Characterizing Pavement Material Properties for Thermal Modeling of Embedded Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Pavements with wireless power transfer (WPT) for charging electric vehicles represent a significant technology shift from the current fossil fuel-based system to a cleaner transportation system with reduced emissions and impact on our climate. Electrified roadways equipped with WPT will incorporate charging units embedded in the upper layer of the pavement, enabling electric vehicles to charge their batteries via electromagnetic induction. Components of these units generate waste heat that must be dissipated through the pavement. To reduce the temperature sensitivity of flexible pavements for durable electrified roadways, there is a need to understand the impact of additional heat on the temperature and performance of the asphalt pavement layers. This study focuses on the thermal implications of embedding WPT systems in flexible pavements, considering the additional heat generated by WPT components and their impact on pavement temperature profiles. Experimental and validation work, consisting of developing a testing protocol for laboratory compacted specimens and finite element modeling, was conducted to assess temperature distributions within asphalt pavement layers under various conditions. The results indicate significant temperature increases in pavements with embedded WPT systems and temperature profiles that are different from those expected in conventional pavements. The increased temperatures should be taken into account for the selection of appropriate materials and structural design of pavements with WPT.