The position is with the Automatic Control group in the division of Automatic Control, Mechatronics and Automation. Aiming for sustainable solutions, the group is involved in many research projects on energy savings using automatic control methods. In general the projects are carried out in collaboration with other research groups, institutes and industry.
Description
The interest and use of battery based electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, are steadily increasing and are gradually replacing the traditional combustion engine based vehicles due to environmental concern and legislation. In general, the higher the use of the batteries, the better it is for both the environment and the vehicle economy. In order to use the batteries optimally, and minimize the use of fuel and energy, advanced control algorithms are required in the battery management. This involves, for example, obvious but difficult estimations of the available energy remaining in the battery, its capacity and predictions of the future available power. However, as a battery ages the properties of the battery cells change considerably, which should be taken into account by the algorithms. This is an area where a lot of knowledge is still lacking and research is needed. This project is focused on the development of adaptive schemes keeping track of the changing properties and adapting the control to optimize the current and future use of the battery.
The Automatic Control research group at the department has a well established research group in the area of hybrid vehicles. This project is a continuation of a cooperation project between the Automatic Control research group at Chalmers and Volvo Cars. In spite of its size as a company, Volvo Cars has a top position in the segment of electric vehicles (C30 Electric, 2010; V60 Twin Engine, 2012; and XC90 Twin Engine, 2015). They have taken a strategic decision to expand and further increase their competence in this area, and this position is a direct consequence. The position is at Chalmers but you will be working in close cooperation with researchers, battery experts and developers at both Chalmers and Volvo Cars.
Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years. If needed, Chalmers will assist in finding an apartment for the first year. There are no tuition fees for PhD studies at Chalmers.
Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree (at the date of employment) corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field, including at least one course in basic control. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Skills in Swedish are meriting but not required.
Strong background in control, physics, electrical engineering and mathematics is also meriting.
For more information and how to apply, please see: www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/vacancies/
Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields
Technology
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profiles
First Stage Researcher (R1)