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This Position reports to:
R&D Team Lead

This thesis examines the shift from centralized steam heating to decentralized, point-of-use electric heating using cables as power carriers. This transition poses an interdisciplinary challenge: evaluating thermodynamic aspects and steam distribution losses while assessing the impact of large, potentially non-linear electrical loads on the plant's power grid. To address this, a unified digital twin is developed, combining two domains.

The process model captures thermodynamics, heat transfer, and performance of heating technologies, including steam networks. The power model simulates electrical flow through cables under varying conditions. Together, these enable a holistic assessment of technical and energy-efficiency trade-offs in adopting decentralized electric heating.

Details

• Period: January - June 2026, 5 months
• Number of credits: 30 ECTS
• Number of students for this thesis work: 2
• Location: ABB Corporate Research, Västerås

Your role and responsibilities

This project investigates the transition from traditional, centralized fossil-fuel-based steam generation and pipe distribution to a decentralized, electrified heat supply and cables for power distribution in the process industry. It aims to create a holistic comparison framework, evaluating the two systems not just on static efficiency but also on dynamic performance, cost, operational flexibility, and impact on the plant's electrical infrastructure.

Goals

• Develop a multi-domain simulation model
• Quantify & compare efficiency, total cost of ownership, emission, & flexibility

Qualifications for the role

This project is designed for a team of two students with complementary skills, but please apply individually - no need for you to form a team beforehand.

• Strong motivation to solve real-world industrial problems using state-of-the-art methods
• An academic background in Electrical Engineering for one student, and in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Energy Engineering for the other
• Good programming knowledge in Python or MATLAB
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills for collaborating with industry experts

More about us

Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 9906, will answer your questions regarding hiring. Supervisor Stefan Thorburn (Stefan.Thorburn@se.abb.com ) & 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!

Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.

A Future Opportunity
Please note that this position is part of our talent pipeline and not an active job opening at this time. By applying, you express your interest in future career opportunities with ABB.

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to learn more about us and see the impact of our work across the globe.