A Carbon Benefits-Based Signal Control Method in a Connected Environment

This study proposes an innovative carbon benefits-based signal control method for connected vehicle (CV) environments, aiming to reduce carbon emissions at urban intersections. By integrating a Carbon Inclusion Mechanism (CIM), the proposed approach offers carbon rewards to vehicles adhering to speed guidance. The method exhibits the following features: (i) higher ceiling of carbon emissions reduction at signal control intersection; (ii) higher compliance rate (CR) of vehicles by taking advantage of carbon economic incentives; (iii) a method for calculating carbon emissions reduction at the intersection. To validate the effectiveness, performance evaluations of emissions, stop frequencies, and delays were conducted through microscopic simulation. Sensitivity analysis encompassed various traffic demands, different CRs of carbon-benefit connected vehicles (CBCVs), and unbalanced traffic demand. The results demonstrated that the proposed method excels in reducing traffic emissions, stop frequencies, and delays. Specifically, carbon emissions were reduced by 5.24% to 17.60%, stop frequencies decreased by 14.8% to 75.4%, and delays were reduced by 22.82% to 52.62%. By utilizing connected vehicle technology and CIM, this study contributes to sustainable urban traffic management, laying a foundation for future research and the practical implementation of emission reduction strategies.