Gear Shift Optimization for Off-road Construction Vehicles

This paper explores the possibility of using recorded road slope data in order to reduce fuel consumption for off-road construction vehicles such as articulated haulers. An optimal control algorithm based on model predictive control and dynamic programming is formulated to find an optimal gear shift sequence. Computer simulation shows that both fuel consumption and travel time can be reduced simultaneously. In addition, the optimal gear shift sequence resembles the behavior of an experienced driver.