A novel approach in constructing virtual real driving emission trips through genetic algorithm optimization

The Real Driving Emission (RDE) test became a critical part of the process conducted by manufacturers to fulfill the approval procedure of every new vehicle model. This test measures the regulated emissions from a vehicle during a trip, which follows a specific set of operation requirements, aiming to assess the vehicle’s emission levels in real-world conditions. Additionally, In-Service Conformity (ISC) tests, which consist in performing an RDE trip, were also introduced to demonstrate vehicles emissions compliance over their lifespan. Considering that modern vehicles embed exhaust emission sensors and connectivity capabilities, it is believed that there is an opportunity for manufacturers to leverage the data generated by these vehicles to forecast the outcomes of an ISC test. However, as this study presents through the analysis of an extensive database of more than 600 trips from a mild-hybrid diesel vehicle, none of the real-world trips might comply with all the driving requirements of the RDE standard. Faced with this outcome, this work proposes the application of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimization to construct virtual RDE trips from real-driving data. In particular, the proposed methodology leverages such algorithm to combine real driving fragments from various trips in order to align with the main RDE trip requirements. The methodology focuses on vehicle, engine, and exhaust after-treatment variables, utilizing signal optimization connections to create a realistic analysis of vehicle pollutants. The research suggests that a combination of vehicle speed, coolant temperature, exhaust temperature, and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) load leads to a significant number of RDE-compliant results under simplified legislative conditions, from which emissions profiles could be assessed. The proposed methodology details the development of an Adaptive Genetic Algorithm (AGA) and the data pipeline to create specific RDE trips, offering the capability to customize the desired Driving Cycles (DC).