Lifecycle Modelling and Optimisation
DLR
The research area Lifecycle Modelling and Optimisation focuses on advancing digital methods that enable a comprehensive understanding of system behaviour throughout its entire lifecycle. By combining system-level modelling, simulation, and data-driven insights, we aim to support informed decision-making and enable the optimisation of future technologies and maintenance operations under real-world uncertainty.
A key research area is the development of modular and adaptable simulation architectures to represent processes along the entire lifecycle in a consistent and scalable way. Simulation-based assessments enable the detailed analysis of interdependencies between costs and performance, while uncertainties are systematically quantified to ensure robust and reliable decision-making support. Potential limitations and risks are identified early, allowing for informed mitigation and design adaptation.
To accurately represent maintenance and operational activities, standardised frameworks are established that ensure consistent descriptions of MRO processes across the lifecycle. Detailed data sets are abstracted into high-level, system-orientated models to support efficient analyses. Based on these representations, the goal is to perform multi-objective optimisations by using MRO-informed insights, enabling balanced trade-offs between perfromance, costs, and maintainability throughout the entire lifecycle.
Ultimately, techno-economic planning is conducted that bridges technical and economic perspectives. By modelling the interactions between operation, environment, and system behaviour, current and new technologies can be evaluated within their broader lifecycle context. This integrated approach supports the identification of key trade-offs, accelarates technology assessment, and contributes to the design of resilient, future-oriented system architectures and maintenance measures.
Key Topics
Lifecycle Simulation and Uncertainty Quantification
- Development of modular lifecycle modelling architectures
- Simulation-based assessment of lifecycle performance
- Holistic uncertainty quantification and show stopper analysis
High-Level Maintenance Modelling and MRO-informed Optimisation
- Standardised frameworks for consistent MRO descriptions inside the lifecycle
- Abstraction of detailed data into usable top-level models
- Multi-objective optimisation with MRO-informed insights
Techno-Economic Planning and System Integration
- Integration of condition-based maintenance strategies into lifecycle simulation frameworks
Modelling of interdependencies between operation, environment, and system behaviour
Support of emerging technologies and complex system architectures