Msc Thesis- Optimization of Truck Cabin Climate

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match. 

Thermal comfort in the cab climate is an important aspect of the overall vehicle experience, particularly in heavy-duty trucks where drivers may spend extended periods of time in the vehicle. The cabin climate is influenced by several interacting factors, including ambient temperature, solar radiation, ventilation airflow, air temperature, humidity, cabin geometry, surface temperatures, and the thermal properties of the vehicle. 

At the same time, the climate control system represents a significant energy demand. This is particularly relevant for battery-electric trucks, where the energy required for heating, cooling, and ventilation directly affects vehicle energy efficiency and potentially driving range. 

Modern cabin climate systems therefore need to achieve a balance between thermal comfort and energy efficiency. A climate control strategy that provides a highly uniform and comfortable cabin environment may require increased airflow or heating/cooling power, while an energy-efficient strategy may result in local temperature gradients or reduced comfort. 

This thesis will investigate how the ventilation and temperature control of a truck cabin can be optimized to achieve an improved balance between thermal comfort and energy consumption, and if needed trade-offs, what to trade. 

Aim 

The aim of the thesis is to investigate and develop strategies for optimizing truck cabin climate control with respect to thermal comfort and energy consumption. 

The study will analyze how ventilation airflow, air temperature, and climate control strategies affect the thermal environment within the cabin. The objective is to identify operating conditions or control strategies that provide an improved and more uniform thermal comfort while reducing the energy required by the HVAC system. 

Expected Results 

The thesis is expected to provide: 

• A detailed understanding of the factors influencing thermal comfort in a truck cabin.
• Quantitative relationships between ventilation settings, temperature control, thermal comfort, and energy consumption.
• Identification of critical areas or operating conditions associated with thermal discomfort.
• An evaluation of existing or baseline HVAC control performance.
• One or more optimized ventilation and temperature control strategies.
• Quantification of potential energy savings while maintaining an acceptable level of thermal comfort.
• Recommendations for further development of truck cabin climate control systems. 

About us 

Volvo Group Trucks Technology Industrial Division provides Volvo Group Trucks and Business Area’s with state-of-the-art research, cutting-edge engineering, product planning and purchasing services, as well as aftermarket product support. The Powertrain Engineering Sweden organization has the full worldwide product platform responsibility for heavy-duty engines and transmissions with a large organization in Gothenburg and Malmö. 

Suitable Background 

• Candidates should be in their final year of Master studies and preferably in areas of thermal/fluid or automotive specialisation. 

Ideally, your program should have given you experience with: 

• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Fluid mechanics / ventilation
• HVAC or indoor climate
• Numerical methods and simulation
• Optimization
• Control systems
• Vehicle engineering or automotive systems
• Thermal comfort / human thermal physiology — helpful but not necessarily required

For any further details, please contact 

Linda Lindbäck, Group Manager TM Cab Climate Vehicle System GOT, linda.lindback@volvo.com 

Thesis level: Master        

Language: English 

Starting date: January 2027                                

Number of students: 1 

Last application date: 22nd November 2026 

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

Who we are and what we believe in 
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group. Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. ​We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. ​We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment. 

Trucks Technology & Industrial Division hire team players who are ready to create real customer impact. Our decentralized teams work close to our customers, with speed and autonomy, to build what they truly need. 
Join us to collaborate on innovative, sustainable technologies that redefine how we design, build, and deliver value. Bring your curiosity, your expertise, and your collaborative energy, and together, we’ll turn bold ideas into tangible solutions for our customers and contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.