Thesis Worker - Electric machine loss measurement and modeling - PWM feeding & manufacturing effects

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! 

Thesis Work – Electric machine loss measurement and modeling – PWM feeding and manufacturing effects

Background 
The Electric Drive department at Volvo Cars is proud of being one of the most successful players in software and hardware development for Electric Vehicles. We are responsible for delivering system solutions and SW and HW functionality for the Inverters, Electric machines, and transmission in our electrified vehicles. Our vision is to become “Leading in electrification” and aim to contribute to world-class sustainability, energy efficiency, E-machine functionality, and customer satisfaction, for all our future products.

Scope
Increasing demand for electric vehicles has significantly stressed designing highly efficient E-machines. Manufacturing methods to shape electrical steel sheets deteriorate the material's magnetic properties and increase iron losses. Traditionally, datasheets used in FEM simulation of electric machines are generated by sinusoidal flux. However, the switching of the inverter introduces high-frequency distortion in the source voltage and therefore can impact the flux density and in general iron loss of the EMs.  

The main objective of this thesis work is to compare EMs’ performance with a sinusoidal and a non-sinusoidal feeding, through measurements and by modeling the losses using Finite Elements Method-based software.
Activities we foresee that should be done during this thesis work are: 
•    Literature study of previous work done in this field. 
•    Getting acquainted with an existing drive system available at Chalmers
•    Measurement of the electric machine with sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal feeding.
•    Comparison of the measurement with results obtained using a FEM-based model of the machine.
•    Final report which describes measurement method and modeling. 

 
Profile
We believe that you study Electric power engineering and have experience in using MATLAB and FEM-based applications like Maxwell for electromagnetic analysis and modeling.

Duration 
• The duration of the thesis is approx. 4-5 months.
• The thesis starts in spring 2025, the exact date to be discussed.
• 30 ECTS 
• This thesis is to be conducted by 2 students working in a pair.
• Office, computer, and software will be arranged by the University and Volvo Cars. 

How to Learn More and Apply 
Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to submit your application. Attach your resume cover letter and copies of grades. You can provide a reference if you would like. Please note that due to GDPR, applications by email will not be accepted. We want your application at the latest 17th November 2024.

If you have any additional questions regarding the position, you are welcome to contact: 
Supervisor: Sima Soltanipour,  Sima.Soltanipour@volvocars.com, (+46 73 143 94 77)
Hiring manager: Anders Thulin, Anders.Thulin@volvocars.com, (+46 723 71 60 43)

Volvo Cars - Driving change together​

Volvo Cars’ success is the outcome of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with around 43,000 employees across the globe. At Volvo Cars, your career is designed around your skills and aspirations, allowing you to reach your fullest potential.​

By 2025, we aim to sell 1.2 million cars annually, with 50 per cent being electric cars and sold directly to customers mainly through digital channels. Make sure you’re in the front seat on this exciting journey as we pioneer the driving and electrification technologies of the future.