Developing an Eco-Driving Application for Semi-Actuated Signalized Intersections and Modeling the Market Penetration Rates of Eco-Driving

Abstract

Eco-driving is one of the most effective techniques for making the transportation sector more sustainable in relation to fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Eco-driving applications guide drivers approaching signalized intersections to optimize the fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike pre-timed traffic signals, developing eco-driving applications for semi-actuated signals is more challenging because of variations in cycle length as a result of fluctuations in traffic demand. This paper presents a framework for developing an eco-driving application for connected/automated vehicles passing through semi-actuated signalized intersections. The proposed algorithm takes into consideration the queue effects because of traditional and connected/automated vehicles. Results showed that the fuel consumption for vehicles controlled by the developed model was 29.2% less than for the case with no control. A sensitivity analysis for the impact of market penetration (MP) indicated that the savings in fuel consumption increase with higher MP. Furthermore, when MP is greater than 50%, the model provides appreciable savings in travel times. In addition, the estimated acceleration noise for the vehicles controlled by the algorithms was 21.9% less than for the case with no control. These reductions in fuel consumption and acceleration noise demonstrate the ability of the algorithm to provide more environmentally sustainable semi-actuated signalized intersections.