Towards a Comprehensive Design Approach for Complex Systems Architecture and Optimization

Abstract

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.