Deployment of Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Considering Loading Capacity of Electric Trucks

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gradually being introduced in the transportation sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, short range and inadequate recharging facilities have hindered the widespread use of EVs. The tradeoff between the battery capacity and maximum load capacity makes it difficult to achieve the same range as that of a gasoline-powered vehicle. The EV range can be extended through dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT), in which power is transferred from a device containing power transmission coils laid on the road. In this system, the EVs can be powered without stopping, and the actual range relative to the battery capacity can be significantly extended, which in turn increases the maximum load capacity. Therefore, this study aims to develop an optimal DWPT deployment model for last-mile freight transport, explicitly considering the loading capacity of electric trucks, and discusses the relationship between DWPT placement and maximum payload capacity. A total cost minimization problem was formulated, which includes the operational and DWPT deployment costs for actual last-one-mile transportation networks in Tokyo. The results were compared with the total cost and required battery capacity without using DWPT systems. Subsequently, the effects of reducing the total cost and increasing the maximum load capacity were calculated. The results clearly reflect the tradeoff between the number of DWPT installations, battery capacity, and maximum load capacity. Moreover, the purchasing cost and DWPT system installation per location presented a greater influence on the optimal solution and cost structure compared to the battery cost per kWh.