CONCEPTUAL MODELING AND SIMULATION OF SMART ECOSYSTEMS
This research project aims at developing new conceptual models in the areas of smart city: energy, mobility and security. The models will be based on simulation, Internet of Things, Big Data, Cloud/Fog Computing, sensor networks and broadband communication networks. The conceptual models will be further explored to the levels of proof of concept and lab validations of innovative products (up to TRL 4). For instance, methods and tools to use Big Data in policy making as both an input, but also an output of the overall process. New models, tools and strategies to engage stakeholders will be explored as well along with new policy making methodologies and approaches based on more sophisticated and realistic decision making models, able to cope with increased social complexity (e.g. emerging multi-layered and multi-level social actors), socio-technical interactions (e.g. social-networks and digitalization), and the need to address controlled real world test-cases as an essential step in data acquisition and policy validation. Special attention will be put on conceptual models and simulation in learning in a Smart City.
1. Conceptual Modeling and Simulation in the area of Smart Energy
This task will combine multidisciplinary expertise on energy transition from technical, economical and societal perspectives. The focus will be creation of an open innovation ecosystem that supports development of smart energy solutions facilitating the process of energy transition from a centralised, fossil-fuel based energy system to a more decentralised, sustainable energy system. This will also require a high degree of digitally enabled change e.g. through deployment of smart meters and ICT technology to make the energy system operable in two directions. More consumers are also becoming producers of energy therefore it needs to be possible to move energy in both directions. The main research topics will be: Internet of Energy (Smart Grid and Internet of Things), simulation and modelling for distributed energy systems, ICT platforms for consumer engagement and B2B services, digitally enabled social innovation for energy, policy research on digital transition and climate change.
2. Conceptual Modeling and Simulation in the area of Smart Mobility
This task aims at developing a conceptual models and simulations of an on-demand urban transportation system based on an intelligent and cooperative ICT platform focused on the improvement of the existing urban multimodal mobility schemes in terms of congestion avoidance, thus reducing pollutant emissions. Data collected from a number of heterogeneous sources will be used, e.g. data collected and transmitted by individuals and smart sensors and devices located in roaming cars and smart bikes; open traffic data collected by municipalities and governments by means of sensors integrated on urban roads; crowd sourcing information in the social networks, etc. A set of prototypes will be developed based on novel algorithms for congestion prediction by using IoT and cloud technologies; smart sensors, real time data processing; big open data; decision support and multi-agent systems; augmented reality; simulation and serious gaming. A model for a user centred multimodal transport service (towards Mobility as a Service – MaaS) with added personal context will be developed.
3. Conceptual Modeling and Simulation in the area of Smart Security
The objective of this task is to develop economically sustainable conceptual models (e.g. a mobile border check-point) and simulations leading to technological improvement of security on European Land Crossing Points based on a risk analysis that combines information from multiple sources and starts when the traveller buys a travelling ticket. This early and proactive risk analysis results in an evaluation that represents an input to cross-border checks with the ultimate goal of improving the accuracy of border crossing points activities while reducing costs. The integration of information from multiple sources represents an important factor for risk assessment based on both information provided by the traveller on a voluntary basis (duly checked), as well as sensors, public social media, traditional security databases and other relevant resources (i.e. deep net, block chain). The model of Security by Design will be applied.