Integrating Distributed Computational Models as Dynamic Expressions of Knowledge: The Case for Evaluating Measures for Urban Ecosystem Sustainability

Abstract

In order to conduct simulation studies of highly complex problems, such as integrated environmental assessment of technologies, policies and other measures for making urban ecosystems more sustainable, integration of knowledge in a dynamic form from a wide range of knowledge domains is essential. We have proposed that computational models are appropriate representations of expert knowledge for such integration. Building on previously introduced concepts and software prototypes, we have been designing a dynamic computational modeling platform for studying the integrated effects of supply side and demand side technologies and policies to reduce environmental impacts and consumption of resources caused by activities in urban ecosystems such as Tokyo, Japan. This platform has been used to evaluate scenarios that include the introduction of roof-top photovoltaics, a solid oxide fuel cell combined with a gas turbine topping cycle (SOFC/GT), energy conservation measures in the residential and commercial building sectors, and waste processing and recycling systems. Here we describe the software engineering issues associated with the construction of this model integration platform and provide examples of the techniques we have developed to address those issues.