Platoon-based Control Strategy in Mixed Traffic to Improve Ramp Merging Efficiency and Fuel Reduction

Abstract

Traffic congestion in ramp merge areas, which are bottleneck areas in freeway systems, has been alleviated by traditional research methods. However, with the maturation of autonomous driving technology, control methods can shift to information-based real-time control, which aids in improving ramp merging. In this paper, we propose a ramp merging control method that integrates platoon control. This method pre-allocates vehicles in mixed traffic into platoons, utilizing the lead CAV for speed guidance to lead several HDVs. The paper also introduces a scheme to redistribute downstream gaps, leveraging information sharing and automation technologies among vehicles to control the speed of mainline vehicles. The goal is to allocate excess downstream gaps to the merging area to accommodate the ramp vehicle platoon. Our simulations validate the method, comparing uncontrolled and controlled scenarios for vehicle speeds and accelerations, highlighting the potential to lower overall travel costs while maintaining flow.