Abstract: An increasing number of software systems today are very-large-scale software systems (VLSS) with system-of-systems (SoS) architectures. Due to their heterogeneity and complexity VLSS are difficult to understand and analyze, which results in various challenges for development and evolution. Existing software engineering processes, methods, and tools do not sufficiently address the characteristics of VLSS. Also, there are only a few empirical studies on software engineering for VLSS. We report on results of an exploratory case study involving engineers and technical project managers of an industrial automation VLSS for metallurgical plants. The paper provides empirical evidence on how VLSS are tested, commissioned, and operated in practice. The paper discusses practical challenges and reports industrial requirements regarding process and tool support. In particular, software processes and tools need to provide general guidance at the VLSS level as well as specific methods and tools for systems that are part of the VLSS. Processes and tools need to support multi-disciplinary engineering across system boundaries. Furthermore, managing variability and evolution is success-critical in VLSS verification and validation.

Abstract: Although numerous methods exist for the product development process they are not regularly used in practice. One reason is that there is often not enough know-how available regarding the integration of the methods in product development processes. In this contribution, results of an open online survey are presented. Major findings of this study reveal that applied methods are usually used with a certain focus, although all method categories can be found throughout the entire product development process. Furthermore, the research results show that the variance in the evaluation of the suitability of individual methods within a category was remarkably low. Simultaneously the number of used methods within the corresponding category was spread out since there are many seldom-applied methods that are evaluated as successful, so the purpose of the methods’ research should be the provision of situation -appropriate methods to developers.

Abstract: Intuitively, the integration of energy storage technologies such as pumped hydro and batteries into vertically integrated utility and independent system operator/regional transmission operator (ISO/RTO)-scale systems should confer significant benefits to operations, ranging from mitigation of renewables generation variability to peak shaving. However, the realized benefits of such integration are highly dependent upon the environment in which the integration occurs. Further, integration of storage requires careful modeling extensions of existing market management systems (MMSs), which are currently responsible for market and reliability operations in the grid. In this paper, we outline the core issues that arise when integrating storage devices into an MMS system, ranging from high-level modeling of storage devices for purposes of unit comment and economic dispatch to the potential need for new mechanisms to more efficiently allow for storage to participate in market environments. We observe that the outcomes of cost-benefit analyses of storage integration are sensitive to system-specific details, e.g., wind penetration levels. Finally, we provide an illustrative case study showing significant positive impacts of storage integration.

Abstract: This paper describes the structure of a computer aided framework for an energy management system based on an intermediate-level supervision tool — in the context of the automation pyramid — integrated with a software that performs the control application, supported by typical factory floor automation hardware in a distributed system environment. In addition, this platform aims to prioritize, in a scenario of increasing regulation, their adherence to standardization requirements of the energy system model advocated by the ISO50001. For that, it is proposed the systematic development of an automation project, through the adoption of a standardized methodology, to declare and instantiate software elements as functions, function blocks and programs that implement all of the features required by the energy management systems, including the methodology for monitoring and targeting. The implementation of an energy management system in this context results in greater modularization, structuring, reuse, validation, debugging, high software quality, high flexibility and adaptability, lower costs of development and implementation, facilitating user interaction with the system.

Abstract: This paper discusses research by design efforts in architectural education, focused on developing concepts and methods for the design of performance-oriented and intensely local architectures. The pursued notion of performance foregrounds the interaction between a given architecture and its local setting, with consequences not only for the design product but also for the related processes by which it is generated. Integrated approaches to data-driven computational design serve to generate such designs. The outlined approach shifts the focus of design attention away from the delivery of finite architectural objects and towards an expanded range of architecture-environment interactions that are registered, instrumentalised and modulated over time. This paper examines ongoing efforts in integrating specific architectural goals and approaches, computational data-driven design methods and generative design processes, based on a range of context-specific and often real-time data sets. The work discussed is produced in the context of the Research Centre for Architecture and Tectonics (RCAT) and the Advanced Computational Design Laboratory (ACDL) at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design.

Abstract: <p>This report presents the final impact verification of the SEMANCO integrated platform. The work presented applies the evaluation criteria established in Deliverable 2.4 Updated impact verification in the light of the final implementation of the demonstration scenarios reported in Deliverable 8.4 Implementation effectiveness.</p> <p><br>Deliverable 2.4 identified the following criteria as the most appropriate to use when evaluating the SEMANCO integrated platform:<br>1. The functionalities of the platform in relation to the main challenges identified for each case study. This included: a) Urban energy systems operating at different levels, b) Multiple dimensions to represent urban energy systems, c) Energy transformations across scales and, d) Finding a balance between detailed and relevant information.<br>2. The ability of the platform to provide relevant information to support energy efficient urban planning. This includes: a) Creating alternative urban projects, b) integrating data from different sources, c) Simulating the energy performance of an urban area and d) Calculating performance indicators.<br>3. The relevance that the results produced by using the SEMANCO tools have for the users and stakeholders involved in energy efficient urban planning realm.</p>

Abstract: \t By the mid-1950s IBM had established laboratories in New York City and in San Jose, California, with San Jose being the first one apart from headquarters. This provided considerable freedom to the scientists and with its success IBM executives gained the confidence they needed to look beyond the United States for a third lab. The choice wasn’t easy, but Switzerland was eventually selected based on the same blend of talent, skills and academia that IBM uses today — most recently for its decision to open new labs in Ireland, Brazil and Australia. \t

Abstract: In recent years, awareness of the potential consequences associated with a major disruption to the critical infrastructure has grown among public and private entities. Indeed, traditional and emerging threats endanger service continuity and, by extension, the normal functioning of modern society. This paper presents an approach for modeling the effects of critical infrastructure failures as a result of unexpected events. The transportation, energy and telecommunications infrastructures are modeled using a system dynamics approach. The work constitutes a component of the CRISADMIN Project that is focused on developing a tool to evaluate the impacts of critical events. The ultimate objective of the project is to provide decision makers with a sophisticated tool to help them mitigate negative effects in emergency situations. The prototype tool described in this paper leverages case studies of terrorist attacks and floods that have occurred in Europe.

Abstract: <p>This paper examines the architectural implications for the integration of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in new construction or extensive renovation of existing building shells. The study is based on a documentation of the current literature and a taxonomy of current and proposed applications based on conformance to a variety of building typologies. Additionally to the literature review, the paper delves on the investigation, assessment and categorization of existing applications, through case studies, analyzing the type and the function of each case, in order to identify the best practices for the different applications.The ultimate aim of this effort is to critically present the breadth of typologies of the plethora of alternatives available for building integrated photovoltaic and solar-thermal panels in ways that maximize their potential for solar gains for the purpose of addressing the power and thermal requirements of a given structure as well as its design.</p>

Abstract: This chapter discusses the state-of-the-art of software engineering for aerospace. To be successful, software engineering for aerospace must take into account the fact that aerospace systems need to meet a variety of standards and high safety requirements, and therefore, the development of aerospace systems emphasizes verification, validation, certification, and testing. This chapter discusses the complexity of software development along with the software engineering process currently employed by leading aerospace organizations such as NASA, ESA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin. Their software development projects apply a spiral-based methodology where the emphasis is on verification. Methods, techniques, and architectural approaches for aerospace are also discussed. A new class of autonomous aerospace systems (such as UAV and robotic space-exploration systems) is currently emerging to incorporate features like integrated health management, self-monitoring and on-board decision making. The lack of proper, yet dedicated, software engineering for autonomous aerospace systems is the reason for many inherent problems related to requirements, modeling, and implementation. Requirements engineering for autonomous systems appears to be a wide open research area with only a limited number of approaches yet considered.