Master thesis: Frequent cycling of super cap packs

Project name: Frequent cycling of super cap packs in construction machines


To what kind of students is this master thesis directed: This is a call for thesis students within the area of electrical engineering with a deep interest in utilizing data analysis and simulations in their work.


Objective: The project is aiming at exploring energy and power savings utilizing super cap packs in construction machine short cycle applications. Studied machines will be both pure BEV and FCEV in transient power demand applications. Primary project goal will be determining power and energy availability increase in the system. Possibility of utilizing super cap packs as battery pack support method in less transient applications might also be explored. Secondary outputs are ESS and machine lifetime increase as well as cost decrease calculations.


Method: Calculations will be done in Simulink and data processing mostly in Python why good knowledge of these tools is paramount. Students will learn how to prepare and analyze big amounts of data as well as how to set up and perform simulations. All work and results will be supervised and supported by engineers.


Background: Super caps as energy source are rarely profitable due to low energy content. For certain applications a more frequent use of pack could increase profitability of this component dramatically. Energy and power savings are not obvious and a method to calculate these will be decisive when figuring out a suitable capacitor pack size for each application and cost savings.


Number of students and time frame: This project is suitable for two students. Time frame is somewhat open, but the preliminary aim is to initiate in January 2023.


Requirements: As an applicant for the described project, you should have a background in electrical engineering and a big portion of interest within energy storage systems. Skills within Simulink and Python will be important as the project will utilize machine data as input for the simulations. Understanding importance of project goals, meeting deadlines and ability to solve problems independently will also add in this project. We expect applicants to be interested in a career within Volvo Construction Equipment.


Language: English, Swedish
Start date: January 2023
Number of students: 2
Tutors: Lukas Migas, Pierre Wolf
Contact: Lukas Migas Lukas.Migas@volvo.com +46730438466