ECO-Cruise Control: Feasibility and Initial Testing

Roadway grades have a significant impact on vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emission rates. On upgrade sections, vehicles exert additional power to overcome the grade resistance force, thus consuming more fuel compared to driving on a flat surface. A cruise control system allows the driver to maintain a desired speed by adjusting the vehicle throttle and brake level. However, traditional cruise control systems can result in excessive fuel usage by attempting to maintain a desired speed on upgrade and downgrade roadway segments. The research develops an eco-cruise control system that can save fuel and CO2 emissions using road topography information. The eco-cruise control system allows the vehicle to travel faster along downgrades and slower along upgrades (within a desired speed window). Simulation tests on a section of Interstate 81 show that, on average, the eco-cruise control system can save 10.33 percent in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for different vehicle types (i.e., light-duty trucks and passenger cars). Also, for the specific example illustration on VA Route 7, the eco-cruise control system improves the vehicle fuel economy by 34 percent compared to traditional cruise control methods. Since the road grade effect certainly plays a significant role in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, it is expected that the implementation of the eco-cruise control system can help achieve better fuel economy and improve air quality.