PhD student position in ageing mechanisms and prolongation of battery life

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 of Electric Power Engineering is in cooperation with Volvo Car Corporation looking for a PhD student in ageing mechanisms and prolongation of battery life in electrified vehicles. 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 whole span of the area of electric drive systems and is now increasing the activity with the present battery modelling project. Volvo Car Corporation is strongly involved in activities regarding electrification of vehicles. A very important focus is to utilize the battery in such a way that its life time is maximized.

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 the theme of modelling and utilization of a vehicle battery. The focus is to link ageing mechanisms to battery usage and to investigate what battery usage modification that is possible through modification of the usage of the electric drive system. Both numerical FEM-based modelling as well as analytical modelling of the battery is a part of the assignment in addition to the determination of the battery usage originating from drive cycles. The position comprises both theoretical modelling as well as practical experimental parts.

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 Physical engineering, Chemistry engineering, electric Power Engineering or with a power electronics/electrical machine specialization a comparable education. Skills in modelling of physical/chemical/electrical processes is a prerequisite, as well as programming skills. Previous practical experience (professional as well as other) within a relevant theme is an advantage. Good ability to cooperate is a prerequisite together with the ability to focus on issues.

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 up to 20 %, 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 Theresa Granerus,
Volvo Car Corporation  
Phone + 46-703-025034
E-mail: theresa.granerus@volvocars.com

Dr Henrik Markusson
Volvo Car Corporation
Phone + 46-31- 595575
E-mail: henrik.markusson@volvocars.com




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