Master Thesis - Simulation-Based Modelling and Assessment of an E-turbo for a Mild-Hybrid Truck

Master Thesis Project – 30hp – Simulation-Based Modelling and Assessment of an E-turbo for a Mild-Hybrid Truck

Introduction

Thesis work is an excellent way to get closer to TRATON and build relationships for the future. Many of today's employees began their TRATON career with their degree project.

TRATON is home to leading brands—MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Truck & Bus, and International—working together to transform transportation and create a sustainable future. As part of our global team, you’ll have the chance to think big, explore new ideas, and truly make a difference. A thesis project with TRATON opens the door to meaningful experiences, innovation, and connections that last.

Let’s shape tomorrow—together. Find out more: www.traton.com

Background

Turbocharging is widely used in heavy-duty engines to increase air supply and engine performance. A conventional turbocharger is driven by exhaust-gas energy, so its response depends on engine operating conditions. When exhaust energy is low or changes rapidly, boost pressure may take time to build, affecting torque response and vehicle drivability.

Previous investigations at Scania have examined an e‑turbo on a heavy-duty engine. The engine test-bed work did not demonstrate a fuel-consumption benefit over the conventional baseline. The available results indicate that both turbocharger performance and electrical losses affected the outcome. The investigations nevertheless showed potential to improve transient response and drivability through electric assistance. This makes it important to distinguish the e‑turbo’s transient benefits from its effect on fuel consumption over a complete operating task.

In a hybrid truck, electrical energy recovered during braking has other possible uses. It can support propulsion through an electric motor in the transmission, or vehicle speed can be allowed to vary so that some kinetic energy is retained instead of being converted and stored electrically. These strategies have different losses and constraints. Speed variation may be effective on some routes, while long or steep descents and limits on acceptable vehicle speed can restrict its use. An e‑turbo should therefore be assessed in the context of the truck’s energy-management strategy, rather than treated as if recovered electrical energy were otherwise unused.

Simulation provides an opportunity to assess these interactions across different operating conditions. Steady-state analysis can characterize system behaviour at selected engine operating points, while transient simulations can examine boost and torque response during changing engine load or speed. The choice of scenarios can be developed during the thesis based on the system model, available data, and the questions that prove most relevant.

Objective

The purpose of this thesis is to model and assess an e‑turbo for a mild-hybrid heavy-duty truck using GT‑SUITE. The study will evaluate its effects on engine performance, transient response and fuel consumption, while accounting for electrical-system losses and the operating strategy used to supply or recover electrical energy. Where data and models permit, the e‑turbo will be compared with alternative uses of recovered braking energy, including electric propulsion and vehicle-speed management. The assessment will compare the e-turbo with a conventional baseline for selected operating conditions and discuss the sensitivity of the results to the available component data, electrical losses and modelling assumptions. If suitable vehicle-level models and data are available, the study may also consider how the results change under selected driving scenarios.

Job description

The thesis will focus on system-level simulation of electrically assisted boosting for a mild-hybrid truck. The student will use GT-SUITE to establish or adapt a conventional engine and turbocharger baseline, model the relevant electrified components, and compare system behaviour under selected steady-state and transient conditions.

The work may include:

Core work:

• Reviewing relevant literature on e-turbos, e-compressors, and their application to heavy-duty engines and mild-hybrid powertrains.
• Establishing or adapting a GT-SUITE model of a conventional engine and turbocharger as a reference.
• Developing or adapting a model of the selected e-turbo engine system, including relevant compressor, motor/generator, shaft, and electrical-system behavior.
• Comparing the conventional boosting system with the electrified system at selected steady-state operating points and one or two defined transient events. The comparison may include boost pressure, torque response, electrical power and energy exchanged with the electrical system, and fuel consumption or BSFC, depending on the available models and data.
• Discussing modelling assumptions, limitations, and recommendations for further development.

Possible extensions, depending on scope and data:

• If suitable vehicle-level models and route data are available, extending the comparison to a small number of representative driving scenarios, accounting for speed and grade constraints and battery state of charge.
• If compressor surge is relevant to the selected system and suitable compressor data are available, investigating e-compressor transient behaviour during selected events, and assessing whether operation approaches or crosses the compressor’s surge boundary.
• Exploring selected system parameters or operating strategies, such as electrical voltage or the distribution of boost between turbocharger and e-compressor, where suitable data are available.

Who you are:

You are a curious and motivated individual with a solid academic background and a strong interest in combustion engines, turbomachinery and energy systems. You thrive in interdisciplinary environments and enjoy tackling complex challenges through simulation, data analysis, and innovation.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• In the final year of a relevant Master’s program
• Passionate about engines, complex systems, simulations (prior work experience in related areas is meritorious)
• Familiar with GT-SUITE is an advantage but not essential
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken
• Start date for the thesis project: January 2027 (Start date and timeline to be agreed upon between TRATON, the candidate and the academic institution)

Contact persons and supervisors

Manager: Amir Alizadeh,  amir.alizadeh@scania.com

Supervisors:

Mengmeng Zhang, mengmeng.zhang@scania.com

Andreas Millbro, andreas.millbro@scania.com

Application:

Your application must include a CV, personal letter and transcript of grades

A background check might be conducted for this position. We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.    

Publication date from - to
2026-11-06 to 2026-11-20