Design of an efficient algorithm for fuel-optimal look-ahead control

A fuel-optimal control algorithm is developed for a heavy diesel truck that utilizes information about the road topography ahead of the vehicle when the route is known. A prediction model is formulated where special attention is given to properly include gear shifting. The aim is an algorithm with sufficiently low computational complexity. To this end, a dynamic programming algorithm is tailored, and complexity and numerical errors are analyzed. It is shown that it is beneficial to formulate the problem in terms of kinetic energy in order to avoid oscillating solutions and to reduce linear interpolation errors. A residual cost is derived from engine and driveline characteristics. The result is an on-board controller for an optimal velocity profile and gear selection.