrain system is always of need in an automotive sector. The efficiency of the powertrain is mainly governed by the electric machine and its inverter loss. Different modulation techniques exhibit different capabilities of realizing fundamental voltages and thus, it plays an important role in determining the drive performance. Considering the complexity with different modulation techniques, Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), is the widely used modulation technique. This thesis focuses on different modulation techniques such as discontinuous modulation, harmonic elimination etc., to study their impact of electric drive performance. 

Use of different modulation techniques might affect differently to the electric machine losses and the inverter losses, but the goal is to enhance the overall drive efficiency. 
 
Activities we foresee that should be done during this thesis work are:

• Literature study on different possible modulation techniques and their pros and cons in an automotive drive.
• Investigating electric machine losses in a Finite element (FE) environment with different modulation techniques, along with a motor control developed within FE software or MATLAB/Simulink.  
• Evaluating simultaneously inverter losses with these different modulation techniques and the overall drive efficiency.
• The loss study along with analysis of different harmonic components impacting the losses. 
• Based on best possible chosen PWM technique, an optimization on the machine design (if needed)
  • Optimizing stator tooth
  • Rotor design to minimize loss 
• Production of final report.

You are studying either M.Sc./B.Sc. Electrical Power engineering, or similar. Understanding in Electric machines, Power electronics and Modulation and Motor controls are highly valuable.  

• The duration of this thesis work is approx. 4-5 months (full time/part time).  
• The work will start in February 2023, exact date to be discussed.  
• 30/15 ECTS (academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University, depending on individual scope.
• This thesis work will be conducted at Volvo Cars Gothenburg.
• This thesis work is to be conducted by 1-2 students. If you apply as a pair, make sure both of you submit your applications.  
• Office, computer, and software will be organized by Volvo Cars, in close co-operation with your university. 

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, copies of your grades, and personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. You can provide a reference if you like.  

Apply as soon as possible but no later than 2023-11-02.

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:

Supervisor, Rishabh Raj at and Shayan Haldar at
Hiring manager, Anders Thulin at (+46 723 71 60 43)
 

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.