Thesis Work on Impact of Process-Heat Electrification on the Internal Electrical Infrastructure of an F&B Plant

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Your role and responsibilities

This thesis will examine how replacing fossil-fired steam boilers with electric boilers or heat pumps affects the internal electrical distribution system of a typical food and beverage facility. Large, rapidly modulating electrical loads can cause voltage fluctuations, overload transformers and cables, introduce harmonics, and require protection and infrastructure upgrades.

A combined modelling approach is used: a simplified process model (including batch cycles and CIP) are linked to an electrical network model of the plant. The study quantifies the electrical impacts of different electrification configurations and evaluates how thermal storage and demand-response strategies can reduce the need for costly internal upgrades while maintaining process requirements.

Details:

• Period: January 2027-June 2027, 5 months
• Number of credits:  30 ECTS
• Number of students for this thesis work: 1-2
• Location: ABB CRC (Västerås)

This project investigates the impact of electrifying process heat (electric boilers and/or heat pumps) on the internal electrical infrastructure of a food and beverage plant. It evaluates voltage profiles, cable and transformer loading, power quality, and the need for internal network upgrades under both inflexible and flexible operation.

Goals:​

• Develop plant-level electrical and process models​
• Quantify impacts on voltage, loading and power quality​
• Assess mitigation value of process flexibility and storage

Qualifications for the role
This project is designed for 1-2 students with a strong energy engineering background.

• A strong motivation to solve practical industrial electrification problems using modelling and simulation.​
• An academic background in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or Energy Engineering.​
• Good programming knowledge in Python (or MATLAB) and experience with power-system analysis tools (e.g. Pandapower or PowerFactory or similar)​
• Analytical skills and interest in linking process with electrical network.​
  

More about us

Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 9906, will answer your general questions. Supervisor Moksadur Rahman (moksadur.rahman@se.abb.com) will answer questions about the thesis topic and expectations. 

Positions are filled continuously. Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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.

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