Application of Advanced Early Warning Systems with Adaptive Protection

This project developed and field-tested two methods of Adaptive Protection systems utilizing synchrophasor data. One method detects conditions of system stress that can lead to unintended relay operation, and initiates a supervisory signal to modify relay response in real time to avoid false trips. The second method detects the possibility of false trips of impedance relays as stable system swings “encroach” on the relays’ impedance zones, and produces an early warning so that relay engineers can re-evaluate relay settings. In addition, real-time synchrophasor data produced by this project was used to develop advanced visualization techniques for display of synchrophasor data to utility operators and engineers

Modern computing: Vision and challenges

Over the past six decades, the computing systems field has experienced significant transformations, profoundly impacting society with transformational developments, such as the Internet and the commodification of computing. Underpinned by technological advancements, computer systems, far from being static, have been continuously evolving and adapting to cover multifaceted societal niches. This has led to new paradigms such as cloud, fog, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which offer fresh economic and creative opportunities. Nevertheless, this rapid change poses complex research challenges, especially in maximizing potential and enhancing functionality. As such, to maintain an economical level of performance that meets ever-tighter requirements, one must understand the drivers of new model emergence and expansion, and how contemporary challenges differ from past ones. To that end, this article investigates and assesses the factors influencing the evolution of computing systems, covering established systems and architectures as well as newer developments, such as serverless computing, quantum computing, and on-device AI on edge devices. Trends emerge when one traces technological trajectory, which includes the rapid obsolescence of frameworks due to business and technical constraints, a move towards specialized systems and models, and varying approaches to centralized and decentralized control. This comprehensive review of modern computing systems looks ahead to the future of research in the field, highlighting key challenges and emerging trends, and underscoring their importance in cost-effectively driving technological progress

Modern computing: vision and challenges

Over the past six decades, the computing systems field has experienced significant transformations, profoundly impacting society with transformational developments, such as the Internet and the commodification of computing. Underpinned by technological advancements, computer systems, far from being static, have been continuously evolving and adapting to cover multifaceted societal niches. This has led to new paradigms such as cloud, fog, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which offer fresh economic and creative opportunities. Nevertheless, this rapid change poses complex research challenges, especially in maximizing potential and enhancing functionality. As such, to maintain an economical level of performance that meets ever-tighter requirements, one must understand the drivers of new model emergence and expansion, and how contemporary challenges differ from past ones. To that end, this article investigates and assesses the factors influencing the evolution of computing systems, covering established systems and architectures as well as newer developments, such as serverless computing, quantum computing, and on-device AI on edge devices. Trends emerge when one traces technological trajectory, which includes the rapid obsolescence of frameworks due to business and technical constraints, a move towards specialized systems and models, and varying approaches to centralized and decentralized control. This comprehensive review of modern computing systems looks ahead to the future of research in the field, highlighting key challenges and emerging trends, and underscoring their importance in cost-effectively driving technological progress

Revised reference model

This document contains an update of the HIDENETS Reference Model, whose preliminary version was introduced in D1.1. The Reference Model contains the overall approach to development and assessment of end-to-end resilience solutions. As such, it presents a framework, which due to its abstraction level is not only restricted to the HIDENETS car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure applications and use-cases. Starting from a condensed summary of the used dependability terminology, the network architecture containing the ad hoc and infrastructure domain and the definition of the main networking elements together with the software architecture of the mobile nodes is presented. The concept of architectural hybridization and its inclusion in HIDENETS-like dependability solutions is described subsequently. A set of communication and middleware level services following the architecture hybridization concept and motivated by the dependability and resilience challenges raised by HIDENETS-like scenarios is then described. Besides architecture solutions, the reference model addresses the assessment of dependability solutions in HIDENETS-like scenarios using quantitative evaluations, realized by a combination of top-down and bottom-up modelling, as well as verification via test scenarios. In order to allow for fault prevention in the software development phase of HIDENETS-like applications, generic UML-based modelling approaches with focus on dependability related aspects are described. The HIDENETS reference model provides the framework in which the detailed solution in the HIDENETS project are being developed, while at the same time facilitating the same task for non-vehicular scenarios and application

Preliminary definition of CORTEX interaction model

As scheduled in the Technical Annex, WP2-D3 comprises work on the basic communication abstractions and the context and environmental awareness. It is structured in an introduction, providing a short survey of the content and four technical chapters. Chapter 2 describes the notion of event channels as a basic middleware abstraction of the interaction model. The concept of event channels accommodates an event-based, generative, many-to-many, anonymous communication model. It contributes to the resolution of the trade-off between autonomy and the need of coordination. Rather than explicitly coordinating actions by transferring control, an event channel allows interaction via a shared data space, thereby maintaining the autonomy of components. A comparison with alternative schemes is presented in chapter 3. Here, the impact of the interaction scheme on the modelling and implementation of a complex robotic application is analysed. It provides additional arguments in favour of a publisher/subscriber communication architecture. One of the challenges in CORTEX is to integrate the cooperation of components through the environment into the general interaction concept. The sensor capabilities of the sentient components and their ability to interact with the environment open new ways of cooperation. A mechanism called Stigmergy which is borrowed from biology and discussed in the CORTEX context is presented in chapter 4. Any activity which is carried out in the physical world needs to adapt to the pace and dependability requirements dictated by the environment. In technical terms this means that non-functional properties of the system, as timeliness and reliability of operation have to be included. These Quality of Service (QoS) attributes have to be guaranteed even in an environment where unanticipated dynamic change is one of the inherent properties. Chapter 5 introduces an adaptive QoS mechanism based on a reliable and timely system service. This service, called the Timely Computing Base (TCB) is able to monitor distributed system activities and to provide an "early warning system" for temporal and functional failures. The TCB thus provides part of the context and environmental awareness needed for adaptatio

Evolution of security engineering artifacts: a state of the art survey

Security is an important quality aspect of modern open software systems. However, it is challenging to keep such systems secure because of evolution. Security evolution can only be managed adequately if it is considered for all artifacts throughout the software development lifecycle. This article provides state of the art on the evolution of security engineering artifacts. The article covers the state of the art on evolution of security requirements, security architectures, secure code, security tests, security models, and security risks as well as security monitoring. For each of these artifacts the authors give an overview of evolution and security aspects and discuss the state of the art on its security evolution in detail. Based on this comprehensive survey, they summarize key issues and discuss directions of future research

Automatic Performance Testing of Maritime Simulation Models

Simulation models are essential tools in the maritime industry for predicting ship behavior and interactions in changing marine environments. This report explores the importance of these models and outlines how they might improve ship operations, design, and safety. It highlights the need for ongoing updates to guarantee their dependability. The performance of vessels must be improved while emissions and expenses are reduced since maritime transportation is essential for global trade. Simulation models provide useful insights for this project. This thesis provides an intelligent way for automating testing of marine simulation models in the Open Simulation Platform (OSP) environment by utilizing deep learning techniques. With the help of artificial intelligence and computer algorithms, this methodology aims to increase testing accuracy while lowering costs. Customized tests for simulation models are developed using generative adversarial networks (GANs), which mimic real-world behaviors. Although the computational requirements present difficulties, the accuracy and dependability shown by GANs surpass those of traditional techniques. This thesis emphasizes the usefulness of deep learning in maritime software testing, improving performance evaluation through careful investigation. Extending the variety of scenarios and improving the test creation procedures are two future directions. In the end, this project helps the marine industry advance toward improved effectiveness, environmental awareness, and safety. The conclusions drawn from the paper highlight the good potential of cutting-edge technology in creating a future for maritime transportation that is sustainable

Causes and Prevention of Electric Power Industry Accidents: A Delphi Study

The electric power industry is very complex, dangerous, and challenging. The number of workplace accidents declined over the last decade, but worker injuries and fatalities continue to occur. The purpose of this Delphi study was to gain consensus regarding the most feasible and desirable methods to prevent accidents and deaths. The research question focused on gaining consensus from a panel of experts regarding the most desirable and feasible solutions to fatal and serious workplace accidents in the United States. The Bolman and Deal 4-frame model proved useful for understanding challenges within the electric industry and how workers and leaders can work together to best prevent accidents. Twenty-seven managers, trainers, supervisors, and workers, each with more than 10 years of experience in the United States electric power industry, responded to 30 items in the first round. The responses from the first round, where 70% or more of participants agreed, were analyzed using the NVivo 12 Plus software. Consensus occurred after each round: In the first round through the solutions participants provided. In the second round and later rounds, consensus occurred through acceptance of items with scores of 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert-type scale endorsed by 70% or more respondents. Participants decided if the solutions were desirable and feasible in the second round, and important and credible in rounds third and fourth. Participants concurred that organizational leadership, managers, supervisors, and workers were in different ways responsible for accident prevention. Supervisors and managers who communicated organizational priorities, and demanded strict compliance with policies, rules, and procedures, promote social change in a highly specialized industry

Analysis of the understanding of flexible manufacturing in the automotive component industry and selection of best implementation strategy

In a competitive manufacturing environment a firm must be able to simultaneously produce multiple and diverse products, upgrade and redesign its products in short life cycles, and execute efficient production changeovers. This implies that the firm's manufacturing facilities should be capable of efficiently responding to the changes associated with the above abilities. These capabilities are a key requirement for building an agile manufacturing enterprise. To successfully attain these capabilities a firm must evaluate and build flexibility in its manufacturing operations. Success in manufacturing requires the adoption of methods in customer acquisition and order fulfilment processes that can manage anticipated change with precision while providing a fast and flexible response to unanticipated changes. A review of the related literature reveals that though there has been considerable research on the subject of flexible manufacturing, insufficient attention has been devoted to the development of a comprehensive method for designing and building flexible manufacturing (FM) solutions. A significant portion of the FM research and the ensuing industrial applications have focused on highly automated metal working facilities, commonly referred to as flexible manufacturing system or FMS. The objective of this research was to understand what the general understanding of FMS is in the automotive component supplying industry as well as to develop a strategy based on world class principles on how to implement such a strategy. The established strategy will then be used to implement a FMS at Shatterprufe a division of the PFG group. A comprehensive literature study was conducted on Flexible Manufacturing to get a good idea on what it is all about. A questionnaire was designed based on the guidelines in the literature study in order to establish the understanding of FMS within companies in the automotive component supplying industries. Twenty five companies were selected, based on their employee numbers and potential high complexity in the parts that they manufacture. Participating companies must also be part of National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and supplying directly to all of the local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s). Eighteen out of the twenty five companies selected did participate and return the questionnaires. Three companies replied stating that they do not have a FMS in place and thus do not want to participate in the research. The completed questionnaires were processed and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel 2003, running on the Windows XP suite of computer packages. The opinions of the various respondents were compared with the guidelines provided in the literature survey, in order to identify how to answer the main questions the author wanted to use as part of selecting an appropriate implementation approach for FMS at Shatterprufe. The following were the main recommendations and conclusions: • It is essential that the executive team at Shatterprufe realises the need of a FM programme. Based on the analysis from the theoretical research as well as from the questionnaire it should not be difficult for them to realise this; • It is recommended that the knowledge gained from the research theory and that of the research questionnaire be used as a guideline for introduction and implementation; • It is recommended that the employees that will be required to implement the FMS are properly trained in the basics of WCM and FMS and that they receive the necessary tools to perform their tasks; • It is essential that everyone throughout the entire organisation is involved from the start in the development, improvement and maintenance of the system; • It is critical that the barriers to implementation be taken seriously at the start of the whole implementation process and plans be put in place to overcome them. Make sure that there is: • proper understanding of the total effort required; • complete management support; • union buy-in; • enough training carried out; • change of priorities; • full commitment and persistence; • development of a good installation strategy; and • insurance of choosing the right approach