Eco-driving simulation: Evaluation of eco-driving within a network using traffic simulation

Abstract

Curbing Global Warming necessitates the reduction of greenhouse gases. Motor-vehicle companies are attempting to improve engine efficiencies but are constrained by technical limitations. Hence we try to change driving behaviour to reduce fuel consumption. A change in driving style/habit to promote fuel efficiency and hence to reduce CO2 emissions is known as eco-driving. One such eco-driving style is to reduce sudden acceleration and deceleration. A report based on eco-driving shows a 10-20 reduction in fuel consumption per vehicle; and hence, eco-driving is promoted by Japans Ministry of Environment. However, a mass of eco-drivers might impede traffic flow which fosters traffic congestion. This study evaluates eco-driving with respect to a traffic network versus an individual vehicle. We performed field measurements of a vehicles speed and acceleration versus normal and eco-driving styles. We input the data into a micro-traffic simulator (VISSIM, PTV AG). We built a simple road network with two signalized intersections. Ten simulations were done using different random-number seeds. We found that eco-driving increases environment load; i.e., carbon dioxide emission within the network during heavy-traffic volume. We propose an eco-driving control system and show its effectiveness.