Robust solutions to intelligent and connected transportation systems through energy self-sufficient technology

The rapid growth of Intelligent Connected Transportation Systems (ICTS) enhances road traffic efficiency and safety. A reliable power supply for the human-vehicle-road-environment ecosystem is key to ICTS deployment. With the global shift toward sustainability, integrating transportation and energy technologies is becoming crucial. The emergence of roadway-based distributed energy harvesting technologies introduces a new approach to ensuring energy supply within ICTS. This perspective offers a comprehensive evaluation of the current ICTS landscape, examining the relationship between energy supply and demand, the limitations of traditional natural energy harvesting methods, and the potential of high-entropy energy sources from road environments. This study examines the strategic application of distributed energy through self-powered devices and the integration of distributed energy resources (DER)-based microgrids, underlining the necessity of a robust electrical infrastructure to support the expansion of ICTS. A robust, self-sufficient energy system framework must include emergency response capabilities and coordinated dispatch with the grid. Such an approach is essential for improving the resilience and adaptability of ICTS in the face of dynamic energy demands and unforeseen challenges.