Master Thesis: Modeling and Simulation Framework for Assessing Heat Pump Systems in BEVs
Göteborg, SE, 417 15
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.
Background and motivation
With the increasing significance of optimized thermal management systems in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), intelligent heat pumps are becoming a critical technology for improving overall energy efficiency, especially under cold-climate conditions where resistive heating leads to significant range losses. By integrating these subsystems into a unified thermal management network, the heat pump extends beyond conventional cabin heating to regulate the overall thermal balance of the BEV. Furthermore, heat pumps offer measurable advantages in both total cost of ownership (TCO) and environmental impact by lowering charging costs, alleviating stress on the power grid, and enhancing battery longevity through a reduction in deep discharge cycles.
The purpose of this thesis is to develop a comprehensive modeling and simulation methodology to evaluate different heat pump architectures for BEVs. The framework will integrate thermal, electrical, and control subsystems to assess system performance under various operating and environmental conditions. The findings aim to support the development of optimized, energy-efficient heat pump solutions for next-generation BEVs.
Who are we?
Thermal Management is a department within Volvo Group Trucks Technology with the responsibility for developing optimized Vehicle Thermal Management Systems for all truck brands within the Volvo Group. As a master thesis student within the Thermal Management department, you will be a valuable contributor to our continuous learning. You will be surrounded by a global and diverse team of highly skilled and engaged colleagues who will be interested in the progress of your work and eager to help and support you along the way. Furthermore, you will be collaborating with our academic partners at the Thermodynamics Laboratory at the University of Liège.
What will you do?
The work will employ a model-based systems engineering approach using simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink to develop modular and scalable vehicle thermal system models. The models will be used to conduct comparative assessments to quantify energy efficiency, heating capacity, and system-level impacts on vehicle energy consumption. The study will comprise the following steps:
• Model Development: Construct relevant thermal subsystem models and heat pump cycle; integrate these subsystems into a unified simulation framework capable of representing dynamic thermal interactions.
• Model Validation: Validate model performance using literature data or experimental results.
• System Simulation and Analysis: Perform simulations under different ambient conditions and heating demands; implement and test control strategies for heat sources and heat distribution.
• Performance Evaluation: Compare different heat pump configurations and refrigerant options (e.g., hydrofluorocarbons (R1234yf), propane (R290), CO₂ (R744)) with respect to COP, heating efficiency, energy usage.
• Recommendations: Provide recommendations for thermal system optimization and energy-efficient BEV operations.
Expected outcomes
As outputs from the thesis work, we would like to have:
• Robust modeling and simulation framework suitable for analyzing different heat pump architectures for BEVs.
• Quantitative performance assessments (e.g., COP, heating capacity, energy consumption)
• Identification of optimal design configurations and control strategies.
• Improved understanding of system-level thermal interactions.
• Documentation and presentation of the approach, methodology and key findings.
Suitable qualifications:
• Final year student in Master program for Automotive, Physics, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or similar
• Knowledge of Thermodynamics, Control Theory, Vehicle Thermal Management
• Experience with 1D Simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken
Thesis level: Master 30 ECTS credits
Number of students: 1 or 2
Language: English
Place: Volvo GTT, Lundby, Gothenburg, Sweden
Application deadline: 16th November 2025
Starting date: February 2026
Contact information:
- Dr. Jelena Andric, Energy Optimization Leader – R&I, Volvo GTT, jelena.andric@volvo.com
- Everton The da Silva, Acting Group Manager Thermal Management Data and Simulation, Volvo GTT, everton.silva@volvo.com
- Prof. Vincent Lemort, University of Liège, vincent.lemort@uliege.be
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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.
Group Trucks Technology are seeking talents to help design sustainable transportation solutions for the future. As part of our team, you’ll help us by engineering exciting next-gen technologies and contribute to projects that determine new, sustainable solutions. Bring your love of developing systems, working collaboratively, and your advanced skills to a place where you can make an impact. Join our design shift that leaves society in good shape for the next generation.