Fuel optimizing cruise controller with driveability

Abstract: This thesis work is based on a dynamic programming solution of a fuel optimizing cruise controller that was developed at Scania CV AB last year. Known data of the road ahead, mainly the slope, is used to continuously calculate the optimal torque and gear choices of a given moving vehicle for a certain horizon. The optimization calculations are based on fuel consumption and the vehicle's arrival time to the final destination. This report has been focused on achieving better "driveability" of the cruise controller while still maintaining the good fuel saving qualities that is already there. Simulation is used to evaluate the cruise controller on roads where the wanted data is known. The result is smaller speed variations on at road segments, which will improve a driver's impression of the cruise controller. The great fuel benefits of using roll-techniques in hilly areas is maintained from the previous implementation. The key to the optimal balance between these two behaviors is found using a method that limits the torque usage of the truck to a certain speed interval and then finds exception areas where the torque usage should be unlimited.