Master Thesis - Optimal Control Strategies for Thermal Energy Management in Commercial Zero-Emission
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
Thermal management plays a pivotal role in design and development of intelligent Zero-Emission vehicles (ZEVs). Thermal Management System (TMS) in ZEVs integrates multiple fluid loops (coolant, refrigerant and cabin air) to regulate temperatures of key vehicle subsystems, including energy storage, motor drive system and vehicle cabin. Moreover, TMS needs to respond to various changes in ambient and operating conditions. Optimized thermal management improves energy efficiency, while ensuring safety and enhancing performance and comfort.
The purpose of this thesis is to develop and evaluate holistic control methodology to fulfill the needs for optimal vehicle-level TMS in commercial ZEVs while focusing on increasing thermal energy efficiency. The methodology should serve as a basis for further advancement of model-based TMS control strategies from ideation to commercialisation.
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 valued 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 Division of Vehicular Systems at Linköping University (LiU).
What will you do?
The work will mostly employ modeling and simulation approach. It comprises the following tasks:
• Develop knowledge and understanding about vehicle-level TMS and its functionalities
• Perform vehicle-level TMS model verification and validation by evaluating dynamic performance for different ambient conditions
• Ensure that the modeling framework is suitable for real-time control strategies
• Evaluate holistic control strategies for vehicle-level TMS
• Investigate advanced control methodologies such as Model Predictive Control (MPC)
• Perform TMS optimization to achieve maximum overall efficiency and performance
Expected outcomes
As outputs from the thesis work, we would like to have:
• Thorough assessment of feasibility and performance of the control-based modeling and simulation framework
• Comprehensive evaluation of holistic control methodologies including at least one advanced control methodology
• 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 in Thermodynamics, Control Theory, Vehicle Systems
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink and familiarity with 1D simulation tools
• 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: 31 October 2025
Starting date: January 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. Lars Eriksson, Division of Vehicular Systems, LiU, lars.eriksson@liu.se
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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.