Optimization of Vehicle Braking Distance Using a Fuzzy Controller

Peter Girovský,Jaroslava Žilková,Ján Kaňuch

doi:10.3390/en13113022

Abstract

The paper presents the study of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that has been complemented by a fuzzy controller. The fuzzy controller was used to improve the braking performance of the vehicle, particularly in critical situations, for example, when braking a vehicle on wet road. The controller for the ABS was designed in the MATLAB/Simulink program. The designed controller was simulated on a medium-size vehicle model. During testing, three braking systems were simulated on the vehicle model. We compared the performance of a braking system without an ABS, a system with a threshold-based conventional ABS, and a braking system with the proposed ABS with a fuzzy controller. These three braking systems were simulation tested during braking the vehicle on a dry straight road and on a road with combined road adhesion. A maneuverability test was conducted, where the vehicle had to avoid an obstacle while braking. The results of each test are provided at the end of the paper.

Highlights

The increasing number of cars on the roads and the related rising accident rate have brought the concept of road safety to the forefront
The value of the braking distance of a vehicle with a classic anti-lock braking system (ABS) was taken as a reference value for comparison, as we wanted to improve the properties of this ABS by using a fuzzy logic
We presented the design of an ABS with a fuzzy controller

Summary

Introduction

The increasing number of cars on the roads and the related rising accident rate have brought the concept of road safety to the forefront. In order to achieve this goal, various security features are being applied in vehicles. They can be divided into two groups: (1) (2). The anti-lock braking system (ABS), which has been developed and implemented from the late 1970s, prevents the wheels from locking during braking of the vehicle, and thereby, allows the driver to maintain control over steering [1]. This vehicle safety system has been used for decades, it is constantly being improved using either conventional or intelligent control methods [2]

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