Internship | Digital Twin for Vehicle Energy Estimation using Explainable Machine Learning Model

The world needs powertrains with zero-environmental impact. We create them at TNO Powertrains. Do you want to be a part of this endeavour? Join us at the Automotive Campus in Helmond, and accelerate the energy transition today! Among the various research questions being tackled at TNO Powertrains, we are enabling the seamless introduction of commercial electric vehicles (EV’s) to comply with the upcoming Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ). To this effect, we analyse the electric energy implications from grid to wheel, research methods to optimize energy usage (such as battery energy storage systems, charge scheduling, energy usage prediction), and apply these methods for the benefit of the society.

Energy usage prediction of electric vehicles is critical to cost saving in fleet operation as it is essential in optimizing the vehicles in a fleet, fleet scheduling, charge time optimization, minimizing battery degradation, grid-load balancing and more.

Your assignment, should you choose to accept, is to develop a Digital Twin (DT) to accurately estimate and predict the energy usage of EV’s. You will explore and compare EV energy usage models such as physics-based models, data-driven models, and explainable machine learning models for use with DT’s. The model should capture the effect of factors including temperature, payload, and auxiliary power load on the energy consumption. You will then proceed to implement the Digital Twin and showcase the benefits of using DT’s for energy usage estimation and prediction in EV’s. The assignment involves the following tasks:

• Comparative study of suitable modelling techniques for the DT application;
• Implementation energy usage estimation and prediction DT using explainable machine learning model;
• Demonstration of DT;
• Report on your work;
• Final presentation of work to the department colleagues.

Further details of the assignment are open to discussion and will be determined in consultation with you. The length of the assignment is also to be adjusted according to the needs of your educational institution.

• You are a master student in a relevant field, for example automotive engineering, machine learning;
• Knowledge in Matlab/Simulink;
• You enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and pragmatism.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship 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. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.