A Model-Based Approach Towards the Conceptualization of Digital Twins: The Case of the EU-Project COGITO

In agile business ecosystems, digitalization is a key enabler for agility and flexibility. However, digital transformation is often challenging for instance due to unclear definitions and a lack of problem understanding. In this work this complexity is addressed with a model-based approach for conceptualizing digitalization and related meta modelling activities to enable the conceptual integration of diverse concepts. Existing modelling approaches – BPMN and ArchiMate – are leveraged with domain specific considerations that are relevant for the digitalization. The construction use case from the European project COGITO serves as a foundation for ideation and first requirements engineering. Physical experiments in the OMiLAB Innovation Environment are used as an experimental method towards identifying relevant digital twinning concepts, while modelling methods can be seen as an integration platform for physical and digital elements. Key digitalization aspects towards digital twinning are discussed and conceptualized in a meta model

Digitization Principles for Application Scenarios towards Digital Twins of Organizations

In today's agile business ecosystems, digital twins (DTs) and especially digital twins of organizations (DTOs) allow for adaption through dynamically evolving models depicting organizational aspects such as production processes, data flows, human actors and interactions. A hybrid modelling approach is utilized, as the establishment of such DTOs either considered on their own or as part of a DT ecosystem is not trivial. Meta modelling and meta model merging patterns are applied to integrate heterogeneous perspectives and domain models. Two main research questions with respect to digitization towards digital twinning are discussed: First, which digitization principles/patterns are appropriate for DTOs? Patterns ranging from 'counting' to 'estimation' are introduced to fill digital models serving as a foundation for DTs with data. As a starting point, potential digitization principles for relevant characteristics of BPMN ­ 'Modelling Method for Business Processes' and KPI ­ 'Modelling Method for Key Performance Indicators' models are considered. Second, which principle/pattern is appropriate for which organizational structure? In order to ease the selection of suitable patterns for specific application scenarios, those will be associated with organizational structures like but not limited to construction processes, assembly processes or production processes each of them with domain-specific characteristics. A prototype consisting of three phases ­ use case requirements collection, model design and digitization assistance ­ builds upon (a) physical experimentations in the OMiLAB Innovation Corner using physical assets such as edge devices or sensors, (b) domain specific services considering software related aspects such as timeseries databases or simulation algorithms, and (c) modelling methods enabling the integration of physical and digital components. The paint production pilot from the European Change2Twin project serves as an application scenario evaluation use case. A notion of what the use case company intends to achieve by digital twinning and what is possible by introducing digital services is touched. The outlook presents how artificial intelligence may be introduced for the prototype to leverage the paint production use case and further application scenarios

Simulation - based production planning using Combinatorial optimization algorithms

Abweichender Titel nach Übersetzung der Verfasserin/des VerfassersDas Betreiben von Produktionsanlagen mit der höchstmöglichen Effizienz ist für die meisten Unternehmen eine absolute Notwendigkeit, um auf den Märkten bestehen zu können. Um dies zu erreichen, werden unter anderem die Methoden und Werkzeuge des Operations Research eingesetzt. So ist die Simulation von Produktions- und Logistikprozessen seit Jahrzehnten ein wichtiges Hilfsmittel für die Entscheidungsfindung bei der Planung und Steuerung von Produktionsanlagen. Die systematische Manipulation von Stellgrößen solcher Simulation, um definierte Ziele zu erreichen, führt oft zu sehr komplexen Optimierungsproblemen, welche nicht mehr mit exakten Methoden lösbar sind. Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit Optimierungsalgorithmen, die in der Lage sind, Probleme dieser Art zu lösen. Das Ziel des ersten Teils der Arbeit ist es, geeignete Optimierungsalgorithmen für ein Anwendungsbeispiel, das dem Projekt Balanced Manufacturing der Technischen Universität Wien entspringt, zu identifizieren. Dazu wird erst ein Überblick über Optimierungsalgorithmen für simulationsbasierte Optimierung gegeben. Anschließend werden das Simulationsmodell und das entsprechende Optimierungsproblem näher erläutert und im Rahmen des Operations Research klassifiziert. Basierend auf dieser Einordnung erfolgt eine Evaluierung und Auswahl geeigneter Algorithmen. Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit werden zwei Algorithmen (Particle Swarm Optimization und Genetischer Algorithmus) anhand des vorliegenden Optimierungsproblems hinsichtlich Effektivität, Effizienz und Lösungsqualität verglichen. Zudem werden für ein bereits vorhandenes Optimierungsmodul, das auf einem genetischen Algorithmus basiert, diverse Einstellungen und Operatoren getestet, mit dem Ziel, dessen Leistungsfähigkeit zu erhöhen. Durch einige der getesteten Maßnahmen werden signifikante Verbesserungen erzielt.The operation of production facilities in the most efficient way is a necessity for most companies to be competitive on the markets. To achieve this goal, the tools and methods of operations research are applied among others. The simulation of production and logistic processes is for example an important means for decision making at planning and controlling production plants. The systematic alteration of input variables of such simulations to reach certain goals often leads to highly complex optimization problems, which cannot be solved with exact methods. This work deals with optimization algorithms which can solve such problems. The aim of the first part of this work is to find suitable optimization algorithms for a use case originating the Technical University Vienna Balanced Manufacturing project. For this purpose, an overview of available optimization algorithms for simulation optimization is given. Afterwards the simulation model and the corresponding optimization problem are described in detail and classified in terms of operations research. Based on thatclassification appropriate algorithms are evaluated and selected. In the second part of this work two algorithms (particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm) are being compared on the problem regarding efficiency and effectivity. Furthermore, several setups and options are being tested for an existing optimization module, which is based on a genetic algorithm, to increase its performance. Some of these adaptions tested increase the algorithms performance significantly.11

Properties of Polymer Composites Used in High-Voltage Applications

The present review article represents a comprehensive study on polymer micro/nanocomposites that are used in high-voltage applications. Particular focus is on the structure-property relationship of composite materials used in power engineering, by exploiting fundamental theory as well as numerical/analytical models and the influence of material design on electrical, mechanical and thermal properties. In addition to describing the scientific development of micro/nanocomposites electrical features desired in power engineering, the study is mainly focused on the electrical properties of insulating materials, particularly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and epoxy resins, unfilled and filled with different types of filler. Polymer micro/nanocomposites based on XLPE and epoxy resins are usually used as insulating systems for high-voltage applications, such as: cables, generators, motors, cast resin dry-type transformers, etc. Furthermore, this paper includes ample discussions regarding the advantages and disadvantages resulting in the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties by the addition of micro- and nanofillers into the base polymer. The study goals are to determine the impact of filler size, type and distribution of the particles into the polymer matrix on the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer micro/nanocomposites compared to the neat polymer and traditionally materials used as insulation systems in high-voltage engineering. Properties such as electrical conductivity, relative permittivity, dielectric losses, partial discharges, erosion resistance, space charge behavior, electric breakdown, tracking and electrical tree resistance, thermal conductivity, tensile strength and modulus, elongation at break of micro- and nanocomposites based on epoxy resin and XLPE are analyzed. Finally, it was concluded that the use of polymer micro/nanocomposites in electrical engineering is very promising and further research work must be accomplished in order to diversify the polymer composites matrices and to improve their properties

From use cases to business cases: I-GReta use cases portfolio analysis from innovation management and digital entrepreneurship models perspectives

Abstract This study provides a detailed exploration of how innovation management and digital entrepreneurship models can help transform technical use cases in smart grid contexts into viable business cases, thereby bridging the gap between technical potential and market application in the field of energy informatics. It focuses on the I-GReta project Use Cases (UCs). The study employs methodologies like Use Case Analysis, Portfolio Mapping of Innovation Level, Innovation Readiness Level, and the Tech Solution Business Model Canvas (TSBMC) to analyse and transition from technical use cases to viable business cases. This approach aligns technological solutions with market demands and regulatory frameworks, leveraging digital entrepreneurship models to navigate market challenges and foster energy management, sustainability, and digitalization