Xiao Chen, Hao Wang
The inductively coupled power transfer (ICPT) through roadway pavement offers a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions, alleviate range anxiety and reduce electric heavy-duty vehicles (EHDVs) weight. However, the presence of charging pads within asphalt pavements and its associated thermal effects on pavement performance must be properly quantified and assessed to ensure long-term durability. This study conducted integrated thermal–mechanical analysis of asphalt pavements considering periodic heating–cooling cycles of dynamic charging and vehicle lateral wandering at free-flow traffic conditions. The conventional pavement without ICPT under EHDVs with heavy battery packs was used as a baseline for comparison. Results indicate that when the ICPT pad was embedded in asphalt pavement, heat transfer from ICPT pad occurred predominantly in the vertical direction. The ambient temperature had minimal influence on the overall temperature increase of transmitter coils and surrounding pavement materials, with maximum temperature rise of approximately 25 °C after peak-hour charging. Under no charging conditions, the presence of ICPT pad does not increase structural responses and offer structural benefits due to reduced battery weight. However, under active charging, wandering distance becomes a key factor in balancing structural benefits of reduced loading against the negative effects of thermal loading. In summer, when the wandering distance is less than 0.3 m, the pavement with ICPT maintains structural advantages even after extended peak-hour charging. In winter, this benefit extends to wandering distances up to 0.5 m. Based on pavement responses and battery downsizing, long-term performance of electrified pavements can be quantified with sustainability benefits.