MSc Thesis Proposal

Traffic control in the network around Eindhoven

Mentors: Monique van den Berg, Hans Hellendoorn, Bart De Schutter

Keywords: traffic control, model predictive control

Description:
Recently, we have modeled the traffic network around Eindhoven using the microscopic traffic model Paramics, which describes how vehicles behave on the roads. Now we want to use this model to show the effects of advanced traffic control methods. These methods use for example traffic signals, ramp metering installations, variable speed limits and information on dynamic information panels as control measures.

First, to make sure the model is accurate, the effect of different demand patterns should be investigated, and the model should be calibrated with the available real data. For this calibration a suitable method must be found.
Next, we want to compare different existing control methods, from simple fixed-time control to more advanced control methods like UTOPIA/SPOT developed by PEEK Traffic B.V. The possibilities for connecting the model to the control software should be investigated, and the best settings of the various control parameters should be found.
Finally, a control method based on Model Predictive Control should be tested on the network, and further developed, with as goal to obtain better results than the existing control methods.

The model of the traffic network around Eindhoven is also used by TNO and the SRE (Samenwerkingsverband Regio Eindhoven). The calibration of the model can be done in cooperation with TNO and SRE.

If you are interested in selecting this project as your MSc project, please come along or send us an email for more information.

This page is maintained by Bart De Schutter.