Thesis Work on Optimal Best-Efficiency-Point Operation of Motor-Pump Systems Using Drive-Resident Applications

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.This Position reports to:R&D Team Lead Your role and responsibilities Variable-speed drives already contain rich internal signals and application functions for pumps. However, most current approaches optimize either the motor or the pump in isolation or rely on simplified assumptions that do not fully capture the combined system behavior over the equipment lifetime. This thesis explores methods to improve overall system efficiency by considering both motor and pump characteristics together, while accounting for gradual changes in performance. The work focuses on solutions that can run using only data already available in the drive, without requiring additional sensors. The research includes modelling, algorithm development, simulation and experimental evaluation on representative industrial drive platforms. Details:Period: January 2027-June 2027Number of credits: 30 ECTSNumber of students for this thesis work: 1Location: ABB Corporate Research (Västerås) This thesis investigates methods for improving the energy efficiency of variable-speed motor-pump systems by continuously operating them closer to their overall system optimum, using information already available inside modern variable-speed drives. Goals:​Explore and evaluate algorithms for real-time efficiency-oriented control of motor-pump systems​Quantify potential energy savings and reliability benefits under realistic operating conditions​Assess practical implementation aspects on industrial drive platforms​Qualifications for the role This thesis is designed for a student with a strong interest inindustrial energy efficiency.​A strong motivation to develop practical solutions for real industrial equipment.​An academic background in Electrical, Mechanical or Energy Engineering.​Good programming skills (Python, MATLAB/Simulink or industrial drive application environments) and willingness to work with real drive platforms​Analytical skills for modelling, simulation and experimental validation.​More about us Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 9906, will answer your general questions. Supervisor Miguel Aguiar (miguel.aguiar@se.abb.com) and 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 opportunityThis 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.At ABB, we welcome people from all backgrounds and believe that diverse perspectives help us build a cleaner, smarter future.Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about how we help run what runs the world.