Applications for the Environment: Real-Time
Information Synthesis (AERIS) Program

AERIS 2013-2014 Fall / Winter Webinar Series

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a series of webinars for its Applications for the Environment: Real-Time Information Synthesis (AERIS) program. The webinars focused on current themes in transportation and how the AERIS Program intends to incorporate them into its research. The webinar series also highlighted preliminary modeling results for the Eco-Signal Operations applications, including: (i) Eco-Approach and Departure at Signalized Intersections, (ii) Eco-Traffic Signal Timing, (iii) Eco-Traffic Signal Priority, and (iv) Connected Eco-Driving.

The 2013-2014 AERIS Fall/Winter Webinar Series is being offered by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), which is part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA). To learn more about the ITS JPO, visit www.its.dot.gov.

Webinar Details

Webinar #1: Preliminary Eco-Approach and Departure at Signalized Intersections Modeling Results
Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

This webinar will describe the preliminary modeling results of the Eco-Approach and Departure at Signalized Intersections application. The application, located in a vehicle, collects SPaT and Geographic Information Description (GID) messages using V2I communications and data from nearby vehicles using V2V communications. Upon receiving this information, the application performs calculations to provide speed advice to the driver of the vehicle allowing the driver to adapt the vehicle’s speed to pass the next traffic signal on green or to decelerate to a stop in the most eco-friendly manner. The application also considers a vehicle’s acceleration as it departs from a signalized intersection and engine start-stop technologies. Modeling of the application was conducted for the El Camino Real signalized corridor in California using Paramics traffic simulation software and the Environmental Protection Agency’s MOVES model.

• Presentation
• Recording

Webinar #2: Incorporation of Stakeholder Input into the AERIS Program
Wednesday, December 4th, 2013

This webinar will focus on how the USDOT is incorporating stakeholder input from recent outreach activities into the AERIS Research Program. Some of the ideas that will be discussed include: the role of vehicle automation; the use of incentives; and the concept of gamification to encourage green transportation choices. The webinar also seeks to solicit input from stakeholders on how to encourage the deployment of connected vehicle environmental applications. The purpose of the webinar is to continue an open dialog with AERIS stakeholders to ensure that their inputs are being considered by the AERIS Program and to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to provide additional feedback. The webinar will be interactive, allowing participants to share their ideas on these themes and other topics with the AERIS Team.

• Presentation
• Recording

Webinar #3: Preliminary Eco-Traffic Signal Timing Modeling Results
Wednesday, January 29th, 2013

This webinar will describe the preliminary modeling results of the Eco-Traffic Signal Timing application. This application uses connected vehicle technologies to optimize the performance of traffic signals for the environment (i.e., reduce emissions and fuel consumption). The application collects data wirelessly from vehicles, including a vehicle’s location, speed, and emissions data. It then processes these data to develop signal timing strategies at signalized intersections focused on reducing fuel consumption and overall emissions at the intersection or along a corridor. Modeling of the application was conducted for the El Camino Real signalized corridor in California using a genetic algorithm, Paramics traffic simulation software, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s MOVES model.

• Presentation

Webinar #4: Preliminary Eco-Traffic Signal Priority (for Transit and Freight Vehicles) and Connected Eco-Driving Modeling Results
Wednesday, February 12th 2014

This webinar will describe the preliminary modeling results of the Eco-Traffic Signal Priority and Connected Eco-Driving applications. Eco-Traffic Signal Priority applications allow either transit or freight vehicles approaching a signalized intersection to request signal priority using connected vehicle technologies. These applications consider data that may be transmitted from vehicles to infrastructure including the vehicle’s location, speed, vehicle type, engine type (e.g., alternative fuel vehicles) to determine whether priority should be granted. Transit vehicles may also transmit information about the vehicle’s adherence to the schedule or number of passengers on the bus. For freight vehicles, the weight of a truck (and its load) may be a major input for the decision to grant priority. Connected Eco-Driving applications provide customized real-time driving advice to drivers so that they can adjust their driving behavior to save fuel and reduce emissions. Eco-driving advice includes recommended driving speeds, optimal acceleration, and optimal deceleration profiles based on prevailing traffic conditions, interactions with nearby vehicles, and upcoming road grades. Modeling of the Eco-Traffic Signal Priority and Connected Eco-Driving applications were conducted using Paramics traffic simulation software and the Environmental Protection Agency’s MOVES model.

• Presentation
• Recording

Webinar #3: Preliminary Eco-Traffic Signal Timing Modeling Results (Re-Issue)