Master's Thesis: DC Applications in Low-Voltage Distribution Systems

ABB Inc.
United States, North Carolina, Cary
305 Gregson Drive (Show on map)
Nov 29, 2025
At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we'll give you what you need to make it happen. It won't always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you'll never run alone. Run what runs the world. This Position reports to: R&D Team Lead As electrification accelerates, the demand for DC-ready infrastructure is growing rapidly. This thesis explores how low-voltage AC systems can be adapted for DC applications. The work includes technical analysis, benchmarking against standards, and evaluation of potential benefits such as efficiency, cost, and safety. The outcome may contribute to future-proofing ABB's product portfolio for the evolving energy landscape. A conceptual MVP may also be developed, depending on the student's interest. Details Start: Febuary 2026 Duration: 20 weeks Location: ABB Alingsas Your role and responsibilities Explore how ABB's low-voltage AC systems can be adapted for DC applications in areas like distribution, renewables, and microgrids. Goals Analyze key AC/DC differences in low-voltage distribution, focusing on enclosure design, safety, and thermal performance Evaluate how existing AC systems can be adapted for DC, including benchmarking protection strategies and material compatibility against relevant standards Propose an MVP and quantify potential benefits such as efficiency gains, cost impact, or safety margins Approach Start by reviewing existing low-voltage AC systems to identify design principles and limitations for DC adaptation. Conduct a comparative analysis of AC and DC requirements, focusing on safety, thermal performance, and protection strategies. Benchmark potential adaptations against relevant standards. Optionally, propose a conceptual modular DC-ready system and evaluate its benefits. Your background Pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Engineering Physics, or a related field Interest in electrification, sustainability, and system-level design Familiarity with power distribution systems, protection strategies, or thermal analysis is beneficial Opportunity to gain experience in standards analysis, system-level design, and industrial product adaptation More about us ABBis a global technology leader in electrification and automation. We see our purpose as being to enable a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting our engineering and digitalization expertise, we help industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. We call this: 'Engineered to Outrun.' Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English. Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World. A Future Opportunity Please note that this position is part of our talent pipeline and not an active job opening at this time. By applying, you express your interest in future career opportunities with ABB. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to learn more about us and see the impact of our work across the globe.