Electric Road Systems Engineering Toolbox (ERSET)
Capturing knowledge and creating analysis methods and tools to support optimal implementation of Electric Road Systems (ERS) in the Transport system. A study based on ongoing ERS demonstrations and initiatives in Sweden and Europe.
The sustainability challenges for freight transport are making way for new energy system solutions such as ERS.
At the time of the project, several demonstration projects and initiatives were going on in Sweden to make ERS a reality. State authorities, electrical equipment manufacturers, utilities, truck manufacturers, and road agencies were and are still investing significant R&D resources in ERS technology.
They were all doing things. However, there was a lack of system level analysis on this development, systematically linking the experiences and outcomes of these projects in order to identify systems barriers hindering implementation, as well as developing an optimization scheme that can identify comprehensive systems solutions. This project specifically addressed these gaps.
By conducting case-studies and applying academic research, a set of models and methods was researched and developed that formed the backbone of an ERS Engineering Toolbox.
Work packages
- Information and background
- Energy system analysis and modelling
- Vehicle system analysis and modelling
- Road Infrastructure
- Governance & business model analysis
- ERS Decision studio, involving stakeholders
- Generalization, impact, and potential on transport systems.
Method
Selected results
Energy efficiency
- It is optimal seen from an emission and cost perspective to provide ERS on part of larger roads.
- Most effective are ERS on uphills.
Life-cycle costs
- Additional material needed for electric roads compared to conventional roads = infrastructure construction has a larger environmental effect.
- Up to 45 vehicles needed per day to compensate the additional CO2 emissions for the construction and maintenance
Organization and business models
Coordination of Electric road systems elements:
- System of ownership, operation and maintenance was developed and a comparable case study for two Swedish e-roads was done:
- Centralized (E16) vs decentralized (Arlanda) organization
Stakeholder assessment tool
A comparative study of the organisational structures of eRoadArlanda and eHighway E16. Findings suggest that centralized project leadership entails a higher efficiency and higher control, but on the other hand, an increased vulnerability to rely on one single coordinator.
Partners:
KTH (ITRL, Energy, Road2Science, IndEk -Logistics), Viktoria, Trafikverket