Path Tracking Control of an Autonomous Tractor Using Improved Stanley Controller Optimized with Multiple-Population Genetic Algorithm

To improve the path tracking accuracy of autonomous tractors in operation, an improved Stanley controller (IMP-ST) is proposed in this paper. The controller was applied to a two-wheel tractor dynamics model. The parameters of the IMP-ST were optimized by multiple-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) to obtain better tracking performance. The main purpose of this paper is to implement path tracking control on an autonomous tractor. Thus, it is significant to study this field because of smart agricultural development. According to the turning strategy of tractors in field operations, five working routes for tractors were designed, including straight, U, Ω, acute-angle and obtuse-angle routes. Simulation tests were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed IMP-ST in tractor path tracking for all routes. The lateral root-mean-square (RMS) error of the IMP-ST was reduced by up to 36.84% and 48.61% compared to the extended Stanley controller and the original Stanley controller, respectively. The simulation results indicate that the IMP-ST performed well in guiding the tractor to follow all planned working routes. In particular, for the U and Ω routes, the two most common turning methods in tractor field operations, the path tracking performance of the IMP-ST was improved by 41.72% and 48.61% compared to the ST, respectively. Comparing and analyzing the e-Ψ and β-γ phase plane of the three controllers, the results indicate that the IMP-ST has the best control stability.

Hierarchical Optimization Model Based on V2G Technology

Large-scale electric vehicle (EV) random access to the power grid, the load peak-valley difference will become larger, seriously affect the stable operation of the power grid. In this paper, a V2G based bi-level optimal scheduling model for EV charging and discharging is proposed. The upper model takes the minimum variance of the total load as the objective function, and the lower model takes the increase of user participation and the maximization of user revenue as the objective function. The multi-population genetic algorithm is used to analyze the model, and the results show that the model can not only smooth the load fluctuation, effectively reduce the load peak-valley difference, but also maximize the economic benefits of users participating in V2G service.

MPGA-based-ECMS for energy optimization of a hybrid electric city bus with dual planetary gear

To improve the fuel economy and reduce the exhaust emissions of a hybrid electric city bus (HECB) with dual planetary gear, a vehicle model is proposed based on the coupling mechanism between engine and battery motor in the gear. Then, two kinds of adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) algorithms based on fuzzy proportional-integral (PI) controller: Fuzzy PA-ECMS and Fuzzy MPGA-ECMS (MGPA: multiple population genetic algorithm), are established to improve the control effect of ECMS with equivalent factor (EF) as the core. Firstly, an approximate expression of optimal EF is derived based on the Pontryagin’s minimum principle (PMP). Subsequently, the deviation between the reference state of charge (SOC) and the actual SOC and the corresponding variation rate are calculated, which are combined with the fuzzy logic controller to adjust the EF. Finally, the driving style is introduced to rectify the trajectory of EF. According to different driving conditions (different initial values of SOC), the PI parameters of EF are optimized offline by multiple population genetic algorithm. Meanwhile, the interval of PI parameters is continuously optimized by the fuzzy controller. Then, simulation experiments are conducted to verify the efficacy of the two proposed algorithms. The simulation results show that compared to the conventional bus and rule-based control strategy, the proposed Fuzzy PA-ECMS algorithm can improve the fuel economy of bus by 41.70% and 5.29%, respectively. Further, compared to Fuzzy PA-ECMS, Fuzzy MPGA-ECMS algorithm can improve the fuel economy of bus by 0.3%.