WE'RE IN IT FOR THE STUDENTS /
Are you ready to help shape the future of e-mobility? We look forward to your expertise and your contribution to the sustainable development of pioneering e-mobility solutions - whether as pioneer in electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical or system architecture solutions. Show us your expertise!
MASTER THESIS
The development of eDrives goes far beyond the electric machine. To achieve increasingly challenging requirements on cost, efficiency, performance and sustainability, an efficient interaction of motor, power electronics, mechanical integration as well as the control strategy is required. Show us your expertise!
Interested in the master thesis on the following topics?
// About Thesis Work
The thermal performance of electric motors is vital for their reliability, efficiency, and longevity. This project aims to assess the thermal characteristics of a stator through experimental testing and thermal modeling. The primary objectives are to evaluate the motor’s thermal performance under various operating conditions, ensure it operates within safe temperature limits, and develop a model that represents the stator’s thermal behavior with parameters such as thermal resistances and capacitances for design optimization.
This research includes thermal analysis under different load levels and conditions to understand heat generation and dissipation. Testing will cover DC and AC loads at varying frequencies to capture comprehensive thermal responses. Key thermal properties will be identified for model accuracy and design improvement.
The experimental setup features a motor stator instrumented with thermocouples or RTDs at critical points, such as the windings and yoke, plus sensors positioned on a stator tooth at multiple distances. A data acquisition system will log real-time temperature data, while current and voltage sensors will correlate power input with temperature. Tests will be conducted at 20°C with the stator housed in an insulated box to minimize cooling effects.
Initial tests involve applying DC current for a baseline temperature response, followed by incremental AC current tests at frequencies starting from the skin depth to 2x and 4x that depth. Preliminary tests will determine the time needed to reach steady-state conditions, initially set at 30 minutes per test.
Data collection includes real-time monitoring with consistent sampling rates for accurate analysis. This data will inform a thermal model incorporating thermal resistances and capacitances, validated against experimental results to ensure predictive accuracy. The model will also be used for optimizing design to improve thermal performance.
Expected outcomes include a comprehensive dataset on temperature distribution, a validated thermal model, and the identification of areas needing improved thermal management. This framework will support the development of more efficient motor designs.
The timeline begins with literature review and setup in month one, followed by DC testing and analysis in month two. Month three will cover AC testing, with data analysis, modeling, and validation in months four and five. The final month will be for thesis writing and review. References will be drawn from key academic and technical sources.
// Contact
// About Thesis Work
The choice of winding technology in single-sided axial flux machines significantly affects not only their performance but also their manufacturability, which is crucial for scaling production and reducing costs. This project aims to compare different winding technologies, including concentrated, distributed, and hairpin windings, with a primary focus on assessing their manufacturability alongside their performance and efficiency in single-sided axial flux machines.
This research will examine the manufacturing complexity, material requirements, production time, and scalability associated with each winding type. Factors such as automation potential, consistency in winding quality, and overall production cost will be key evaluation criteria. The study will include a practical analysis of the trade-offs between high performance and ease of production to determine which winding technology offers the best balance for specific industrial applications.
The methodology will involve both simulation and practical testing on a single-sided axial flux motor with interchangeable stators to accommodate different winding types. The manufacturability assessment will include hands-on fabrication of windings, time studies, material utilization rates, and defect rates observed during production. In addition, the thermal and electromagnetic properties will be evaluated to ensure that any manufacturing advantages do not compromise the machine's performance.
Data collected from the experiments and simulations will inform a comprehensive evaluation, highlighting the manufacturing processes, challenges, and solutions specific to each winding type. This will be paired with a comparative cost-benefit analysis to provide insights into which winding technologies can most effectively balance production efficiency and operational performance.
Expected outcomes include detailed findings on the manufacturability and scalability of different winding technologies, idealized thermal and electromagnetic models, and practical recommendations for choosing the optimal winding approach for specific production goals. The research will contribute valuable insights for manufacturers and engineers aiming to optimize the production of single-sided axial flux machines without sacrificing performance or reliability.
The project timeline includes an initial literature review and preparation phase in month one, practical winding fabrication and manufacturability assessment in month two, followed by performance analysis in month three. Model development, validation, and a high level cost-benefit analysis will take place in months four and five, with thesis writing and review scheduled for the final month. References will draw from industrial standards, academic publications, and case studies on winding technology and axial flux machine production.
// Contact
// About Thesis Work
Thermal management is a key aspect when designing electrical machines in general, and even more so in automotive traction systems. Most electrical vehicles on the road today tend to use water jacket cooling and/or spray oil cooling of some kind. The spray oil cooling typically provides superior performance but comes with the drawbacks of increased cost, weight, and complexity due to the added components (pump, heat exchanger, filter).
The objective for this thesis work will be to evaluate the cooling performance of some novel concepts and compare them to water jacket cooling on an automotive traction electrical machine. The evaluation should preferably contain both simulations and measurements on a prototype of the novel concepts based on an existing electrical machine. A key metric will be the continuous current density for each cooling concept.
// Your Profile
You are a (or a plurality of) Master Student(s) in Engineering, you have at least basic knowledge of electrical machines, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, measurement systems, and manufacturing methods. It will help to have some practical skills as the intention is to build and test.
Communication in English or Swedish is a requirement. The thesis shall be written in English.
// Interested?
Don’t hesitate to apply! We look forward to your application!
// Contact Person
Kristoffer Nilsson, System Architect & Technical Lead, Alvier Mechatronics,
UP FOR A CHALLENGE?
Are you a student looking for your next challenge? Contact us and let us have a discussion about summer jobs, master thesis or internship.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS /
Yes, the student receives SEK 1,500 per university credit point (ordinary tax is deducted from the amount) if the student meets the following criteria:
• Approved thesis work by the university (Approved grade sent to the responsible HR Coordinator before payment is made)
• Approved thesis work by supervisor at company (Possibly having a presentation for stakeholders in the company)
Yes, apartment rental for students studying at universities is available for the desired period. High school students are excluded. Rent is paid by the student on a monthly basis.
Students are not compensated for travel back and forth to Helsingborg, unless this is because we demand special travel during the thesis work. On the other hand, the company can provide a return trip (provided that the person’s registered address is at least 50 km from the company). This applies to students who write master's Thesis projects and for interns from University/University in Sweden and abroad.
We are small company but value interactions with students, so contact us if you are interested in summer jobs and we will consider you.