Comparative Analysis of Bonding Materials for Interface Adhesion Between Wireless Power Transfer Segments and Asphalt Road Materials

A significant step towards realizing lower emissions in the transportation sector is the development of electric road systems (ERS) capable of providing wireless power to electric vehicles (EVs) during travel. To realize this expansion of charging infrastructure, dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) segments must be integrated into roadways in a manner that ensures the lasting integrity of the pavement structure. Previous experience with DWPT system installation has identified the need for a strong bond between the DWPT material and the surrounding asphalt layers. To identify a suitable bonding agent, initial investigations involved adhering cured samples of the polyurethane (PU) potting material used to encapsulate the DWPT segments to laboratory-prepared asphalt samples. Core samples of the PU-asphalt composites were tested for deformation behavior under compression and rutting performance in order to compare the behavior of pavement structures with and without embedded DWPT segments. Based on the results of the laboratory trials, a test installation of full-sized DWPT segments under realistic conditions was performed using several variations of bonding agents and application methods. Cored samples taken from the asphalt structure with embedded segments were subjected to shear strength tests to evaluate the quality of the interface bond.