Reliable V2V Communication Networks: Applications in Fuel-Efficient Platooning

Principal Investigator(s):

Sridhar Lakshmanan, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering – University of Michigan-Dearborn
Paul Richardson, Professor and Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering – University of Michigan-Dearborn

Project Abstract:
The application is multi-truck platooning – lead truck is manually driven, following ones are autonomous. Key is maintaining closer-than-normal gap distance, for drafting purposes, resulting in increased fuel efficiency. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications between the vehicles enables autonomy – V2V failure impacts autonomy. Based on data collected from recent tests, PIs have identified specific use cases where V2V fails when using DSRC. This proposal addresses two follow-on research problems – (i) the cause of DSRC failure, and (ii) the ability of CV2X to overcome such failures. Further testing is proposed along with a modeling and simulation effort to understand the failure modes. Long-standing industry partners of the PI, Ford, will be informed of the results. Proposed research leverages already funded research from DOD and DOE which is focused on the demonstration of realizable fuel efficiency in long-haul trucks.

Institution(s): University of Michigan – Dearborn

Award Year: 2019

Research Thrust(s): Enabling Technology

Project Form(s):