Thesis Worker - Energy-efficient Electrical Design for Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics i Göteborg

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! 
 

An electric passenger car requires several thousand kilowatt-hours of energy from the electricity grid per year to recharge its battery. By incorporating solar cells into vehicle design (vehicle-integrated photovoltaics, or VIPV for short) the need for grid-charging can be reduced, providing benefits for the user such as increased driving range and charge autonomy. Furthermore, less grid energy usage will reduce the indirect emissions from electricity production in the use-phase of the vehicle lifecycle. 
Compared to stationary (e.g. roof-mounted residential) solar power, VIPV faces unique challenges due to the automotive context such as durability concerns and the problem of dynamic partial shading of cells. Another key aspect is the integration with the on-board electrical system and the interaction with various vehicle modes (e.g. driving, grid-connected parking, disconnected parking) in a manner which allows maximum utilization of the available solar power.

The aim of this Master’s thesis is to explore and evaluate different electrical-integration concepts for VIPV from an energy-efficiency perspective. Questions of high interest are energy-optimal voltage conversion strategies (voltage levels, topologies and conversion technologies), charging strategies (e.g. management of overhead power consumption and surplus-energy), among others.

The students are expected to be active in the design and evaluation of various electrical-integration concepts with the support from experts at Volvo Cars. Depending on the profile and interest of the students, the project could be primarily focused on simulations or could involve physical prototyping and measurements. 

In addition to the main scope within electrical engineering, the students are also expected to perform a literature review of various PV technologies from the perspective of challenges and potentials for vehicle integration. 

Electrical Engineering students with experience in electronics design and/or electronics simulation are encouraged to apply.
The work is expected to be conducted primarily on-site at Volvo Cars in Torslanda, Göteborg. 

Duration

• The work will start in January of 2024 
• The duration for this thesis work is approximately 20 weeks.
• 30 ECTS (Master academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University
• This thesis is to be conducted by 2 students working in pair

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.

 Apply as soon as possible but no later than November 20th 2023.
 Please note that due to GDPR applications via email will not be accepted.

For questions about the thesis work please contact, contact Johan Lindquist Holmberg at johan.holmberg.4@volvocars.com  

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.