Simulation models show that a network of connected vehicles that support platoon-based intersection management applications can reduce fuel consumption by more than 20 percent when traffic volume is high.

Estimating the impacts of autonomous vehicles

Date Posted
11/04/2016
Identifier
2016-B01083
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Platoon-Based Multi-Agent Intersection Management for Connected Vehicle

Summary Information

This paper examined the use of platoon-based multi-agent intersection management systems to improve overall network performance in terms of mobility and environmental sustainability. Using connected vehicle technologies the proposed system would allow vehicle agents to communicate and form platoons when needed to increase signal system efficiency.

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

A SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility) model was used to evaluate three different intersection management scenarios at an isolated intersection.

  • Conventional fixed-time traffic light control (TLC) system
  • Non-platoon-based multi-agent (NPB) system
  • Platoon-based multi-agent (PB) system.

The performance of a PB system using automated vehicles (with connected vehicles technology) was compared to the performance of a conventional TLC system and a NPB system under high, medium, and low traffic volume conditions.

FINDINGS

The table below derived from the source report summarized relative reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
 

Traffic Volume
1,080 (veh/hr)
1,800 (veh/hr)
2,880 (veh/hr)
Fuel consumption (PB vs TLC)
11.20%
17.30%
21.40%
Fuel consumption (PB vs NPB)
0.60%
-5.70%
-5.70%
CO2 emissions (PB vs TLC)
14.80%
20.30%
24.40%
CO2 emissions (PB vs NPB)
-0.10%
-3.10%
-4.50%


Note that in high traffic volumes platoon based systems may result in slightly higher fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to non-platooned based vehicles in a multi-agent system of adaptive signal control due to the added difficulty of forming platoons in heavy traffic.

Results Type
Deployment Locations