The Smart Operation Lab
The Smart Operation Lab, led by Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti, pioneers cutting-edge research in operations research, computational science and artificial intelligence, dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation. Focusing on real-world applications, it addresses complex challenges for positive impact. Aligned with Khalifa University’s strategic directions, the lab contributes
significantly to key areas, leveraging operations research, computational science and artificial intelligence to tackle pressing issues, enhance decision-making, and foster sustainability in smart cities. Driven by a passion for exploration, it creates tangible solutions benefiting society and industry. Fostering innovation and learning, the lab shares insights, resources, and expertise to drive meaningful progress towards a smarter, more efficient future.
The Smart OR lab is dedicated to pioneering research in the planning and development of smart cities. The lab focuses on creating innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges of urban environments (Smart Cities). Our research venues encompass a wide range of interconnected systems, including but not limited to:
- Intelligent Transportation: Exploring autonomous driving, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and optimal sizing and allocation of wireless charging systems.
- Hydrogen Planning: Focusing on both long-term and operational planning of hydrogen integration within smart grids.
- Energy-Water Nexus: Investigating the interdependencies and synergies between energy and water systems, flexibility opportunities, and water desalination management process and its efficiency and sustainability.
- Coupled Networks: Studying the interactions and optimizations across different networked systems within a smart city.
- Smart Homes and Buildings: Developing technologies and strategies for intelligent, energy-efficient residential and commercial buildings.
- Smart Cities Cyber-Physical Systems: Ensuring secure, resilient, and efficient integration of cyber and physical components in urban infrastructure.
- Electricity Market: Analyzing market dynamics, pricing strategies, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
- Energy Management: Implementing demand-side management, demand response, and comprehensive energy management strategies.
- Virtual Power Planning: Innovating virtual power plant solutions for grid and microgrid applications.
- Carbon Capture Planning and Carbon Credits Estimation: Designing strategies for efficient carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and estimating carbon credits generated from carbon sequestration activities.
- Techno-Economic Assessment of Renewable Energy: Developing mathematical and optimization models for renewable energy systems and assessing their economic return and aiding in decision making of investments.
- Policy and Regulation Studies: Investigating policy and regulatory frameworks for urban planning and addressing rural challenges.
Our lab is committed to multidisciplinary research, offering potential applications to address
emerging urban challenges. We also foster collaborations with other labs, industry, etc. providing a robust network for comprehensive and integrative research endeavors.Â