Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.
Thesis Proposal
This MSc thesis is suitable for one or two students that are completing their studies in
mechatronics or control engineering. Proficiency in English is required. The desired start date is January 2026.
Background
Volvo Construction Equipment, a division of Volvo Group, is one of the world's largest
manufacturers of construction equipment such as wheel loaders, articulated haulers
and excavators. The production is distributed in Europe, Asia, North America and
South America and Volvo CE employs approximately 15000 people around the globe.
To maintain a leading position, it is important to develop innovative products with
high quality and, at the same time, high energy-efficient powertrains.
Volvo CE, as part of the Volvo Group, has started to investigate furthermore the hybrid
technology as a possible solution to reach a high level of efficiency and quality on its
off-road vehicles. Considering the hybrid and electric vehicle domain, the control
strategy for the hybrid system and for managing the energy flow plays a key role in
achieving the best energy-efficiency system together with vehicle performance and
reliability.
The energy storage system (e.g. battery) is one of the most vital components for
hybrid vehicles: the system must be managed in the optimal way to get the best
performance and efficiency from the vehicle and, at the same time, all requirements
regarding the reliability, robustness, and lifetime of the component must be met.
Project Summary
The thesis aims to investigate and propose energy flow control methods for the
engine, energy storage system and electric motor, in a parallel hybrid solution.
The main goals of the control system are to maintain the pump's rotation speed at a
fixed rate and, at the same time, to keep the battery's energy level (SOC) within a
specified operating window.
All this while ensuring the best dynamic response and lowest fuel consumption.
The work will mainly focus on defining control strategies for the energy management
system and evaluating the impact that these can have on the hybrid powertrain in
terms of performance and efficiency.
The main goals are:
a) Create a Simulink model of the hybrid powertrain including the dynamic
characteristics of the components involved, such as the combustion engine,
battery, electric motor/generator and hydraulic pump.
b) Develop alternative strategies for managing the power flows in the powertrain
in line with the requirements for battery state of charge and hydraulic pump
speed.
c) Implement the selected strategy in a simulation environment and perform
complete system simulation in a define set of drive cases.
d) Evaluate the impact of energy management strategies on the performance of
the powertrain and the related fuel consumption for a define set of test cases.
e) Optimize the implemented strategy to meet the best trade-off between
machine performance and consumption.
A full report of the work carried out will be prepared and presented to staff at Volvo
CE. It is desired that the student to perform the thesis at Volvo CE facilities in
Eskilstuna.
Contacts:
Alessandro Carnevali
tel. 016 541 6176
alessandro.carnevali@volvo.com
Johan Ask
tel. 016 541 4409
Johan.ask.2@volvo.com
We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.
Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.
Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.
Part of Volvo Group, Volvo Construction Equipment is a global company driven by our purpose to build the world we want to live in. Together we develop and deliver solutions for a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world. By unleashing everyone’s full potential, we build a more sustainable future for all our stakeholders. Come join our team and help us build a better tomorrow.