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This Position reports to:
R&D Team Lead

In industry there are many possibilities to optimize process load with respect to electricity cost. This thesis work will focus on one such application, viz. mine dewatering. Generally, some kind of buffer is needed to act as "energy storage". The objective here is to validate possible savings for a longer period based on a realistic scenario (buffer sizes, electricity cost,...).

A previous MSc thesis at ABB Corporate Research has studied optimization of mine dewatering. A large underground mine typically has multiple pumping stations, with a water reservoir at each level (see figure). The water reservoirs can be utilized to re-schedule pumping to time intervals when electricity prices are lower, and thus reduce the cost of electricity.

The previously developed methods need to be improved and tested using real data and actual electricity prices for longer time period (> 6 months). We are also working on connecting in real-time such optimizations with the game engine Unity 3D for visualization.

Details:

• Period: January/February - June/July 2026 (5 months)
• Number of credits: 30 ECTS
• Number of students for this thesis work: 1
• Location: On-site at ABB Corporate Research in Västerås

Your role and responsibilities

Research questions:

• Quantify the cost saving benefit of optimized water pumping
• Verify accuracy of simpler methods to predict optimization potential

Approach:

• Calibrate the simulation model with real data from a Swedish mine
• Verify cost saving potential for longer time period (min 6 months) based on hourly and 15 minute energy market trading periods
• Derive a non-optimization based approach to predict savings
• Evaluate prediction method against rigorous optimizations

Qualifications for the role

• Drive and interest in working with real-world use cases
• Background in control engineering, computer science, embedded systems, or a related field
• Knowledge on mathematical modelling and optimization
• Experience with programming in MATLAB/Simulink
• Good spoken and written English
• Self-driven and solution-oriented mindset
• Good soft skills and a collaborative spirit

More about us

Supervisor Alf Isaksson, alf.isaksson@se.abb.com, will answer all your questions about the thesis topic and expectations. Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 809 906, will answer your questions regarding hiring.

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
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.

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