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3 pages, 154 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities

by Daniela Mazza, Daniele Tarchi and Angel A. Juan

Energies 2022, 15(13), 4764; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134764 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2971

Abstract

World urbanization is an important process: it is predicted that by 2050 about 64% of the developing world and 86% of the developed world will be urbanized [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

Research

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24 pages, 899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zero-Energy Computation Offloading with Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer for Two-Hop 6G Fog Networks

by Daniele Tarchi, Arash Bozorgchenani and Mulubrhan Desta Gebremeskel

Energies 2022, 15(5), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15051632 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

Currently, we are faced with an ever-increasing number of devices and objects connected to the Internet aimed at creating the so-called Internet of Things framework, fostering the creation of a connected world of objects. One of the main challenges we are actually facing [...] Read more.

Currently, we are faced with an ever-increasing number of devices and objects connected to the Internet aimed at creating the so-called Internet of Things framework, fostering the creation of a connected world of objects. One of the main challenges we are actually facing is constituted by the constrained sizes of such objects: reduced memory, reduced computational capacity, and reduced battery sizes. Particular attention should be devoted to energy efficiency, since a potential energy shortage would negatively impact not only its operation but also network-wide operation, considering the tight connections among any object. According to the 6G system’s use-case related to self-sustainability and zero-energy networks, this paper focuses on an energy-efficient fog network architecture for IoT scenarios, jointly implementing computation offloading operations and simultaneous wireless information and power Transfer (SWIPT), hence, enabling the possibility of jointly transferring energy and computational tasks among the nodes. The system under consideration is composed of three nodes, where an access point (AP) is considered to be always connected to the power network, while a relay node and an end node can harvest energy from the AP. The proposed solution allows to jointly optimize the computation offloading and the energy harvesting phases while maximizing the network lifetime, so as to maximize the operational time of the network. Numerical results obtained on MATLAB demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs better than the other benchmarks considered for comparison. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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17 pages, 15181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Collaborative Energy Communities: A European Overview

by Saveria Olga Murielle Boulanger, Martina Massari, Danila Longo, Beatrice Turillazzi and Carlo Alberto Nucci

Energies 2021, 14(24), 8226; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248226 - 7 Dec 2021

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5540

Abstract

Renewable energy has a crucial role in facing climate change. One promising strategy is the creation of energy communities that require active involvement from a bottom-up perspective. Their implementation is difficult, as they currently rely on local policies, community readiness, and technological availability. [...] Read more.

Renewable energy has a crucial role in facing climate change. One promising strategy is the creation of energy communities that require active involvement from a bottom-up perspective. Their implementation is difficult, as they currently rely on local policies, community readiness, and technological availability. The objective of this paper is to provide a qualitative overview of energy community concepts and strategies at the European level. The aim is to identify common approaches that are framing the development of energy communities, and to understand the most successful steps leading to their creation and growth. To achieve this objective, a threefold methodology is provided: (1) an updated review on policies dealing with energy communities at the European and Italian level; (2) a qualitative overview of European-funded projects under the Horizon 2020 work program; and (3) a qualitative overview of some of the most successful existing energy communities in Europe. The results outline a series of considerations and lessons learned that are useful for implementing this transition pathway in a real case, which is also presented in the paper. The conclusions will identify some future directions of this research, particularly in relation to the results coming from the implementation of actions in the real case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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20 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life Surveys as a Method of Obtaining Data for Sustainable City Development—Results of Empirical Research

by Mariusz J. Ligarski and Maciej Wolny

Energies 2021, 14(22), 7592; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227592 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2956

Abstract

Citizens are beginning to play a key role in the development of the smart city concept, providing a wealth of information for the sustainable development of cities. For this research, we planned and conducted empirical studies to examine the areas influencing the quality [...] Read more.

Citizens are beginning to play a key role in the development of the smart city concept, providing a wealth of information for the sustainable development of cities. For this research, we planned and conducted empirical studies to examine the areas influencing the quality of life from the point of view of municipalities. A questionnaire form was developed and a survey was conducted on a sample of 84 municipal offices in Poland. We tabulated, statistically processed and analysed the results and thoroughly investigated the areas influencing the quality of life, their impact and importance. We determined which areas of the city are included in municipal research and checked whether there was a need to expand these areas. We found that the people responsible for research in municipal offices are aware that the quality of life is influenced by many areas and conditions. However, these people only choose selected areas for research and have a problem with indicating what can be extended to them. At the end of the article, the limitations of the conducted research are indicated and the directions for further research are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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26 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Edge Computing and IoT Analytics for Agile Optimization in Intelligent Transportation Systems

by Mohammad Peyman, Pedro J. Copado, Rafael D. Tordecilla, Leandro do C. Martins, Fatos Xhafa and Angel A. Juan

Energies 2021, 14(19), 6309; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196309 - 2 Oct 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5187

Abstract

With the emergence of fog and edge computing, new possibilities arise regarding the data-driven management of citizens’ mobility in smart cities. Internet of Things (IoT) analytics refers to the use of these technologies, data, and analytical models to describe the current status of [...] Read more.

With the emergence of fog and edge computing, new possibilities arise regarding the data-driven management of citizens’ mobility in smart cities. Internet of Things (IoT) analytics refers to the use of these technologies, data, and analytical models to describe the current status of the city traffic, to predict its evolution over the coming hours, and to make decisions that increase the efficiency of the transportation system. It involves many challenges such as how to deal and manage real and huge amounts of data, and improving security, privacy, scalability, reliability, and quality of services in the cloud and vehicular network. In this paper, we review the state of the art of IoT in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), identify challenges posed by cloud, fog, and edge computing in ITS, and develop a methodology based on agile optimization algorithms for solving a dynamic ride-sharing problem (DRSP) in the context of edge/fog computing. These algorithms allow us to process, in real time, the data gathered from IoT systems in order to optimize automatic decisions in the city transportation system, including: optimizing the vehicle routing, recommending customized transportation modes to the citizens, generating efficient ride-sharing and car-sharing strategies, create optimal charging station for electric vehicles and different services within urban and interurban areas. A numerical example considering a DRSP is provided, in which the potential of employing edge/fog computing, open data, and agile algorithms is illustrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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17 pages, 5917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selecting Freight Transportation Modes in Last-Mile Urban Distribution in Pamplona (Spain): An Option for Drone Delivery in Smart Cities

by Adrian Serrano-Hernandez, Aitor Ballano and Javier Faulin

Energies 2021, 14(16), 4748; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14164748 - 4 Aug 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3868

Abstract

Urban distribution in medium-sized cities faces a major challenge, mainly when deliveries are difficult in the city center due to: an increase of e-commerce, weak public transportation system, and the promotion of urban sustainability plans. As a result, private cars, public transportation, and [...] Read more.

Urban distribution in medium-sized cities faces a major challenge, mainly when deliveries are difficult in the city center due to: an increase of e-commerce, weak public transportation system, and the promotion of urban sustainability plans. As a result, private cars, public transportation, and freight transportation compete for the same space. This paper analyses the current state for freight logistics in the city center of Pamplona (Spain) and proposes alternative transportation routes and transportation modes in the last-mile city center distribution according to different criteria evaluated by residents. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was developed. A number of alternatives have been assessed considering routes and transportation modes: the shortest route criterion and avoiding some city center area policies are combined with traditional van-based, bike, and aerial (drone) distribution protocols for delivering parcels and bar/restaurant supplies. These alternatives have been evaluated within a multicriteria framework in which economic, environmental, and social objectives are considered at the same time. The point in this multicriteria framework is that the criteria/alternative AHP weights and priorities have been set according to a survey deployed in the city of Pamplona (Navarre, Spain). The survey and AHP results show the preference for the use of drone or bike distribution in city center in order to reduce social and environmental issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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29 pages, 12970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Optimization LoRa Network by Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Determination of the Load Profiles in Dwellings

by A. Cano-Ortega and F. Sánchez-Sutil

Energies 2020, 13(3), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13030517 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3573

Abstract

This paper presents a system to improve the performance of the Long Range (LoRa) network using an algorithm derived from the artificial bee colony (ABC), which obtains a minimum packet lost rate (PLR) in the LoRa network and allows to more accurately determine [...] Read more.

This paper presents a system to improve the performance of the Long Range (LoRa) network using an algorithm derived from the artificial bee colony (ABC), which obtains a minimum packet lost rate (PLR) in the LoRa network and allows to more accurately determine load profiles of dwellings, with smaller a time measurement and less data transmission. The developed algorithm calculates the configuration parameters of the LoRa network, monitoring in real time the data traffic, and is implemented in gateway LoRa network monitor (GLNM). Intelligent measurement equipment has been developed to determine the dwelling load profiles. This energy measurement device for dwelling (EMDD) measures the variables and consumption of electricity in each home with measurement times that can be configured. This research also develops the GLNM gateway, which monitors and receives data from the EMDDs installed and uploads them to the cloud using Firebase. This developed system allows to perform demand forecasting studies, analysis of home consumption, optimization of electricity tariffs, etc., applied to smart grids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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23 pages, 4891 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

Performance Evaluation of Broadcast Domain on the Lightweight Multi-Fog Blockchain Platform for a LoRa-Based Internet of Things Network

by Muhammad Yanuar Ary Saputro and Riri Fitri Sari

Energies 2021, 14(8), 2265; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14082265 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that allows every object or item to become part of the Internet and interact with each other. One of the technologies based on the IoT is Long Range (LoRa). Apart from the increasing number of [...] Read more.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology that allows every object or item to become part of the Internet and interact with each other. One of the technologies based on the IoT is Long Range (LoRa). Apart from the increasing number of IoT services, security aspects become a separate issue in the development of the IoT. One of the solutions is to utilize blockchain technology in the IoT topology to secure the data and transactions that occur in the IoT network. The blockchain can take minutes to compute a cryptographic chain. It also needs sufficient computing resources. This problem gave rise to the idea of establishing a lightweight blockchain platform with low latency that could run on devices with low computing resources as well as IoT devices. We offered a technology called Lightweight Multi-Fog (LMF) in our previous publication that is implemented using the Lightweight Scalable Blockchain (LSB) algorithm and the fog network on the IoT to solve the problem of integrating a blockchain with the IoT. In this paper, we simulate how the broadcast domain on LMF works and verify the results in lower latency and energy transmission compared to the standard blockchain model. The results showed that the average increase of the total delivery time (

T_{a v e r a g e}

) on the LMF platform was smaller than the average increase of the total delivery time (

T_{a v e r a g e}

), which was 0.53% for the variations in the number of nodes and 0.27% for the variations in the number of brokers/miners. Regarding the average increase of the total energy delivery (

E_{a v e r a g e}

), the Proof of Work (PoW) platform has a smaller increase of the total energy delivery (

E_{a v e r a g e}

), which is 1.68% during the variations in the number of nodes. In contrast, the LMF platform has a smaller average increase of the total shipping energy (

E_{a v e r a g e}

), which is 0.28% for the variations in the number of brokers/miners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Smart Cities)

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