Master's thesis: Calorimeter

General information about the project

Project title: Design of a control concept for a dual-chamber calorimetric test rig to measure the conduction losses of magnetic components

Supervisors: Prof. Dr Marco Jung, Oliver Frahnert               

Email: marco.jung@h-brs.de, oliver.frahnert@h-brs.de    

Number of places:   1

Start: immediately

Degree programmes: Electrical Engineering / Sustainability in Engineering

Aim of the thesis:

As part of this master's thesis, a model predictive control (MPC) system is being developed for a dual-chamber calorimetric measurement system to precisely determine the power dissipation of magnetic components. The measurement principle is based on the calorimetric evaluation of thermal state variables within a strongly coupled multi-compartment thermal model.

The aim of this thesis is to control:

• the internal temperature of the test specimen,
• the temperature in the gap of the measurement structure, and
• the model-based temperature of a virtual heat sink.

 In doing so, dynamic couplings, dead times and thermal side paths are to be modelled using a suitable equivalent thermal model (e.g. an RC network) and utilised for predictive control. The controller must satisfy both temperature- and power-related constraints and be suitable for use in a real-world measurement setup. 

Task packages:

1. Familiarisation with the existing literature (calorimetry, thermodynamics and control engineering)
2. Familiarisation with the existing test bench
3. Creation of a simulation environment in the form of a state-space model
4. Identification of a suitable control method (e.g. LMPC)
5. Implementation and integration of the control system on the target hardware
6. Evaluation and tuning of the control parameters 

Requirements / Skills:

Control engineering:

• Understanding of systems theory (LTI systems, state-space representation)
• Basic knowledge of numerical optimisation would be an advantage
• A basic understanding of state estimation would be desirable
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink 

Thermodynamics (basic knowledge):

• Fundamentals of heat balance and heat fluxes
• Understanding of heat transfer and thermal transition processes
• Knowledge of water cooling circuits in technical systems

Electrical engineering:

• Experience with the assembly and processing of printed circuit boards
• Knowledge of soldering (THT and, ideally, SMD)
• Crimping and wiring of electrical components
• Assembly of simple electrical circuits and their commissioning

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in a motivated and interdisciplinary team
• Practical insights into current research topics in power electronics and energy technology
• Flexible working hours by arrangement
• Opportunities for professional development and deepening of practical skills

Interested?
Then we look forward to receiving your application, including a brief CV and a transcript of marks, at:
Prof. Dr Marco Jung – marco.jung@h-brs.de or Oliver Frahnert - oliver.frahnert@h-brs.de