Internship | Thermal State Observer (TSO) development, calibration and validation via high-fidelity thermal model

The powertrains department of TNO is continuously working on the development of transportation systems with zero emissions. One of the main focus of such activity is the development of algorithms for Battery Management System (BMS) to estimate/predict battery parameters. Battery temperature is one of the most important parameter as it is critical to avoid failures such as thermal runaway. However, the development of Thermal State Observer (TSO) happens late in the battery development process as it require a fully functioning battery pack to successfully calibrate. This can be mitigated by development of a high-fidelity thermal model of the battery which can be calibrated with a mix of in-house testing data and literature. The TSO can be validated against this high-fidelity model.

The goal of the assignment is to develop a high-fidelity thermal model and calibrate it with in-house testing data and literature. This model is used to validate a TSO early in the battery development process.

You’ll start by familiarizing yourself with the topic and learn about battery technology, thermal modelling techniques and control methodologies for state estimation. You’ll investigate different methods that can be used to address the problem and assess the advantages/disadvantages of using them.

Based on the literature review you’ll define the outline of the method (type of model, type of state estimator) that’ll be implemented. You’ll be required to validate the state estimator against the high fidelity model. You’ll compile the observations in a report and a presentation for dissemination and also in-fulfilment of your Master’s program.

Assignment tasks:

• Literature survey and knowledge development
  • Familiarize yourself with basics of battery technology
  • Familiarize yourself with thermal modeling techniques
  • Familiarize yourself with algorithms pertaining to state estimation
• Project outline
  • Define a modeling technique best suited for a high fidelity thermal model for a battery
  • Define a model reduction technique best suited for a state observer
• Method implementation
  • Develop a high fidelity thermal model
  • Calibrate the model data from literature and in-house testing
  • Develop a reduced order thermal state observer
  • Implement the algorithms in MATLAB
• Validation
  • Evaluation of the functioning of the thermal state observer against the high fidelity thermal model
  • Sensitivity analysis on degree of model reduction and observable states
• Reporting
  • Document the findings of the project in a report
  • Compose a short presentation covering the most relevant parts of the project
  • Create an instruction document summarizing the implementation
  • Generate the final version of the code with relevant comments

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.