PhD in design and optimization of a vehicle 48V hybrid system

The Department of Energy and Environment excels in research and education related to energy, environment and sustainable development ranging from a global perspective to industrial, building and product issues. The focus is on experimental and theoretical research on energy technology as well as on development, use and evaluation of methods and tools for analysis of technical systems. In total around 200 persons are active at the six divisions of the department.Information about the research/the project/the division
The division of Electric Power Engineering at Chalmers is together with Volvo Car Corporation looking for a PhD student in the area of 48 V electrical system design and operation. Volvo Car Corporation is strongly involved in activities regarding electrification of vehicles. A very important focus in the coming electrified vehicle generations is to in a highly efficient way integrate the power electronic control, electrical machine as well as the strong safety requirements for a vehicle. The Electrical Power Engineering research group at Chalmers is heavily involved in research towards automotive applications, with the aim to reduce the environmental impact of transportation. The group is working in the area of electric drive systems and is now increasing the activity into the 48 V mild hybrid systems.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
We are now looking for a PhD Student in Electric Drives Systems that will work with development and design of a 48 V mild hybrid system. The system consists of a small battery, and an enlarged generator (48V) with adequate power electronic converter, that also has the possibility to assist the vehicle when driving. The focus is on optimizing the electrical propulsion machine together with the power electronic converter and the battery. Development of control algorithms using the AUTOSAR standard for embedded software for electrical machines together with utilizing pulse widths techniques and at the same time fulfilling the safety requirements is a vital part of the project.

Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To be qualified the applicant must have M.sc degree in electric Power Engineering, physical engineering or comparable education. Skills in advanced power electronic control of electrical machines is a benefit, as well as programming skills. Previous practical experience (professional as well as other) within the advanced motor control is an advantage. Good ability to cooperate is a prerequisite together with the ability to focus on important problems and an interest for practical laboratory work. Knowledge in battery modeling and usage of a lion battery is also an advantage.

Applicants are expected to have an excellent knowledge of both written and spoken English. Knowledge of Swedish is an advantage, if the student is not familiar with Swedish, the student is expected to pick up the language within a year or two. Chalmers offers Swedish courses. The position also include departmental work, apart from the research task, for instance teaching. 

Application deadline: 2014-02-22

For questions, please contact:
Professor Torbjörn Thiringer
Electric Power Engineering
Phone +46 31 772 1644
E-mail: torbjorn.thiringer@chalmers.se

Dr Stefan Lundberg
Electric Power Engineering
Phone +46 31 772 1635
E-mail: stefan.lundberg@chalmers.se

Daniel Midholm
Volvo Car Corporation
Phone +46-31-591330
E-mail: daniel.midholm@volvocars.com



Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.


Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society.

The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!