Flexible and Intelligent Learning Architectures for SOS (FILA-SoS)

Multi-faceted systems of the future will entail complex logic and reasoning with many levels of reasoning in intricate arrangement. The organization of these systems involves a web of connections and demonstrates self-driven adaptability. They are designed for autonomy and may exhibit emergent behavior that can be visualized. Our quest continues to handle complexities, design and operate these systems. The challenge in Complex Adaptive Systems design is to design an organized complexity that will allow a system to achieve its goals. This report attempts to push the boundaries of research in complexity, by identifying challenges and opportunities. Complex adaptive system-of-systems (CASoS) approach is developed to handle this huge uncertainty in socio-technical systems

Integrating the human element into the systems engineering process and MBSE methodology

In response to the challenges related to the increasing size and complexity of systems, organizations have recognized the need to integrate human considerations in the beginning stages of systems development. Human Systems Integration (HSI) seeks to accomplish this objective by incorporating human factors within systems engineering (SE) processes and methodologies, which is the focus of this paper. A representative set of HSI methods from multiple sources are organized, analyzed, and mapped to the systems engineering Vee-model. These methods are then consolidated and evaluated against the SE process and Models-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodology to determine where and how they could integrate within systems development activities in the form of specific enhancements. Overall conclusions based on these evaluations are presented and future research areas are proposed

The system of systems architecture feasibility assessment model

This research presents the system of systems (SoS) tradespace definition methodology (SoS-TDM) and SoS architecture feasibility assessment model (SoS-AFAM). Together, these extend current model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SoS engineering (SoSE) methodologies. In particular, they extend the methods of tradespace exploration to considerations of multiple perspectives of an SoS--the physical, process, and organization. In considering multiple perspectives of an SoS, one better defines the SoS and is more likely to correctly represent its performance in an analysis model. The SoS-TDM defines an SoS tradespace by progressively winnowing the design space with increasingly strict definitions of feasibility and then exhaustively analyzing the remaining points. The SoS-AFAM defines and assesses SoS architecture feasibility through a variety of tests that consider the aforementioned aspects of an SoS. Together, these methods may be integrated with existing MBSE and SoSE methodologies and extend their utility.http://archive.org/details/thesystemofsyste1094549467Captain, United States ArmyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

A System-of-Systems Architecture Methodology to Evaluate Energy Systems Integration as a Pathway for the Energy Transition

Ph. D. ThesisOne pathway for the energy transition is Energy Systems Integration (ESI), which aims to exploit synergies across the multiple energy vectors of electricity, gas and heat. This will create new interactions between different components of the energy system and increase the complexity involved. Existing studies focus on planning and operational models for ESI, but the literature lacks comprehensive studies around evaluation of ESI. This thesis develops a novel methodological framework for evaluating the effectiveness of ESI as a pathway for the energy transition. The framework provides a model to encompass stakeholders’ perspectives in an indicator-based evaluation while reducing the complexity of the energy system architecture. The framework is based on three main contributions presented in this research, drawn from the areas of sustainability assessments, sustainability transitions and systems engineering, respectively. Firstly, the framework exhibits principles identified to reflect a whole systems approach for evaluation being: multidimensional, multivectoral, systemic, systematic, futuristic, and applicable. Secondly, the framework operationalises an understanding of ESI in relation to the Multi-System Perspective for transitions, being conceptualised as a System-ofSystem (SoS). Thirdly, the framework combines systems engineering concepts and methods to (i) model the integrated energy system architecture as a SoS; (ii) identify the structural and functional relationships between its components and with its stakeholders at different levels of abstraction; and (iii) select indicators to measure the effectiveness of the energy system towards achieving its requirements. The framework is validated using a test case study on the local energy system in Findhorn village and through a group interview with academic experts, whose feedback helped implement necessary improvements. From this, a Reference System Architecture Model that can be readily used as a standard approach for evaluation is developed. A full scale study is conducted on the North of Tyne energy system to demonstrate the framework applicability and usefulness.EPSR