Optimizing Large-Spacing Truck Platooning in Windy Environments: Minimizing Fuel Consumption and Tailpipe Nitrogen Oxides Emissions

Large-spacing truck platooning presents a promising solution for improving fuel savings and reducing emissions while addressing the safety challenges of close-spacing systems. This study designs an innovative hierarchical control system to enhance the performance of large-spacing truck platooning in windy environments. A two-truck platoon is simulated at time gaps of 3–5 s under varying windy conditions, using models validated with on-road experimental data to ensure accuracy. The control system consistently maintains spacing errors within a predefined safety buffer, ensuring safe intervehicle distances despite wind variations. Results indicate that the follower truck achieves up to 5.5% fuel savings under varying winds, while tailpipe NO$_{x}$emissions decrease by 32% due to smoother engine torque profiles. These findings underscore the capability of the designed control system to support the real-world deployment of large-spacing truck platooning, providing valuable insights into safe and sustainable truck platooning strategies.