Traffic Signal Control for Fuel Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traffic signals lack dynamic control mechanisms to optimize fuel efficiency and traffic flow based on real-time vehicle operating characteristics and road conditions, leading to suboptimal fuel consumption and traffic congestion.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the feasibility of altering traffic signal operations by considering the fuel efficiency and operating characteristics of approaching vehicles, using vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications to adjust light timing and prioritize vehicles with better fuel economy, while also accounting for safety and payment contributions to infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traffic signals operate with fixed cycling timing, then traffic flow is predictable and simple to control, but fuel efficiency is suboptimal due to unnecessary stops
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic signal system transitions from fixed cycling timing to dynamic timing that adapts based on real-time vehicle operating characteristics, road conditions, and fuel efficiency metrics. The controller continuously receives data from vehicles and adjusts signal timing accordingly, making the system flexible and responsive rather than rigid and predetermined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where vehicle operating characteristics (such as acceleration, speed, fuel consumption rates) are continuously monitored and fed back to the traffic signal controller. This feedback enables the controller to optimize signal timing in real-time to improve overall fuel efficiency while maintaining traffic flow.
2Use of energy by moving object
If traffic signals prioritize fuel-efficient vehicles by extending green lights, then fuel economy improves, but traffic flow fairness and safety may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different control strategies to different vehicles based on their local characteristics. Fuel-efficient vehicles receiving extended green lights are given localized priority in specific situations, while other vehicles maintain normal timing. This selective application of priority ensures fairness while still achieving fuel efficiency goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic signal controller dynamically changes timing parameters (green light duration, yellow light duration, inter-green intervals) based on real-time conditions. When prioritizing fuel-efficient vehicles, the system adjusts these parameters locally and temporarily, then reverts to standard timing, ensuring that safety and fairness are maintained through controlled parameter variation rather than permanent changes.
3Productivity
If traffic signals use sensor-based vehicle detection, then traffic flow optimization improves, but real-time fuel efficiency optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The traffic signal controller is enhanced to perform multiple functions: traditional vehicle detection via sensors, real-time communication with vehicles to obtain operating characteristics, fuel efficiency calculation, and dynamic timing optimization. This multi-functional system replaces the need for separate systems and enables comprehensive traffic and fuel efficiency optimization simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces vehicle-to-infrastructure communication as an intermediary mechanism between vehicles and traffic signals. This intermediary enables the exchange of detailed operating characteristics data (acceleration, speed, fuel consumption) that neither traditional sensors nor basic traffic light controllers can obtain, bridging the information gap needed for real-time fuel efficiency optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for altering the default operation of traffic signals, e.g., static cycling of lights, based on one or more road conditions and/or operating characteristics of vehicles at or near an intersection at which the traffic signals are located. The timing of light changes in traffic signals can be altered based upon a desire to optimize fuel efficiency, prioritize passage of vehicles through the intersection, and/or exhibit favoritism to vehicles that are driven efficiently and/or by drivers contributing to a pay-to-pass system. Traffic signal controllers controlling traffic signals may, over time, learn traffic patterns based on gathered information regarding the operating characteristics of vehicles and/or road conditions.