In the realm of intelligent transportation systems, a groundbreaking study led by Chigan Du from the School of Transportation Engineering at Chang’an University in Xi’an, China, is set to revolutionize the safety and efficiency of vehicle platooning within Intelligent Vehicle-Infrastructure Cooperative Systems (I-VICS). Published in the *World Electric Vehicle Journal* (translated from Chinese as *International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles*), this research introduces an enhanced artificial potential field method that promises to significantly improve obstacle avoidance for vehicle platoons, a critical advancement for the energy and transportation sectors.
Vehicle platooning, where groups of vehicles travel closely together at high speeds, is a key technology for improving traffic flow and reducing fuel consumption. However, ensuring the safety of these platoons, especially when avoiding obstacles, has been a persistent challenge. Du and his team have tackled this issue head-on by developing a novel control method that integrates virtual forces and a consistency control strategy into the platooning system.
“Our approach establishes an inter-vehicle obstacle avoidance potential field model, which allows vehicles to navigate safely even at large inter-vehicle distances of 80–110 meters,” explains Du. This innovation is particularly relevant for the energy sector, as it enhances the feasibility of electric and autonomous vehicle platooning, which could lead to substantial energy savings and reduced emissions.
The research demonstrates a remarkable 34% improvement in trajectory smoothness, as measured by a newly proposed Vehicle Trajectory Stability (VTS) metric. This enhancement translates to safer and more reliable obstacle avoidance maneuvers, a critical factor for commercial adoption. “By integrating a rotating potential field method, we enable collaborative and safe overall motion planning for multi-vehicle systems,” Du adds. This coordinated strategy ensures that the entire platoon can navigate obstacles seamlessly, reducing the risk of accidents and improving traffic safety.
The study also introduces a path tracking strategy based on virtual force design, further enhancing platoon stability and reliability. This development is poised to have significant commercial impacts, particularly for logistics and freight companies that rely on efficient and safe transportation of goods.
Looking ahead, Du and his team plan to extend their research to collision avoidance for vehicle platoons with varying inter-vehicle distances and to longer platoons. “Our future work will focus on further improving overall traffic safety by refining consistency control and cooperative avoidance strategies,” Du notes. This ongoing research is expected to shape the future of intelligent transportation systems, making vehicle platooning a more viable and safer option for both passenger and commercial vehicles.
As the world moves towards smarter and more sustainable transportation solutions, this research by Du and his team represents a significant step forward. By enhancing the safety and efficiency of vehicle platooning, they are paving the way for a future where intelligent transportation systems play a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption and improving traffic flow. The findings published in the *World Electric Vehicle Journal* underscore the potential of this innovative approach and its broader implications for the energy and transportation sectors.