MPG Cruise Control Algorithm

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Originally Posted by R.I.D.E.

The constant speed maintained by a cruise control costs a significant amount of mileage

That's actually the reason I'm interested in thinking about smarter, variable speed cruise controls. A lot people aren't going to adopt fuel saving driving habits that require much effort. I never intend to ever build one of these, although some of the info could wind up in a display that advises you on the best speed to drive. I'll never have time for such a thing, but I'll contribute it to the various DIY car computer projects so they can do something with it if they want. Long term of a lot of the answer is better propulsion systems, I'd imagine.

Originally Posted by theholycow

I don't think overrunning clutches are common. In your car with a manual transmission, obviously you don't have one.

I guess I wasn't clear again. I have to do better. This is all a "what if" design exercise in which cars could have slightly different components. You'd probably need to beef the brakes up on such a vehicle to handle cases with lots of steep hills. I know some older cars had freewheeling ability, does anyone know if their brakes were larger to compensate? I am interested in formalizing one for DFCO behaviour as well, though. I just find my mind turns to this subject whenever I am out hypermiling. Until I formalize it, it won't leave me alone.

On the more practical side, since I am willing to pop my car in neutral I can simulate freewheeling (at least if I'm not too lazy).