Energy saving and emission reduction effects from the application of green light optimized speed advisory on plug-in hybrid vehicle

Abstract

Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory (GLOSA) is being rapidly extended worldwide as an innovative technology for intelligent transportation. However, the energy consumption, pollutant emissions and the corresponding driving behaviors changes for plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) before and after applying GLOSA have not been adequately studied. Here, we quantitatively analyze for the first time the environmental and energy benefits of PHEVs after GLOSA application by combining acquired real-road driving cycles (DCs) and chassis dynamometer tests. We found that GLOSA significantly reduced the frequency of PHEV engine starts and throttle openings by reducing the number of stops and starts, the intensity of acceleration and the ratio of acceleration to idle time, and shifted more engine and motor operating points into the efficiency zone. The improved powertrain operating conditions significantly reduced the energy consumption and pollutant emissions of PHEV. GLOSA helps to reduce energy consumption by 23.50%, 26.01% and 27.94% when the initial state of charge (SOC) of the PHEV is 20%, 50% and 100% respectively. When the initial SOC of the PHEV is 20%, GLOSA contributed to a reduction in CO2, CO, total hydrocarbons (THC), NOx and particle number (PN) emissions of 17.37%, 22.58%, 36.07%, 30.39% and 16.38%. Our study aims to highlight the key role of GLOSA in reducing the pollutant emissions and energy consumption of PHEVs, while demonstrating that GLOSA is a valuable option for future transportation retrofitting.