Electric Motors are the lifeblood of several industries in the manufacturing sector, and in the transportation sector that is being shaped by the new generation of EVs !
Sree Ranjini, our next pathbreaker, Powertrain Engineer at Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India, works on the electromagnetic design and optimization of traction motors for electric and hybrid electric vehicles.
Sree Ranjini talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her PhD thesis which was related to the design of a special electrical machine (traction motor) for Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor applications.
For students, progressing in a career is a journey, not a destination. Consistency and hard work are key. Never give up !
Sree Ranjini, Your background?
I come from a middle-class family in Kerala. My father was an engineer by profession and worked as an NDT Engineer, while my mother was a teacher. I also have a sister who works as a medical practitioner. I am married and the mother of five-year-old twin boys. My family wanted to ensure that we were financially independent and always helped us receive a quality education. I am lucky to have the same encouragement and support from my partner as well as my in-laws to pursue my career ambitions. From my school days, I was interested in math and physics, which led me to consider engineering as my career path. Currently, I work as a Senior Electromagnetic Design Engineer at Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India Ltd, Chennai, where my job involves designing traction motors ( an electric motor used for propulsion of a vehicle) for Renault’s global electric vehicles.
What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?
I completed my graduation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Calicut University and my post-graduation in Power Electronics and Drives from Anna University.
Can you talk about some of the influences that led you on such an offbeat, unconventional and uncommon career path in Electric Vehicles?
During my post-graduation studies, I did my internship at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, where I worked on the design and development of a control system for traction motors for an in-service inspection vehicle. This was a turning point in my life, as I had the opportunity to interact with some of the leading scientists in our country. Their technical competency and experience in solving intricate engineering problems related to nuclear reactors helped me not only on the technical side but also in developing a resilient and solution-oriented mindset.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to present my research findings at the IEEE annual INDIA conference, INDICON, held in New Delhi, for which I received the Best Paper Award. I also had the chance to present my research at the International Conference on Structural Integrity. These opportunities allowed me to understand my own passion for research and motivated me to pursue doctoral studies.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
After completing my post-graduation, I decided to pursue a PhD related to electrical machines. I wanted to undertake an industry-related PhD where I would be working on a real-life problem statement that would be useful in the future. I was fortunate enough to qualify for the Department of Atomic Energy Graduate Fellowship Scheme for PhD, which is one of the distinguished fellowships in India for doctoral studies. My PhD thesis was related to the design of a special electrical machine for Fast Breeder Reactor applications.
The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) is India’s first 500 MWe sodium-cooled, fast breeder reactor that is being constructed in Tamil Nadu state, India. Inservice Inspection is a periodic inspection technique followed in nuclear reactors to ensure the safety of operating personnel and equipment. The objective of my thesis was to design, optimize, and validate the performance of in-house traction motors used for In-service Inspection vehicles of nuclear reactors meeting stringent requirements of high ambient temperature, torque per weight and efficiency. As per requirement for DGFS-PhD, two criteria were to be satisfied, one – on product demonstration and other – innovative design methodology. With the support of my guide and department, I was able to meet both criteria within my tenure.
How did you get your first break?
Due to COVID, there was a delay in my public viva voce; nevertheless, my thesis received the Best Thesis of the Year award. After my PhD, I was more interested in working in industry rather than choosing academia. When the vacancy was announced at RNTBCI, I applied and was selected for the position.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: I had a very challenging journey during my PhD. During this period, I faced major health issues. There were times when everything seemed unclear and vague. However, my inner grit to continue my passion helped me pursue my doctoral studies. Even before my public viva voce examination, I received a job offer to join as a Senior Project Scientist at a reputed firm. I remember I was on cloud nine at that moment, as it was a rare scenario to get a job based on my core research domain before graduation. Since all my research work was completed, the doctoral committee agreed to let me accept the job offer, allowing me to continue writing my thesis while residing off-campus. However, my medical condition was not in my favor, and I had to decline the offer. Things were not happening the way I wanted, and I felt helpless. I decided to focus on what was under my control. So, while on complete bed rest, I wrote all the chapters of my thesis and submitted it without any delay.
Challenge 2: After this difficult time, my twin boys came into my life. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and meeting the demands of my little ones at the same time was a Herculean task for me. I had to take a break from my career again, as I felt that meeting the needs of my children was more important. Restarting after this career break was quite challenging. Along with growth opportunities, I was also looking for flexibility. My confidence was shaken due to the gaps in my career, but I was determined to restart and push my limits. To manage my kids and other responsibilities, I hired a maid.
After a few months of job searching, I accepted my first job at an EdTech company that provides advanced courses in the electric vehicle domain. I worked as a technical trainer, where my role was to conduct training sessions for working professionals as well as students, and curate the syllabus and projects for the courses. This job helped me regain my confidence, as I was in continuous interaction with clients and students. It also gave me insight into the demands of the EV revolution happening in the automobile industry. I realized that my knowledge and skill set in electrical machines were in great demand in the EV industry, as electric motors are the heart of electric vehicles.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
At RNTBCI (Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India Ltd), I work in the powertrain division, leading a team of electromagnetic and thermal motor design engineers. Here, I focus on the electromagnetic design and optimization of traction motors for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, supporting the core research group in France. I am also involved in developing design methodologies to improve existing processes and methods. I work closely with other engineers to ensure that the motor meets performance and efficiency requirements of the vehicle, while also adhering to safety regulations. Additionally, I am also responsible for evaluating and improving existing motors. The job demands knowledge of finite element analysis software like Ansys, as well as proficiency in MATLAB and Python scripting. I gained exposure to these tools during my PhD, and my experience at RNTBCI has provided me with more opportunities to expand my skill set.
How does your work benefit society?
Electric Vehicles have a great potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change thus making the world a better place to live in for future generations.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
Our team proposed an idea at a global hackathon event conducted at the company level. Out of over 300 ideas, ours was selected in the top gold category, after several rounds of technical review and our team was awarded the Top Innovator Award.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
No matter what, never give up. This would be my advice. My grit and resilience have helped me break all boundaries, step out of my comfort zone, and achieve whatever I desire. I believe that progressing in a career is a journey, not a destination. Consistency and hard work are key. As Paulo Coelho says, “And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.