Thesis - Advancements and Projections in Lithium-Ion Battery Energy

Company Description

We at Vattenfall have decided to make it possible to live fossil-free. To succeed, as one of Europe’s largest energy companies, we must first become completely fossil-free ourselves. But that is not enough. To contribute to a fossil-free society, we must do more than just focus on sustainable energy production.

We are convinced that if we are to enable a fossil-free life within a generation, we must look at the challenge from a broader perspective than merely producing energy in a sustainable way.

Join us on the journey toward a fossil-free life.

Power Climate Smarter Living – that’s our purpose. We´re on the lookout for talented students who want to help us on out journey towards a fossil-free life. By writing a thesis a thesis at Vattenfall, you will get a unique opportunity to contribute to our purpose. All we ask of you is to unleash your superpowers and share your energy with us.

Job Description

In the rapidly evolving energy sector, lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) are at the cutting edge of technology, driving towards more reliable and efficient energy storage solutions. This thesis will provide a detailed review of the current hardware components utilized in BESS and offer projections for technological advancements over the next five years. The focus will extend across critical elements including power conversion systems, battery containers, and battery management systems, providing valuable insights into the technological trajectory of lithium-ion BESS.

Scope of Research:

• Review Current Technologies: Conduct a comprehensive overview of the current state of technologies used in li-ion BESS, covering key power conversion components such as switch gears, transformers, and inverters, as well as DC blocks including battery container designs, cell stacking methods from cell to rack, and their cooling systems.
• Detailed Component Analysis: Explore the technical specifications, performance metrics, and integration challenges faced by each aforementioned component within the BESS, contributing to a holistic understanding of system functionalities.
• Identify Technological Trends: Analyse ongoing technological improvements by interviewing manufacturers, focusing on enhancing performance, efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of BESS components.
• Forecast Future Developments: Provide predictions on advancements expected within the next five years, identifying potential breakthroughs and emerging innovations that may redefine industry standards.
• Market and Regulatory Influence Review: Examine the impact of market forces and regulatory frameworks that shape the technological development of BESS. This review will identify the key drivers and constraints in the market, emphasizing how these factors could influence future technology trends and adoption.

Expected Outcomes:

This thesis will provide an in-depth analysis of current trends and future directions in lithium-ion BESS technologies. It will highlight critical areas of innovation and potential investment opportunities, providing strategic recommendations for industry stakeholders to capitalize on forthcoming technological shifts within the BESS sector.

Qualifications

We are looking for students who want to work towards a fossil-free life within a generation and who are soon to graduate from their academic studies. You are also someone who identifies with our principles: Active, Open, Positive, and Safety.

• Engineering education
• Master's thesis of 30 credits
• English proficiency

Additional Information

• Assignment start: Upon agreement, around January-February
• Location: Solna
• Application - a combined file with your CV and cover letter, as well as a copy of your transcripts.
• The application deadline is December 1, 2024.
• Contact person and supervisor at Vattenfall: Fredrik Persson, fredrik5.persson@vattenfall.com, +46 70 617 99 97.

We are convinced that heterogeneous teams can outperform homogeneous teams. But we can only unleash and utilize the power of diversity when everyone feels included. Read more about our important work on diversity and inclusion.

Want to know more about us? Visit www.vattenfall.se

Since Vattenfall is part of Sweden's critical infrastructure, many of our services are classified for security. This means that, if this position is security-classified, final candidates may be subject to a special security review in accordance with the Security Protection Act.