Msc Thesis- Optimization of Truck Cabin Climate

Volvo Group; Göteborgs kommun; In loco; SEK 180.000 - 240.000; Part-time

Descrizione del lavoro

Volvo Group in Göteborg invites applications for a Master thesis on the optimization of truck cabin climate. The project aims to balance thermal comfort and energy consumption in heavy‑duty trucks, focusing on ventilation and temperature control strategies.

Starting January 2027, one student will join the Trucks Technology & Industrial division to develop and evaluate optimization approaches. The ideal candidate is in the final year of a Master’s program with a background in thermodynamics, heat

Competenze

• Candidates should be in final year of Master studies.
• Background in thermal/fluid or automotive specialization.
• Experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, and numerical methods.
• Familiarity with optimization and control systems is beneficial.

Mansioni

• Investigate ventilation and temperature control strategies for truck cabins.
• Develop optimization methods balancing thermal comfort and energy consumption.
• Quantify energy savings and comfort trade-offs through simulations or experiments.
• Collaborate with Volvo Group Trucks Technology teams on data and validation.

Conoscenze

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Optimization

Control systems

Numerical methods

Vehicle engineering

Formazione

Master in Mechanical/Automotive Eng

Descrizione del lavoro

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Msc Thesis- Optimization of Truck Cabin Climate

Location: Göteborg, SE, 417 15

Position Type: Graduate

Permanent/Temporary: Temporary

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.

Thermal comfort in the cab climate is an important aspect of the overall vehicle experience, particularly in heavy-duty trucks where drivers may spend extended periods of time in the vehicle. The cabin climate is influenced by several interacting factors, including ambient temperature, solar radiation, ventilation airflow, air temperature, humidity, cabin geometry, surface temperatures, and the thermal properties of the vehicle.

At the same time, the climate control system represents a significant energy demand. This is particularly relevant for battery-electric trucks, where the energy required for heating, cooling, and ventilation directly affects vehicle energy efficiency and potentially driving range.

Modern cabin climate systems therefore need to achieve a balance betweenthermal comfort and energy efficiency. A climate control strategy that provides a highly uniform and comfortable cabin environment may require increased airflow or heating/cooling power, while an energy-efficient strategy may result in local temperature gradients or reduced comfort.

This thesis will investigate how the ventilation and temperature control of a truck cabin can be optimized to achieve an improved balance between thermal comfort and energy consumption, and if needed trade-offs, what to trade.

Aim

The aim of the thesis is toinvestigate and develop strategies for optimizing truck cabin climate control with respect to thermal comfort and energy consumption.

Expected Results

The thesis is expected to provide:

• A detailed understanding of the factors influencing thermal comfort in a truck cabin.
• Quantitative relationships between ventilation settings, temperature control, thermal comfort, and energy consumption.
• Identification of critical areas or operating conditions associated with thermal discomfort.
• An evaluation of existing or baseline HVAC control performance.
• One or more optimized ventilation and temperature control strategies.
• Quantification of potential energy savings while maintaining an acceptable level of thermal comfort.
• Recommendations for further development of truck cabin climate control systems.

About us

Volvo Group Trucks Technology Industrial Division provides Volvo Group Trucks and Business Area’s with state-of-the-art research, cutting-edge engineering, product planning and purchasing services, as well as aftermarket product support. The Powertrain Engineering Sweden organization has the full worldwide product platform responsibility for heavy-duty engines and transmissions with a large organization in Gothenburg and Malmö.

Suitable Background

• Candidates should be in their final year of Master studies and preferably in areas of thermal/fluid or automotive specialisation.

Ideally, your program should have given you experience with:

• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Numerical methods and simulation
• Optimization
• Control systems
• Vehicle engineering or automotive systems
• Thermal comfort / human thermal physiology — helpful but not necessarily required

For any further details, please contact

Thesis level: Master

Starting date: January 2027

Number of students: 1

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.

Trucks Technology & Industrial Division

hire team players who are ready to create real customer impact. Our decentralized teams work close to our customers, with speed and autonomy, to build what they truly need.
Join us to collaborate on innovative, sustainable technologies that redefine how we design, build, and deliver value. Bring your curiosity, your expertise, and your collaborative energy, and together, we’ll turn bold ideas into tangible solutions for our customers and contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.

Job Category: Technology Engineering

Organization: Trucks Technology & Industrial

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.