Vehicular adaptive optimal cruise control with multiple objectives

This paper proposes a novel adaptive cruise control (ACC) system for vehicles that addresses the issues of fuel economy, tracking capability, and driver desired response. The controller is synthesized by applying an adaptive optimal control (ACC) algorithm. A cost function is developed that considers the conflicting objectives of high fuel economy, minimizing tracking error, and providing a driver desired response. The linear constraints are transformed to another cost function using a penalty function method. A vehicle speed estimator was developed to provide the longitudinal vehicle speed information to the ACC system. Simulation results show that the proposed ACC system performs provides good tracking capability and fuel economy, and the desired driver response.