Integrated System Architecture Research Articles

Advancements and Current Developments in Integrated System Architectures of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Mobility

Recognizing the challenges faced by power lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the concept of integrated battery systems emerges as a promising avenue. This offers the potential for higher energy densities and assuaging concerns surrounding electric vehicle range anxiety. Moreover, mechanical design optimization, though previously overlooked, is gaining traction among researchers as a viable alternative to achieve enhanced energy and power densities. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent research and progress in this domain, emphasizing the significance of battery architectures in enabling the widespread adoption of electric mobility. Beginning with an exploration of fundamental principles underlying LIB systems, the paper discusses various architectures involving different cell form factors, like pouch cells, cylindrical cells, and prismatic cells, along with their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it reviews recent research trends, highlighting innovations aimed at enhancing battery performance, energy density, and safety through advanced battery system architecture. Through case studies and discussions on challenges and future directions, the paper underscores the critical role of advanced battery system architecture in driving the evolution of e-mobility and shaping the sustainable transportation landscape.

A simulation-based Digital Twin for smart warehouse: Towards standardization

Cyber–physical systems are developed to meet the need to improve process flexibility, optimality, and transparency through Digital Twin (DT). Unfortunately, the application of DT is still limited in practice, and there is no standard way to achieve integration. An Asset Administration Shell (AAS) appears as a promising concept for realizing DT in a standard manner. A literature review shows that most studies only reached static DT and only considered a few specific assets, especially unmovable ones. This study contributes to DT development by proposing 3D-based computer simulation technology as dynamic DT based on the AAS Framework. The proposed concept enables DT to conduct dynamic monitoring, optimization, and direct controlling. A smart warehouse in Taiwan is used to verify the proposed concept. Assets considered include Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Operator, Conveyor, Forklift, and Storage Rack. AAS structure, simulation model built in FlexSim software, and system integration architecture have been constructed. Two advantages of using simulation for DT are demonstrated: multi-objective simulation–optimization for AGV capacity planning and creating dynamic dashboards. Based on the proposed concept, industry 4.0 scenarios can be integrated comprehensively.

Optimizing Energy-Efficient Communication Protocols for IoT Devices in Smart Cities Using Narrowband IoT and LTE-M Technology

In the context of optimizing energy-efficient communication protocols for IoT devices in smart cities, this research addresses the pressing need for sustainable and reliable solutions. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the strategies that contribute to minimizing energy consumption in smart city IoT deployments, with a specific focus on Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technology. Employing a structured framework and an integrated system architecture, incorporating LTE-M technology and an application server, the research leverages various optimization strategies. These include Adaptive Power Control, Duty Cycling, Data Aggregation, Protocol Optimization, and Network Topology Optimization. Methodologically, the study adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing metrics such as duty cycle percentages and energy consumption reductions. Data is collected through simulations and experiments, and the analysis involves assessing the impact of each optimization strategy on energy efficiency. Key findings demonstrate significant reductions in energy consumption, ranging from 15% to 25%, depending on the specific strategy employed. Adaptive Power Control and Network Topology Optimization emerge as particularly effective approaches. The implications of these findings underscore the importance of adopting tailored optimization strategies in smart city IoT deployments to achieve both energy efficiency and reliability. The study discusses the broader significance of these results and acknowledges potential limitations, paving the way for future research endeavors in the realm of sustainable and resource-conserving smart cities.

Integrated system architecture with mixed-reality user interface for virtual-physical hybrid swarm simulations

This paper introduces a hybrid robotic swarm system architecture that combines virtual and physical components and enables human–swarm interaction through mixed reality (MR) devices. The system comprises three main modules: (1) the virtual module, which simulates robotic agents, (2) the physical module, consisting of real robotic agents, and (3) the user interface (UI) module. To facilitate communication between the modules, the UI module connects with the virtual module using Photon Network and with the physical module through the Robot Operating System (ROS) bridge. Additionally, the virtual and physical modules communicate via the ROS bridge. The virtual and physical agents form a hybrid swarm by integrating these three modules. The human–swarm interface based on MR technology enables one or multiple human users to interact with the swarm in various ways. Users can create and assign tasks, monitor real-time swarm status and activities, or control and interact with specific robotic agents. To validate the system-level integration and embedded swarm functions, two experimental demonstrations were conducted: (a) two users playing planner and observer roles, assigning five tasks for the swarm to allocate the tasks autonomously and execute them, and (b) a single user interacting with the hybrid swarm consisting of two physical agents and 170 virtual agents by creating and assigning a task list and then controlling one of the physical robots to complete a target identification mission.

Real-Time Monitoring and Management of Hardware and Software Resources in Heterogeneous Computer Networks through an Integrated System Architecture

The theoretical and practical progress that has occurred in the field of computer networks during the past fifteen years has enhanced the economical efficiency and social relevance of related real-world use cases. Nevertheless, this ubiquitous usage has also introduced numerous security risks. Therefore, monitoring hardware and software resources represents one of the main instruments used in order to prevent potential attacks and to ensure the security and reliability of a network. Various solutions have been reported in the related scientific literature. In essence, most of the existing approaches are not suitable to implement a real-time hardware monitoring and management solution, particularly in heterogeneous networks. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is represented by an architectural and implementational model, which is effective in order to build an interconnected system that can help system and network administrators to secure a network. This requirement is met by considering symmetrical design and implementation features related to various operating systems. Thus, the existing symmetrical relationships among identified parameters allow for the data to be wrapped into the same custom network packages, which are transported over the communication medium or are stored using the same data structures or tables. The system has been thoroughly assessed considering several real-world use case scenarios, and the results demonstrate that the proposed model can be applied to software-defined networks, which can be protected by relevant intrusion detection systems (IDS).

Operation Strategy of EV Aggregators Considering EV Driving Model and Distribution System Operation in Integrated Power and Transportation Systems

Recently, the penetration of electric vehicle (EV) has increased, and several motor companies have declared a paradigm shift to EVs. However, most existing studies focusing on EV charging scheduling in power system operations neglect the integrated operation of transportation and distribution systems. Because EVs affect both systems, it is necessary to consider the grid operation and the individual EV’s preferences (charging cost and time) simultaneously. In this study, an integrated power-transportation system structure and operation algorithms are developed to analyze the impact of EVs on the distribution system. In addition, this study proposes an optimal EV driving model that consists of two driving patterns: routine driving and long-distance driving. For routine driving patterns, the Markov chain model is implemented considering the mileage and conditions of individual EVs. Subsequently, long-distance driving patterns are developed to select the optimal route through reinforcement learning. In addition, the EV aggregator structure of EV charging stations can effectively predict local charge demands and perform charge control in real-time. An integrated power-transportation system is developed using the IEEE RBTS system and the integrated system architecture and algorithms are developed using MATLAB. It utilizes the ACOPPF function of MATPOWER to evaluate systematic stability and derive DLMP (Distributed Locational Marginal Price). This study conducts performance verification in various scenarios, confirming the effect of charging control of EV aggregators considering system stability, loss reduction (50kWh), and cost reduction of the entire system.

Enhancing Context-Aware Reactive Planning for Unexpected Situations of On-Orbit Spacecraft

Spacecraft software is a complicated software system integrating many subsystems of different disciplines. Supporting on-orbit missions needs the knowledge of industrial information integration. To ensure mission success, reactive planning is a critical function in solving dynamic problems during task execution, relying on the knowledge of situation for optimal decision-making. However, it may unable to correctly identify the operational context in unexpected situations. This article solves the unexpected situation problem for reactive planning. It proposes a context-awareness model enhancement framework to identify the triggers of critical situations based on event evolution-based analysis. The framework includes the process of unexpected situation discovery, context identification, and context refinement. With this approach, preventive operational resilience can be achieved. Moreover, a symbiotic computing paradigm and a flexible inference engine are devised for addressing the on-orbit spacecraft-specific challenges. Also, an agent-based reactive system design and a system integration architecture is provided for implementing the proposed approach from both autonomy and information integration perspective. Experiment results show that the proposed approach is effective and efficient to solve the unexpected situation issue. This article offers a crucial insight to context-aware decision-support in space applications.

Optimum systems integration architecture for monitoring to manage an electricity utility

Background: A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is critical for remote monitoring and control of devices in various industries such as power utilities, oil and gas refineries, and manufacturing. Previous generations of SCADA systems have numerous limitations in today’s business environment. The latest technological advancements have brought forth new SCADA architecture variants that can be configured to ensure optimised operations. There is a need to assess the latest SCADA architectures that are posed to replace previous generations.Objectives: This research study aims to review various SCADA architectures and proposes an optimum SCADA system architecture for power utility. The proposed architecture is compared with the existing power utility SCADA system to highlight the impact and benefits of the proposed architecture.Methods: The research uses a qualitative approach and a comparative case study method to compare 10 SCADA architectures against a literature review-based criterion. A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) matrix is used to evaluate SCADA architectures and proposes an optimum Internet-of-Things (IoT)-SCADA system architecture for the power utility case study.Results: The research proposed an IoT-SCADA system architecture for optimum system functioning and compared the proposed architecture with the existing utility SCADA architecture. Moreover, the impact and benefits of the proposed architecture to the utility company are presented.Conclusion: The proposed IoT-SCADA system architecture has the potential to resolve many of the challenges encountered with previous generations of SCADA system architectures.

Integration of Wireless Sensor Networks in Environmental Monitoring Cyber Infrastructure

Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have great potential to revolutionize many science and engineering domains. We present a novel environmental monitoring system with a focus on overall system architecture for seamless integration of wired and wireless sensors for long-term, remote, and near-real-time monitoring. We also present a unified framework for sensor data collection, management, visualization, dissemination, and exchange, conforming to the new Sensor Web Enablement standard. Some initial field testing results are also presented. The monitoring system is being integrated into the Texas Environmental Observatory infrastructure for long-term operation. As part of the integrated system, a new WSN-based soil moisture monitoring system is developed and deployed to support hydrologic monitoring and modeling research. This work represents a significant contribution to the empirical study of the emerging WSN technology. We address many practical issues in real-world application scenarios that are often neglected in the existing WSN research

Encapsulated trajectory tracking control for autonomous vehicles

The motion control of autonomous vehicles with a modular, service-oriented system architecture poses new challenges, as trajectory-planning and -execution are independent software functions. In this paper, requirements for an encapsulated trajectory tracking control are derived and it’s shown that key differences to conventional vehicles with an integrated system architecture exist, requiring additional attention during controller design. A novel, encapsulated control architecture is presented that incorporates multiple extensions and support functions, fulfilling the derived requirements. It allows the application within the modular architecture without loss of functionality or performance. The controller considers vehicle stability and enables the yaw motion as an independent degree of freedom. The concept is applied and validated within the vehicles of the UNICARagil research project, that feature the previously described system architecture to increase flexibility of application by dynamically interconnecting services based on the current use-case.

An efficient spatial high-utility occupancy frequent item mining algorithm for mission system integration architecture design using the MBSE method

An efficient spatial high-utility occupancy frequent item mining algorithm for mission system integration architecture design using the MBSE method

Optical fiber hydrogen sensor using metasurfaces composed of palladium

Palladium-based hydrogen sensors have been typically studied due to the dielectric function that changes with the hydrogen concentration. However, the development of a reliable, integral, and widely applicable hydrogen sensor requires a simple readout mechanism and an optimization of the fast detection of hydrogen. In this work, optical fiber hydrogen sensing platforms are developed using an optimized metasurface, which consists of a layer of palladium nanoantennas array suspended above a gold mirror layer. Since the optical properties of these palladium nanoantennas differ from the traditional palladium films, a high reflectance difference can be achieved when the sensor based on the metasurface is exposed to the hydrogen atmosphere. Finally, the optimized reflectance difference ΔR of ∼0.28 can be obtained when the sensor is exposed in the presence of hydrogen. It is demonstrated that this integrated system architecture with an optimized palladium-based metasurface and a simple optical fiber readout system provides a compact and light platform for hydrogen detection in various working environments.

Bi-Level Multi-Objective Optimization Scheduling for Regional Integrated Energy Systems Based on Quantum Evolutionary Algorithm

Integrated energy systems have become an important research topic in the pursuit of sustainable energy development. This paper examines regional integrated energy systems, presents the typical architecture of regional integrated energy systems, and builds an integrated energy system model. Two evaluation indexes are proposed: the integrated energy self-sufficiency rate and the expected energy deficiency index. Based on these evaluation indexes and taking into account the uncertainty of wind power generation, a bi-level optimization model based on meta-heuristic algorithms and multi-objective programming is established to solve the problem of regional integrated energy system planning under different load structures and for multi-period and multi-scenario operation modes. A quantum evolutionary algorithm is combined with genetic algorithms to solve the problem.

An Autonomous Grape-Harvester Robot: Integrated System Architecture

This work pursues the potential of extending “Industry 4.0” practices to farming toward achieving “Agriculture 4.0”. Our interest is in fruit harvesting, motivated by the problem of addressing the shortage of seasonal labor. In particular, here we present an integrated system architecture of an Autonomous Robot for Grape harvesting (ARG). The overall system consists of three interdependent units: (1) an aerial unit, (2) a remote-control unit and (3) the ARG ground unit. Special attention is paid to the ARG; the latter is designed and built to carry out three viticultural operations, namely harvest, green harvest and defoliation. We present an overview of the multi-purpose overall system, the specific design of each unit of the system and the integration of all subsystems. In addition, the fully sensory-based sensing system architecture and the underlying vision system are analyzed. Due to its modular design, the proposed system can be extended to a variety of different crops and/or orchards.

Overview of Service Interface Design Approaches for Interoperability of Traditional System Integration Patterns

One of the major issues in system integration is to deal with interoperability of legacy systems which use traditional System Integration Patterns (SIP). Information are unable to exchange effectively when the systems involved comes from developer that tended to not interoperate and this leads to the interoperability problem in heterogeneous system integration. To address the interoperability issues, interfacing processes need to be made more easily by defining components, processes, and interfaces that affect the system integration architecture at the initial design stage. This paper includes a basic concept on types of traditional SIP covering File-Based, Common Database, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Distributed Objects, and Messaging. An overview of three Service Interface Design (SID) approaches for systems interoperability is discussed. The discussions on these approaches serve as a basis for the solution of interoperability of heterogeneous systems which use traditional SIP.

Applications of Blockchain Technology in Financial & Personal Data Security

Blockchain technology is defined as a decentralised-systems where the ledger that records the provenance of a digital asset is distributed amongst the users of the blockchain network. Blockchain stores and shares data in a distributed, trusted and immutable manner, removing intermediaries, and not requiring a centralized dependency for checking transactions. Transparency in blockchain provides a less complicated method for accessing ledger-based transactions over networks and makes the system more reliable in terms of data security. The technology is not actively used in today's world due to lack of research and infrastructure and hence the purpose is to modify the algorithms that can be implemented in the existing technology towards the fintech industry and help developers tackle their problems regarding financial data of the users. We surveyed plenty of resources and came across the concepts of distributed hyperledgers, integrated system architecture and secured hashing algorithms [SHA]. Using these concepts as a base we developed algorithms that are interestingly well grounded based on the statistical results gained by us while testing the algorithms. Our research indicates that the proposed algorithms can be implemented into today's technical infrastructure resolving some of the key issues faced by the users using fintech and digital transactions for their day-to-day financial operation.

Research on Informatization Construction of Digital Substation in Smart Grid

The thesis is based on the premise of the technological change of digital substations. Four key points in digital substation. On the basis of technology, the "smart" characteristics of smart substations in the smart grid system are proposed and the functional architecture of smart substations is built, which reflects the informatization, digitalization, automation and interaction of smart substations from multiple angles. The current problems in the research and construction of smart substations are put forward, and the resulting research topics are analysed. Aiming at the development trend of intelligence and integration of various equipment in substations, a new system integration architecture design concept is proposed, and the specific architecture and networking methods of smart substations are elaborated.

WebQuIn-LD: A Method of Integrating Web Query Interfaces Based on Linked Data

The deep web is a huge source of domain-specific information (sale of houses, medical information, e-commerce, science, etc) stored in database servers accessible through HTML forms called web query interfaces (WQIs). Information in the deep web is retrieved by querying one database server at a time, which results inefficient. A more attractive approach is to create an integrated WQI (IWQI) that acts as single entry point to query several database servers at a time for a given domain. Schema matching and string (labels in WQIs) comparison have been the most popular techniques to create IWQIs. In this work, we propose a new method for the integration of web forms based on linked data and the VDIS (View-based Data Integration System) architecture. We present WebQuIn-LD, an alternative and novel approach relying on linked data principles to combine individual WQIs into a single IWQI for a given domain is presented. WebQuIn-LD follows a data integration system architecture, starting from the wrapping of domain-specific WQIs until the creation of the IWQI. A domain-independent ontology is created to describe WQI elements as linked data resources and to exploit semantic integration between the WQI’s elements. WebQuIn-LD was evaluated on performance metrics (precision, recall, and F1) using the state-of-the-art WQIs datasets for different domains (airfares, books, autos, jobs, music, movies, hotels, jobs). The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of the linked data approach presented in this work for the WQI integration problem.

Lightweight KPABE Architecture Enabled in Mesh Networked Resource-Constrained IoT Devices

Internet of Things (IoT) environments are widely employed in industrial applications including intelligent transportation systems, healthcare systems, and building energy management systems. For such environments of highly sensitive data, adapting scalable and flexible communication with efficient security is vital. Research investigated wireless Ad-hoc/mesh networking, while Attribute Based Encryption (ABE) schemes have been highly recommended for IoT. However, a combined implementation of both mesh networking and Key-Policy Attribute Based Encryption (KPABE) on resource-constrained devices has been rarely addressed. Hence, in this work, an integrated system that deploys a lightweight KPABE security built on wireless mesh networking is proposed. Implementation results show that the proposed system ensures flexibility and scalability of self-forming and cooperative mesh networking in addition to a fine-grained security access structure for IoT nodes. Moreover, the work introduces a case study of an enabled scenario at a school building for optimizing energy efficiency, in which the proposed integrated system architecture is deployed on IoT sensing and actuating devices. Therefore, the encryption attributes and access policy are well-defined, and can be adopted in relevant IoT applications.

Transforming Service Delivery in Government through Integration of Web 3.0 and Social Media Technologies: A Case for Developing Countries

This study focuses on how to integrate Social Media and Web 3.0 features within government portals for personalised service delivery within government portals. The study was based on the Kenya government national portal (eCitizen) and sought the views of 94 experts responsible for managing social media and portal service on the eCitizen portal. The study employed Factor Analysis to analyse the experts' responses. Through factor analysis, the study identified six core factors that make up a Personalised Integrated Service Delivery (PISD) framework. These factors were services, web 3.0 features, social media management, security, one-stop-shop for government services and external factors. The study also described a Personalised Integrated System Architecture based on the PISD framework. The PISD framework and proposed system architecture can be used to guide the integration of social media and web 3.0 features within government portals for Personalised Integrated Service Delivery to citizens especially for developing countries like Kenya.