Application of Embedded System in Designing Optimal Signal Cycle for Minimizing Automobile Emission at Signalized Junctions for Better Environment Management

Abstract

This research paper deals with the improvisation of philosophy of traffic signal cycle time design based on IRC:93-1993 guidelines, which is based on two fundamental parameters i.e. peak one hour traffic flow and recommended saturation flow values obtained from field observations. Webster method is used in the signal design process assuming homogenous traffic as prevailing in developed countries. volume and saturation flow is converted to PCU values. In India the traffic is heterogeneous and this would result lot of unused green time and due to idling of vehicles leading to fuel wastage causing air pollution. Hence, it is proposed to introduce totally a new concept of signal design based on variable traffic volume and variable saturation flow values for each road separately obtained from field studies. These values are installed in the Embedded System of the signal system. The actual signal cycle time, green time and Red time for prevailing traffic volume and saturation flow values at any given time of the day is calculated based on Program installed in the chip. This signal design concept is innovative in nature and avoids excess unused green time for each signal cycle for the entire signal operation period in a day thus resulting in less emission followed by reduction in air pollution.