Thesis Worker -Thermal Management

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 – For Life. To give people the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.

Background
The rapid transformation of the automotive market towards electric vehicles is to great extent driven by the technological improvements in the thermal management area. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) are more sensitive on working temperature than traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, since efficient working temperature window of batteries is narrower than for ICE. Moreover, energy required for other functions (e.g. Climate comfort) is also provided by the traction battery, therefore impacting the driving range of the BEV. Therefore, having an optimized thermal management system is key in order to have an efficient BEV with increased driving range.

Scope of the master Thesis
Cabin comfort is one of the largest energy consumers for electric cars. Heat pump systems have been and are developed to use waste heat and increase COP for heating the cabin. 
With increased energy efficiency of the electric drive the heat available in ambient air increases in value. Today the feasibility of using ambient air as a heat source below 0°C is significantly limited by risk of ice buildup on the heat exchangers. 

One possible strategy to limit the impact of ice on the heat exchanger is to detect when the ice starts to build and start a de-icing cycle to keep a high COP.
This master thesis would investigate and evaluate different methods to detect ice with a focus on measuring capacitance changes due to presence of ice. A high-resolution capacitance to digital converter is available and it would be up to the thesis work to design a suitable sensor for automotive heat exchanger application and evaluate in terms of performance and durability. 
The work would start with a literature study of relevant papers, understanding the environment such a sensor should work in and the requirements required in an automotive application. 
-    Literature study
-    Understanding of the environment the sensor should work in

• Create a list of requirements applicable

-    Investigate different sensor designs to evaluate
-    Create test plan based on requirements
-    Using a small experimental set-up to investigate different sensors
-    Perform test
-    Analyze and present result
 

What you will bring 
2 Master students with background Mechanical Design, Mechatronics, Electrical engineering or similar Education. Should you have a co-worker in mind to work along with, don’t forget to include his/her name in the cover letter.

Duration
•    The duration of the Thesis is 20 weeks
•    The Thesis starts in January 2025 or earlier if possible.
•    30 ECTS (academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University
•    This thesis is suitable for 2 students 

Attach your resume and cover letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. Please note that applications arriving later than the last application date will not be taken into consideration. Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application.

For questions about the position, please contact 
supervisor Viktor Grape, mail at viktor.grape@volvocars.com or 
manager Anders Lindersson, mail at anders.lindersson@volvocars.com
We want your application at the latest November 20th, 2024. Please note that applications by email will not be accepted.

Volvo Cars - Driving change together
Volvo Cars’ success is the result 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.