Optimal cruise control with reduced complexity models*

Recent progress in instrumentation and sensor technology, together with more powerful microcomputers installed in vehicles, that provide adequate means for the use of algorithms of increasing sophistication, motivates the application of Control methods to automotive problems. The objectives of the resulting controllers are related with the reduction of pollutant emissions, better efficiency and passenger comfort. In this framework, the present paper addresses the problem of designing cruise control algorithms, based on Pontriagyn Maximum Principle, that area able to execute several simple manoeuvres of velocity transfer. In order to be confined to problems with an analytical solution, the vehicle dynamics is approximated by low order linear models. Simulation tests are then performed using a one-dimensional nonlinear car model.