Analysis of effects and consequences of constructing Inductive Power Transfer Systems in road infrastructure. : A case study for the Stockholm region (Sweden).

Abstract: The continuous growth in road transportation demand requires the development towards sustainable strategies. The concept of Smart Roads is arising as a convergence of technologies that will lead the mobility by road into a more efficient and interactive system between infrastructure, environment and vehicles. Within this context, e-mobility appears as one of the key components. The implementation of e-mobility based on Electric Vehicles (EVs) has been restricted by numerous shortcomings such as their driving range, the battery size, the dependence on charging stations and the time required for its charging. However, the electrification of the road infrastructure, which will enable a dynamic charging of the EVs while driving, is becoming a potential solution to overcome these deficiencies. This study aims to contribute for the future introduction of electrified roads (eRoads) into the current network, by focusing on the effects and consequences of embedding Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) systems in the road infrastructure. A structural design of an eRoad is conducted through a Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) by analysing the behaviour of a pavement structure based on Swedish conditions subjected to traffic loading. Valuable conclusions can be displayed from this analysis and thus, a summary concerning considerations and effects over the design, construction and maintenance of eRoads can be built. Nevertheless, this analysis must be complemented and coordinated from a lifetime perspective to reach the social, environmental and economic requirements related to the development of road infrastructure nowadays. Hence, a guideline from a life cycle approach is stated over the integration of eRoads in order to enable the assessment of the infrastructure during its different phases. To be sustainable, the development of road infrastructure must reach not just structural and appropriate performance requirements, but also preserve the environmental and economic impact. This thesis pretends to combine all these aspects as a state of the art, providing a basis that stands out the most relevant issues related to the feasible implementation of eRoads in the mid-long term.