Assessing carbon emissions from road transport through traffic flow estimators. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nocera, Silvio; Ruiz-Alarcón-Quintero, Cayetano; Cavallaro, Federico
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 95(2018)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Traffic flow detection -- Incomplete information -- Single estimators -- Combination models -- CO2 emissions; Transportation -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 388.011
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trc.2018.07.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0968-090X

Abstract

Highlights: Incomplete traffic information hinders an accurate evaluation of CO2 emissions. Technologies such as single estimators and combination models can overcome this issue. TANINO is based on a combination model and a macro-model of CO2 evaluation. Along the ring road of Seville, TANINO improves the results of single estimators. This monitoring allows a consistent evaluation of the efficiency of carbon policies. Abstract: Carbon emissions from road transport are one of the main issues related to modern transport planning. To address them adequately, the acquisition of reliable data about traffic flow is an essential prerequisite. However, the large quantity and the heterogeneity of available information often cause problems; missing or incomplete data are one of the most critical aspects. This paper discusses how technology handles imperfect information in order to obtain more accurate quantification of CO2 emissions. First, an analysis of single estimators and combination models is provided, highlighting their main characteristics. Then, the TANINO model (T ool for theA nalysis ofN on-conservative Carbon EmissionsI n TraN spO rt) is presented, jointly developed at the University of Seville and at the IUAV University of Venice. It consists of two different modules: the first is a combination model that optimizes the results of three traffic flow single estimators, while the second is a macro-model of carbon evaluation, which takes into account road infrastructure, vehicle type and traffic conditions. TANINO is then tested to calculate CO2 emissions along the ring road of the Spanish city of Seville, showing its more efficient performance, compared to the single estimators normally adopted for such aims. Transport planning can benefit from the adequate knowledge of traffic flows and related CO2 emissions, since it allows a more reliable monitoring of the progresses granted by specific carbon policies.