Problem: Trucks and other large commercial vehicles often travel in isolation. Their size and slow acceleration requires substantial fuel resources and they often have negative impacts to traffic flows on busy roadways.

Solution: Truck platooning pairs two trucks, one which is operated conventionally and the other partially operated. This linking strategy enables trucks to take up less space on streets than if they were to operate independently. It also saves fuel for the follower.

• The city of Columbus is hosting a trial of two-truck platoons for a busy roadway that leads to a major logistics hub.
• Partially operated trucks follow traditionally operated ones. Software by Peloton Technology pairs the two vehicles so that speed, controlled braking, and controlled acceleration are automatically in sync.
• The lead truck cuts through the air and wind to reduce drag for the follower, thus increasing its fuel efficiency.
• This trial is a precursor to a future where self-driving trucks will follow traditionally operated vehicles.

Stakeholders:

• truck and freight operators
• municipal transportation agencies
• commuters

Next 3 Steps:

• record and measure results from platoon trial
• share results and findings with transportation agencies nationwide
• establish federal standards for truck platooning

Sources:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/07/20/driverless-18-wheelers-coming-to-columbus-as-truck.html

https://peloton-tech.com/how-it-works/

Comment:

https://makeasmartcity.com/2017/11/16/drb2171-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1452

Problem: Conventional traffic control systems have timed signals and are unable to make adjustments based on real-time traffic conditions. This leads to predictable traffic backups and congestion during peak commuting hours, as well as increased vehicle emissions from stalled vehicles.

Solution: Adaptive traffic controls that will adjust signal timing based on real time data on traffic conditions to help vehicles move more efficiently in high-traffic corridors.

• Seattle’s Department of Transportation adopted a smart adaptive traffic control system for a high-traffic corridor in the growing South Lake Union neighborhood.
• Sensors detect vehicles in every lane of every intersection along the route to determine traffic conditions.
• Algorithms process the data to predict traffic flows and adjusts the amount of time available to each movement through intersections to inform signal timing.
• The system is able to predict and adapt to congestion that from rush hour, sports events, concerts, and other special events.

Stakeholders:

• transportation departments
• surface transit (bus, streetcar)
• commuters

First 3 Steps:

• measure improvements in traffic flow from adaptive traffic controls
• identify additional high-traffic corridors for next phase
• implement adaptive control systems in all high traffic corridors

Sources:

http://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2017/04/24/city-of-seattle-introduces-mercer-adaptive-signal-system-to-keep-traffic-moving/

Comment on “Ocean Cleanup”

The anchor and ballast concept is key in slowing down the system to capture the floating plastic that moves faster. In addition, the natural forces on the water helps position the system where the highest concentration of trash is to make it even more efficient.

Problem: At the moment, many public transit bus fleets are still utilizing fossil-fuel powered vehicles. While many systems are transitioning to hybrid models, there are not many 100% emissions-free bus lines around the world.

Solution: A bus that is 100% electric, wire-free, and able to be re-charged at stations that are equipped with charging points.

• New electric busses by Swiss manufacturer HESS will use flash-charging technology that will enable batteries mounted on bus roofs to be charged in 20 seconds (while passengers enter and exit) with 600-kilowatts at stations where charging ports are installed.
• Busses are hooked to the charge point in less than 1 second. Charging stations at the end of line terminals will provide full charges to the busses before their next route.
• The city of Nantes, France is adopting this technology for a full route (Line 4).
• Electric busses are not only emissions free, they also produce much less noise than conventional busses.

Stakeholders:

• municipal transportation authorities
• transit riders
• communities along bus transit routes

First 3 Steps:

• Document the performance of Line 4 in Nantes for a period of time after the new bus rollout (vehicles and stations)
• Make improvements and fixes where necessary for both vehicles and infrastructure
• Market the bus system to transit authorities that have aging bus fleets and are looking to upgrade to sustainable models

Sources:

https://smartcitiesworld.net/news/nantes-invests-in-fast-charging-for-buses-2258

http://new.abb.com/news/detail/2310/nantes-chooses-breakthrough-abb-e-bus-technology

Blog Comment:

https://makeasmartcity.com/2017/11/02/olli-the-self-driving-electric-mini-bus/comment-page-1/#comment-1308