Thesis Worker - Optimal charge scheduling of a BEV fleet

Thesis Work 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

The transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) combined with an increasing share of renewable energy sources introduces new challenges, as well as opportunities, for the electrical power distribution grid. It will be tremendously expensive to dimension the system to cope with a worst-case scenario, where all BEVs are charging simultaneously during a period of limited renewable energy production. However, privately owned passenger vehicles are generally parked most of the day, meaning that there is an opportunity to shift parts of the BEV charging somewhat in time.  

Scope

The aim of the thesis work is to develop a hierarchical optimization framework for charge scheduling of a fleet of BEVs to determine cost optimal charging schedules. The task is to schedule the charging, such that each vehicle is charged to the desired level at the planned departure time, while meeting high level constraints on vehicle fleet and power distribution grid level. Such constraints could be to ensure that the overall vehicle fleet satisfies an aggregated power demand and/or that local bottleneck constraints are respected in the local power distribution grid. The vehicle fleet is assumed to consist of a known number of BEVs, where each vehicle has a known charging need and time where it is plugged-in to the grid. 
 
Work packages:

•  System modelling.
• Formulation of a hierarchical optimization problem.
• Solving the optimization problem using a numerical solver. 
• Case studies. 
• Write the thesis.

Pre-requisites:

• Pursuing a Master of Science in: Automatic Control, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics or similar. 
• Experience of systems modelling, physical modelling, mathematical optimization. 
• Experience with programming in Matlab, Python or similar. 
• Due to Visa restrictions we can only accept candidates that either are citizens or has a valid residence permit in an EU/EES member state.

What you´ll bring

You are motivated and a reliable team player, with good communication skills, that prefers to work from the main R&D office in Torslanda/Gothenburg. You are comfortable taking the lead at the same time as you can act independently. 

 
Duration

• The work will start in January 2024, exact date is flexible. 
• 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 2 Students working in pair

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 2023-11-30. We would like to fill the position soon, if we find a suitable candidate the add can be taken down earlier.
 
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, Ole-Fredrik Dunderberg at ole-fredrik.dunderberg@volvocars.com
Supervisor, Ahad Hamednia at ahad.hamednia@volvocars.com, Viktor Larsson at viktor.larsson@volvocars.com

Who are we? 

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.