A system architecture evaluation of MOBI.E : the Portuguese Electric Vehicle network

Abstract

Architecting consumes a relatively small portion of the design process, yet the decisions made at this critical stage will direct the overall course of the implementation and operational process. Well architected systems can deliver competitive advantage by delivering maximized benefits at a competitive cost. These beneficial effects are vital in complex systems such as MOBI.E, which is an integrated charging station network linking various points in Portugal that will enable electric vehicles to recharge. MOBI.E's main mission is to jumpstart the Portuguese sustainable electric mobility industry, promoting the integration of the electric power from renewable sources into the functioning and development of cities. This thesis underscores the importance of electric mobility as well as technology trends that will influence the evolution of MOBI.E by constructing a standalone informal primer on MOBI.E. Application of system architecture tools including the morphological matrix to key steps in the architecting process has been demonstrated and evaluations of MOBI.E's architecture have been conducted. Further, a structured framework for architectural evaluation of complex systems, building upon other frameworks in the literature, has been proposed and utilized to critically evaluate MOBIE's current design against best practices in system architecture. The conclusion of this analysis has been that MOBI.E's design has incorporated appropriate technology, minimized future rework, offered flexibility in design & implementation, ensured scalability, as well as helped meet unexpected future needs.