Connected variable speed limits control and car-following control with vehicle-infrastructure communication to resolve stop-and-go waves

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Meng Wang - , Delft University of Technology (Author)
  • Winnie Daamen - , Delft University of Technology (Author)
  • Serge P. Hoogendoorn - , Delft University of Technology (Author)
  • Bart van Arem - , Delft University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

The vision of intelligent vehicles traveling in road networks has prompted numerous concepts to control future traffic flow, one of which is the in-vehicle actuation of traffic control commands. The key of this concept is using intelligent vehicles as actuators for traffic control systems. Under this concept, we design and test a control system that connects a traffic controller with in-vehicle controllers via vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. The link-level traffic controller regulates traffic speeds through variable speed limits (VSL) gantries to resolve stop-and-go waves, while intelligent vehicles control accelerations through vehicle propulsion and brake systems to optimize their local situations. It is assumed that each intelligent vehicle receives VSL commands from the traffic controller and uses them as variable parameters for the local vehicle controller. Feasibility and effectiveness of the connected control paradigm are tested with simulation on a two-lane freeway stretch with intelligent vehicles randomly distributed among human-driven vehicles. Simulation shows that the connected VSL and vehicle control system improves traffic efficiency and sustainability; that is, total time spent in the network and average fuel consumption rate are reduced compared to (uncontrolled and controlled) scenarios with 100% human drivers and to uncontrolled scenarios with the same intelligent vehicle penetration rates.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)559-572
Number of pages14
Journal Journal of intelligent transportation systems : technology planning and operations
Volume20
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-6555-5558/work/171064727

Keywords

Keywords

  • adaptive cruise control, connected vehicles, moving jam, variable speed limits