Researcher(s)
- Jaejin Cha, Computer Science, Texas A&M University
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Weisong Shi, Computer and Information Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
The escalating demand for energy efficiency due to the alarming consequences of global warming has necessitated the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, driven by global agreements to reduce carbon emissions. This research investigates the potential influence of autonomous driving technology on the energy efficiency of EVs. We present a novel approach by creating a virtual environment capable of testing various energy-saving configurations and training an AI model for autonomous driving.
To conduct our study, we utilized the Open AI Gym Highway Environment as the virtual testing ground. By introducing modifications to the environment, we incorporated trajectory drawing and following capabilities that emulate state-of-the-art autonomous driving technologies.
The experiment involved comparing five different weighting approaches concerning energy saving, vehicle speed, safety (crucial factors in autonomous driving), and reward points.
The Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) reinforcement learning method was employed to assess the impact of different autonomous driving setups on energy efficiency.
The results of our investigation shed light on the potential benefits of incorporating autonomous driving technology into EVs to enhance energy efficiency. Our findings indicate that certain configurations yield substantial energy savings while maintaining acceptable levels of vehicle speed and safety. Moreover, the use of DDPG reinforcement learning showcases promising capabilities in refining the autonomous driving system’s overall performance.
In conclusion, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding energy-efficient transportation solutions. The virtual environment developed and the insights gained from the experimentation serve as essential tools in the pursuit of sustainable and eco-friendly transportation systems, as we work towards mitigating the impacts of global warming and securing a safer future for mankind.