Thesis work: Vehicle Level EMC Performance Prediction from Component Test Results

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!

Background:
The automotive industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented paradigm shift towards electric vehicles. This shift is redefining the entire car development process, offering significant challenges and opportunities. To stay ahead of the competition, it is of vital importance to reduce the car development cycle time, without compromising safety and reliability. Consequently, virtual modelling and simulations are crucial for the prediction and optimisation of the performance during early development phases.
To reduce cost and time to market, the CAE & Test team at the department of Electrical Infrastructure, Volvo Cars Engineering, performs electromagnetic and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) modelling and simulations at component, system, and full vehicle level. This allows us to predict, analyse, and improve the electrical performance in early development phases. 

Scope:

An electric vehicle consists of thousands of components. Even if a component itself is compliant with the applicable EMC test requirements, it cannot be guaranteed that it will comply when performing full vehicle tests. To anticipate non-compliance at vehicle level and avoid late and expensive changes in late development stages, it is beneficial to be able to predict the EMC performance in early development phases.             
The purpose of this thesis work is to investigate the EMC performance of components by developing numerical modelling approaches, and ultimately to predict the EMC performance at vehicle level. The general objectives of the work can be summarised as follows:
-    Physical component test setup on table in the lab and performing measurements. 
-    Numerical component test model setup in CAE software like HFSS or CST to mimic the physical test setup. Performing simulations and comparing the results with the measurements. 
-    Physical test setup with the same component in a vehicle placed in a semi-anechoic chamber and performing measurements. 
-    Numerical modelling and simulation of the component in a vehicle and comparing the results with the measurements.
-    Summarise and conclude the results from the above comparisons at component and vehicle level, thus providing insights into performance of the numerical modelling approaches.  

Qualification:
Master of science programme students with knowledge in electromagnetics, electromagnetic compatability, circuit design. Knowledge in commercially available electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS, Dassault Systemes CST, Altair FEKO etc., would be an asset, but not a very strict requirement.

Duration:
•    The work will start in January 2025, exact date is to be discussed.
•    The duration is 20 weeks.
•    30 ECTS credits.
•    This thesis is suitable for 2 students.

What you will get:
- Skills in development in the automotive industry within the electromagnetic domain, notably related to EMC.
- The chance to develop modelling and simulation skills in electromagnetic simulation tools.
- Experience from performing measurements with state-of-the art tools.
- To be part of an awesome team!

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.