Nonminimal state space approach to multivariable ramp metering control of motorway bottlenecks

The paper discusses the automatic control of motorway traffic flows utilising ramp metering, i.e. traffic lights on the on-ramp entrances. A multivariable ramp metering system is developed, based on the nonminimal state space (NMSS) approach to control system design using adaptive proportional-integral-plus, linear quadratic (PIP–LQ) optimal controllers. The controller is evaluated on a nonlinear statistical traffic model (STM) simulation of the Amsterdam motorway ring road near the Coen Tunnel

Investigation of the existence of city-scale three-dimensional macroscopic fundamental diagrams for bi-modal traffic

Recent research has demonstrated that the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD) is reliable and practical tool for modeling traffic dynamics and network performance in single-mode (cars only) urban road networks. In this paper, we first extend the modeling of the single-mode MFD to a bi-modal (bus and cars) one. Based on simulated data, we develop a three-dimensional MFD (3D-MFD) relating the accumulation of cars and buses, and the total circulating flow in the network. We propose an exponential function to capture the shape of the 3D-MFD, which shows a good fit to the data. We also propose an elegant estimation for passenger car equivalent of buses (PCU), which has a physical meaning and depends on the bi-modal traffic in the network. Moreover, we analyze a 3D-MFD for passenger network flows and derive its analytical function. Finally, we investigate an MFD for networks with dedicated bus lanes and the relationship between the shape of the MFD and the operational characteristics of buses. The output of this paper is an extended 3D-MFD model that can be used to (i) monitor traffic performance and, (ii) develop various traffic management strategies in bi-modal urban road networks, such as redistribution of urban space among different modes, perimeter control, and bus priority strategies

Optimisation of Mobile Communication Networks - OMCO NET

The mini conference “Optimisation of Mobile Communication Networks” focuses on advanced methods for search and optimisation applied to wireless communication networks. It is sponsored by Research & Enterprise Fund Southampton Solent University. The conference strives to widen knowledge on advanced search methods capable of optimisation of wireless communications networks. The aim is to provide a forum for exchange of recent knowledge, new ideas and trends in this progressive and challenging area. The conference will popularise new successful approaches on resolving hard tasks such as minimisation of transmit power, cooperative and optimal routing

Impact of traffic management on black carbon emissions: a microsimulation study

This paper investigates the effectiveness of traffic management tools, includ- ing traffic signal control and en-route navigation provided by variable message signs (VMS), in reducing traffic congestion and associated emissions of CO2, NOx, and black carbon. The latter is among the most significant contributors of climate change, and is associated with many serious health problems. This study combines traffic microsimulation (S-Paramics) with emission modeling (AIRE) to simulate and predict the impacts of different traffic management measures on a number traffic and environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) assessed at different spatial levels. Simulation results for a real road network located in West Glasgow suggest that these traffic management tools can bring a reduction in travel delay and BC emission respectively by up to 6 % and 3 % network wide. The improvement at local levels such as junctions or corridors can be more significant. However, our results also show that the potential benefits of such interventions are strongly dependent on a number of factors, including dynamic demand profile, VMS compliance rate, and fleet composition. Extensive discussion based on the simulation results as well as managerial insights are provided to support traffic network operation and control with environmental goals. The study described by this paper was conducted under the support of the FP7-funded CARBOTRAF project