Model predictive control for large-scale urban traffic networks with a multi-level hierarchy

The control and management problem for large-scale complex urban traffic network is not yet successfully addressed. There are still many difficulties in controlling such large systems, e.g. complexity, high dimension, multiple control objectives, and uncertainties. In the paper, a multi-level MPC hierarchy is proposed to address these difficulties for the control of large-scale urban traffic networks. Under the control hierarchy, a multi-level MPC algorithm is proposed, which includes three levels, the demand balance MPC, the subnetwork MPC, and the intersection controller from top to bottom. A case study is carried out to evaluate the proposed algorithm. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the multi-level controller.