Master Thesis: Review and benchmarking of MDS

Location: 

Göteborg, SE, 417 15

Position Type:  Student

 

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. 

What you will do

At Volvo Penta you will be part of a fantastic team that develops and verifies our next generation of concepts and products. This master thesis- emerging motor drive topologies for electric propulsion is based at our e-mobility department where you will be working as part of the Motor Drive Systems (MDS) team. This fantastic team takes care of driveline components - motors and drive, develops HW and SW architecture, driving optimal system integration.

Thesis Scope and Objectives

  • Identify/map/compare novel motor, inverter, integrated motor-drive topologies for electric propulsion
  • Identify various marine applications and scenarios (BEV, HEV, large, small, hot climate, cold climate etc) and categorize the various applications and usage scenarios in manageable amount of categories
  • Develop/Improve Motor Drive System simulation models in MATLAB/Simulink. Benchmark selected topologies with standard PMSM topology
  • MDS capabilities shall be evaluated against defined usage conditions, typically done using simulations of known usage profiles representing defined usage categories. ​Additionally, suggest/recommend a WLTP equivalent for electrified marine propulsion systems.

 

Outcome

  • Trade-offs of different machine topologies, rare-earth free versus conventional machines
  • Map/simulate advanced power electronic converter topologies and features 
  • Quantify potential energy savings through simulations for selected motor- drive topologies

 

Who are you?

Fields of study

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Propulsion Systems Engineering
  • Courses in Electric Machines and Drives, Power Electronics
  • Engineering physics

 

Matlab/Simulink (Simscape, PLECS), Finite element modelling experience is advantageous

 

Participants: 1-2 M.Sc. students

 

The period is one semester, 30 ECTS, and the preferred start time is between January - February 2026.
The work will be conducted in Gothenburg at Volvo Group Penta Technology 2-3 days per week.

 

What’s in it for you?

A great working environment at Lundby facilities.

 

  • We work as a team and support each other; we have flexible working environment and focus on a positive work life balance.
  • We believe in and highlight our culture for personal development, build a career with true passion for engineering.
  • Our e-Mobility center truly offers a site with a view and a stimulating fast-paced quality driven engineering career.

Ready for the next move?

  • If you are curious to explore how we put our words into actions, follow us on LinkedIn and volvogroup.com.
  • Are you excited to bring your skills and disruptive ideas to the table? We can’t wait to hear from you. Apply today! Last application date: 20th of October 2025
  • Here are our contact details if questions (note, we value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail)
    • Industrial supervisor: Rathna Chitroju (Volvo Penta AB), rathna.chitroju@volvo.com 
    • Recruiting Manager: Katarina Fornell Fagerström (Volvo Penta AB), katarina.fornell.fagerstrom@volvo.com


We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 


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. 

 

Volvo Penta, a world-leading supplier of engines and complete drive systems for marine and industrial applications, you will be part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals who works with passion, trust each other and embraces change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.

Job Category:  Technology Engineering
Organization:  Volvo Penta
Travel Required:  No Travel Required
Requisition ID:  24896

Do we share the same aspirations?

Every day, Volvo Group products and services ensure that people have food on the table, children arrive safely at school and roads and buildings can be constructed. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving the transition to sustainable and safe transport, mobility and infrastructure solutions toward a net-zero society.

Joining Volvo Group, you will work with some of the world’s most iconic brands and be part of a global and leading industrial company that is harnessing automated driving, electromobility and connectivity.

Our people are passionate about what they do, they aim for high performance and thrive on teamwork and learning. Everyday life at Volvo is defined by a climate of support, care and mutual respect.

If you aspire to grow and make an impact, join us on our journey to create a better and more resilient society for the coming generations.