https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/125715 2026-04-13T20:47:32Z https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/125795 Large Scale Infrastructure Design Using Evolving Networks Ishimatsu, Takuto; Alhassan, Abdulaziz; Doufene, Abdelkrim; de Weck, Olivier; Alsaati, Adnan; Strzepek, Kenneth; Alfaris, Anas This paper discusses the potential use of graph-theoretic framework in the context of large scale infrastructure design and management. Named as the Interdependent Network Flow with Induced Internal Transformation (INFINIT) model, it could be used to optimize the flow of resources and placement of new facilities (and expansion or retirement of existing facilities) at the individual facility level over multiple dimensions of geographical networks. This model can solve an optimization problem considering both spatial and temporal dimensions: a spatial dimension, where a new infrastructure should be invested at a given time; and a temporal dimension, when a new infrastructure should be invested. We apply the model to study the agriculture water system in Saudi Arabia and evaluate the concept of “Solar Desalination for Agriculture” at a national level. This framework takes into account key performance attributes such as cost, sustainability, optimality, strategic security and robustness as well as the ideal phasing and deployment of the network. These attributes span multiple dimensions such as spatial (network topology), temporal (multiple phases) and technical (available technologies) dimensions. The focus of this research is to demonstrate the applicability of the INFINIT for modeling and assessment of agricultural water system in Saudi Arabia. 2020-06-13T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/125794 A Web-Based Collaborative Decision Support System for National Water Policy Planning Doufene, Abdelkrim; Aldawood, Salma; Ishimatsu, Takuto; Alhassan, Abdulaziz; Sanchez, Abel; Alfaris, Anas; Alsaati, Adnan; de Weck, Olivier In this paper, we introduce a web-based collaborative decision support system (WCDSS) to enable stakeholders to evaluate and refine complex scenarios addressing the location, timing, and technology of water and related energy investments across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We start by providing insight into the utility of this WCDSS in the Kingdom in the framework of a strategic sustainable desalination network project. We present the components of the WCDSS: a GIS-based web interface and its layers, a common geospatial database, and a simulation and optimization engine to analyze various scenarios. This WCDSS enables participative data collection and interacts with different stakeholders. We present examples of the scenario analysis and conclude with perspectives to enhance the web-based collaborative decision support system. 2020-06-13T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/125793 Model Based System Design to Support Variability and Flexibility, and Early Bidding Phase of New Procurement Doufene, Abdelkrim; Sakhrani, Vivek; Alkhenani, Abdullah; Yu, Bo Yang; Alsaati, Adnan; Alfaris, Anas; de Weck, Olivier A generic design of a complex industrial system allows the reduction in engineering cost and time to market because of the ability to adapt a technical solution given a particular context. We present in this study a model-based design approach that allows managing variability and flexibility in design to support both near- and long-term decisions. A case study addressing a solar desalination combination problem illustrates this approach. The produced models are organized in an open-web decision support system, which governs access to an integrated suite of models. This suite includes computational models for the operation of three desalination and two solar technologies and a life-cycle investment model, first developed as stand-alone applications and then modularized with the web platform to provide a set of linked models. In addition, to assist a collaborative design of solar desalination plants, a possible application of this work is to support a new e-bidding process. 2020-06-13T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/125792 Towards a Comprehensive Design Approach for Complex Systems Architecture and Optimization Doufene, Abdelkrim; Krob, Daniel The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a comprehensive design approach for complex industrial systems architecture and optimization. We present an architectural design framework, useful to organize and structure all the views that allow the study of a complex system with a holistic approach. Multi-objective and multidisciplinary optimization and equilibrium models support considerably the process of trade-off analysis and decision-making. Data used in these optimization problems are gathered according to the system descriptions following the architectural design framework. This design framework separates clearly between the problem definition space and the solution design space thanks to different abstraction levels. Furthermore, this approach shows the importance of taking into account the life cycles of the system of interest and of the external systems in modeling the optimization problems. The assessment of the life cycle properties highlights parameters that contribute effectively to the integration of the system in its environment. Finally, we underline that simulation can significantly reduce engineering costs and time. We have illustrated this approach through practical examples related to electric vehicles, and this paper summarizes already published works. 2020-06-13T00:00:00Z