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

Abstract

This paper describes how 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 behavior 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 Japan's 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. The authors performed field measurements of a vehicle's speed and acceleration versus normal and eco-driving styles and the authors input the data into a micro-traffic simulator (VISSIM, PTV AG). The paper built a simple road network with two signalized intersections. Ten simulations were done using different random-number seeds.