Vehicle-to-vehicle distance and speed control using an electronic-vacuum booster

A vehicle-to-vehicle distance and speed control algorithm using an electronic-vacuum booster (EVB) has been presented. The EVB has been used as a brake actuator. The performance characteristics of the EVB have been investigated via computer simulations and experiments. Mathematical models of the electronic-vacuum booster developed in this study and a two-state dynamic engine model have been used in the simulations. Linear optimal control theory has been used to design optimal acceleration for the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control. A throttle/brake control law has been proposed. The throttle/brake controller forces the vehicle acceleration to converge to the desired acceleration. It has been shown via the simulations and vehicle tests that the control law can provide a vehicle equipped with the electronic-vacuum booster with good distance control performance in both high speed and low speed stop and go driving situations.