Integrated Framework of Vehicle Dynamics, Instabilities, Energy Models, and Sparse Flow Smoothing Controllers

TL;DR

This paper introduces an integrated framework combining vehicle dynamics, energy modeling, and sparse control strategies to improve traffic flow and energy efficiency, with potential applications in real highway systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel unified framework that combines vehicle dynamics, energy models, and sparse flow smoothing controls for traffic management.

Findings

Demonstrates energy savings through simulation of flow smoothing controllers.

Highlights the importance of integrating dynamics and energy models.

Shows potential for real-world implementation with existing vehicle technology.

Abstract

This work presents an integrated framework of: vehicle dynamics models, with a particular attention to instabilities and traffic waves; vehicle energy models, with particular attention to accurate energy values for strongly unsteady driving profiles; and sparse Lagrangian controls via automated vehicles, with a focus on controls that can be executed via existing technology such as adaptive cruise control systems. This framework serves as a key building block in developing control strategies for human-in-the-loop traffic flow smoothing on real highways. In this contribution, we outline the fundamental merits of integrating vehicle dynamics and energy modeling into a single framework, and we demonstrate the energy impact of sparse flow smoothing controllers via simulation results.