Master thesis: Experimental investigations of electric powertrains in microgrids

Location: Vaesteras, Vastmanland County, Sweden

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.

This Position reports to: R&D Team Lead

Background Electric power distribution is entering a new paradigm where power generation, loads and energy storage systems interfaced to the grid via power-electronic converters are dominating the system behaviour. This master thesis will support the development of stable and resilient microgrids through experimental investigations, specifically by studying mutual interactions between an electric powertrain and a microgrid supplying it.

Tasks

Develop a back-to-back motor-generator setup where the motor is connected directly to an AC microgrid, and the generator is loading the motor with a programmable torque profile.

The motor should preferably be a synchronous machine (permanent magnet or electrically excited) that ties rotor inertia to the microgrid frequency dynamics.

Verify correct torque behaviour of the load generator as part of the commissioning of the setup.

Formulate a test plan to systematically study the transient response of the powertrain and the microgrid subject to different disturbance scenarios (e.g. torque variations) for different operating points of the microgrid.

Optional extension: Study experimentally the role of physical inertia and short-circuit capacity of the synchronous machine for the frequency and voltage stability in the microgrid.

Preferred background

Master student with background in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Energy Technology or similar.

Knowledge in electric machines and drives, electric power systems and power electronics is beneficial.

Analytical and structured with a curious mindset.

Open-minded approach to both theoretical considerations and hands-on work in the laboratory.

Contact

Johan Nohlert, PhD, [email protected]

A future opportunity

This role is part of our talent pipeline, which means it’s not currently open, but we’re always looking for curious minds, bold thinkers, and people who want to make an impact.

Click Apply to express your interest and be considered for future opportunities that match your experience and aspirations.

At ABB, we welcome people from all backgrounds and believe that diverse perspectives help us build a cleaner, smarter future.

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about how we help run what runs the world.