KTH student awarded for best thesis in the country

"It feels amazing, incredible! I’m grateful my thesis has received this recognition. Writing it was an invaluable learning experience, and I had tremendous support from my advisors, colleagues, and family throughout the process."

Tell us about your award-winning project. What exactly are ‘bearing currents’?

"My thesis examines bearing currents in electric propulsion motors. The goal was to develop a method and software to identify bearing currents, based on collected measurement data. The results confirmed the existence of these currents."

“Bearing currents are unwanted currents passing through the bearings in the electric motor, resulting in small sparks or electrical discharges on the bearing raceway. This can cause different types of damage, including unevenness. It leads to vibrations and friction in the bearing, which, in turn, can shorten the motor's lifespan."

What practical implications might your work have in the long term?

“A shortened lifespan for electric motors isn’t ideal from an environmental, cost, or customer experience standpoint. My thesis aimed to identify bearing currents, with the hope that further research—beyond my project—could help prevent them."

What are your next steps?

“After finishing my thesis, I joined another team at Scania as a development engineer and Scrum Master. The role is highly diverse and educational, allowing me to apply and further develop the skills I gained from my studies at KTH."

Text: Peter Asplund

Prize from Sveriges Ingenjörer

• The Wimanska Prize is an annual award from Sveriges Ingenjörer for the best thesis in the country’s engineering programs. KTH’s Jessica Lindström received the award in 2024 after collaborating with Scania CV in Södertälje. In addition to a diploma, the winner receives 50,000 kronor. It will be formally presented at the annual Polhem Prize ceremony on November 6th.
• Excerpt from the award committee’s citation: "Jessica’s work excellently combines theory, modeling, and practical experiments. She skillfully applies knowledge from various engineering disciplines and combines them in an exemplary engineering manner. Her report is well-written and highly educational."
• Lindström studied electrical engineering with a specialization in electric power technology at KTH’s Flemingsberg campus in Huddinge.