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Research Infrastructure Registry in Cyprus
HomeResearch Infrastructures Database  /  Information Science and Technology  /  Communication Networks  /  KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE)

KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE)

GENERAL INFORMATION

  KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (KIOS CoE)
KIOS CoE
KIOS CoE
  Communication Networks
Description and purpose of the Research Infrastructure
KIOS hosts dedicated research infrastructures which along with our bespoke setups, prototypes, technologies, and knowhow can be used to offer a wide range of services relating to Monitoring, Control, Security and Management of large-scale Critical Infrastructure Systems (CIS) such as power and energy systems, water systems, transportation systems, telecommunication networks, healthcare systems and emergency management and response systems. More specifically: Power Systems Research Infrastructure - It targets high penetration of renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It aims towards modelling, simulation, emulation, and experimental validation of energy systems, with capabilities in the development of smart technology for the efficient and reliable integration of renewable resources both at the building and grid level. A real-time simulator is used to develop digital twins of actual power systems (i.e., the entire Cyprus power system) and investigate the interaction with smart grid controllers and actual power devices in hardware in the loop framework. Three different energy storage pilots and a wide deployment of sychrophasor measurement units in Cyprus power substations are integrated to facilitate the development of intelligent monitoring and control solutions for smart grids. Further capabilities include the development of real- time control algorithms for power electronic converters to advance the grid integration of renewable energy sources as well as testing of cyber security solutions in active distribution grids and in digital substations. Water Systems Research Infrastructure – It consists of an interconnected physical and virtual water transport system, that allow users to evaluate new monitoring, control algorithms and topologies, within a safe environment. It supports research and innovation projects, as well as proof-of-concept/pilot outcomes and products, aiming to the improvement and the expansion of knowledge associated with the efficiency, the reliability and the security of smart water supply networks. It is connected to a virtual part, which simulates a virtual city of 10,000 inhabitants, to capture in a realistic manner the variability on the demand related to water consumption. Intelligent Transportation Systems Research Infrastructure – Is used for monitoring control and optimization of large-scale road network aiming to eliminate traffic congestion and also to provide safer, smarter, sustainable and eco-friendly transport networks. These activities include the investigation and validation of functional requirements, safety principles, and test methods for emerging system concepts in automated and connected vehicles. Furthermore, KIOS CoE provides holistic assessments, analysis and solutions for various problem related with the next generation of transportation networks including the investigation of autonomous intersection crossing, energy minimization strategies, congestion avoidance schemes and innovative architectures aiming to improve the overall network efficiency and travel time reliability. Emergency response Technologies Research Infrastructure – Used for the management, monitoring and inspection of critical infrastructures through the utilization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs), sensors and robotics technologies. These technologies are used for the development of intelligent functionalities including automated path-planning, real-time image analysis, object detection and coordination architectures for multi-drone systems that ensure scalable and robust operations. The key benefits of such systems include, the enhancement of public safety, improvement of Critical Infrastructure Systems (CIS) efficiency, safety of operations and hazards avoidance, inspection, reduction of person-hours and costs. Use cases include Disaster Management & Emergency Response, Traffic Monitoring, Autonomous Navigation & Trajectory Planning, Critical Infrastructure Inspection. All our technologies can be modified and adapted for uses outside CIS.

USEFUL FIGURES

Personnel

77

Personnel

Male

81%

Male

Female

19%

Female

Publications

0

Publications

ACCESS TO INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Academia
  • Industry
  • Public

CONTACT INFO

Address:  Panepistimiou Ave., Aglantzia

Postal Code:  2109

City:  Nicosia

Website:  https://www.kios.ucy.ac.cy/research-infrastructures/

Head of RI:  Theocharis Theocharides

Contact Person of RI:  Christiana Papamichael   |  22893466

INFORMATION OF INSTRUMENTATION OPERATING IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE

OPAL-RT OP5700
  • Name:  OPAL-RT OP5700
  • Description:  Real-Time Simulator
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Power Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Allows the development of digital twins of power systems based on accurate modelling and considering field measurements. It can be used to perform control-HIL studies and power-HIL investigations by considering the interaction between physical devices and digital twins. The real time simulator allows utilities, manufacturers, operators, and research institutions to test multiple hardware devices and software solutions in a closed loop adjusting grid and network parameters, contingency scenarios, and device settings in a safe environment.

Available for access
by external users

Lithium ion battery storage systems
  • Name:  Lithium ion battery storage systems
  • Description:  Lithium ion battery storage systems (15kW – 15kWh and 5kW – 10 kWh)
  • Units:  2
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Power Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Used to demonstrate novel functionalities in different applications: grid-level storage (frequency reserve, peak-shaving, community battery, etc.), storage associate with renewable energy (track the day ahead prediction, compensate the uncertainties, ramp limiting, etc.) and building-level applications (intelligent self-consumption mode, voltage support, etc.).

Available for access
by external users

Power electronics inverter
  • Name:  Power electronics inverter
  • Description:  Prototype three-phase grid-connected power electronics inverter (5kVA, 400V)
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Power Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Can be used to enable the grid-friendly integration of photovoltaic and storage system. The inverter controller is fully programmable through a dSPACE control platform and setup can be used to test and demonstrate new functionalities and robust control and coordination schemes in renewable energy sources applications.

Available for access
by external users

Power Systems Pilot Site
  • Name:  Power Systems Pilot Site
  • Description:  Covers an outdoor area of 1000 m2 and includes: 225 kW wind turbine, 5 kW photovoltaic system, 6 kW/6kWh battery storage system, 40 kW fuel cells, 80 kW electrolyzer, hydrogen storage and patented energy conversion systems.
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Power Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Allows field investigations of new technologies in the area of smart grids.

Available for access
by external users

Water Security Testbed (Physical)
  • Name:  Water Security Testbed (Physical)
  • Description:  The physical Water Systems Testbed consists of two set-ups: the Water Distribution Network (WDN) set- up and the Water Supply Network (WSN) set-up including small-scale components of a water network (piping, tanks), as well as actuators (pumps, valves) and sensors (flow, pressure, water quality) controlled by an industrial SCADA system.
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Water Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
The WDN physical set-up is a laboratory scale testbed that can be arranged in various arrangements of DMA (i.e. isolated, multiple inlet and cascade layouts) as well as in different piping system setups (i.e. WDN, DMA, Neighbourhood and Street levels). The WSN is a portable set-up consisting of valves, pumps, tanks, pipes, pressure sensors, water flow and level sensors, chlorinator controlled by an industrial PLC which enables the users to conduct experiments using different arrangements. The WSN enables users to study topics such as leakage detection, water theft, cyber-attacks, hydraulic and quality state estimation, contamination detection and optimization of pump operation. The testbed enables realistic modelling of system components such as pipes and tanks and characterization of the response of system actuators such as pumps and valves. The testbed is interconnected with an EPANET simulator for investigation of the effect of real actuator and sensor faults or attacks on the large-scale system.

Available for access
by external users

Water Systems Testbed (Virtual)
  • Name:  Water Systems Testbed (Virtual)
  • Description:  A digital twin of the water distribution network designed based on the topological model of the Limassol City Center.
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Water Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
The benchmark has been developed as a new network, utilizing open data and by modifying the topology where this was required, in order to capture the variabilities observed in various cities around the word. This virtual water distribution network has more than 40km of pipes, serving around 10,000 people. It is split into three areas: Area A which is widely populated, Area B which is similar to Area A but at a lower altitude, and Area C which is supplied by a water tank. The network contains pressure sensors and Automated Meter Readers in most of Area C. It allows users to capture in a realistic manner the variability on the demand related to water consumption.

Available for access
by external users

Live urban transportation digital twin network (Virtual)
  • Name:  Live urban transportation digital twin network (Virtual)
  • Description:  Digital Twin of a Limassol urban area section. The primary network represented is the historic centre of Limassol and includes representations of other synthetic urban areas.
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Intelligent Transportation Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
By leveraging a digital-twin model, realistic traffic conditions based on real-life data and scenarios can be simulated. The Virtual Transportation Research Infrastructure allows for the realistic representation of multimodal transportation scenarios, providing a platform to assess potential policies and groundbreaking control methodologies—essentially offering a `test before invest` approach. Moreover, the Virtual Transportation Research Infrastructure capabilities were extended to accurately replicate the evolving connectivity features of modern transport infrastructures and vehicles. It further offers the capability of modelling and simulation of scenarios that incorporate Electric Vehicles (EVs) and/or Connected and Autonomous vehicles (CAVs).

Available for access
by external users

Connected and Autonomous vehicles (CAVs) models (Physical)
  • Name:  Connected and Autonomous vehicles (CAVs) models (Physical)
  • Description:  Live experimental platform consisting of six small-scale (1:10) CAVs, equipped with GPS modules, proximity sensors, laser scanners, IMU & ESC modules, V2X modules, stereo cameras, NVIDIA Jetson processing units.
  • Units:  6
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Intelligent Transportation Systems Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
These CAVs operate on a compact track, providing SMEs and researchers with the opportunity to conduct tests and refine CAV technologies while also developing novel architectures and technologies within a controlled, safe and secure environment. Consequently, the Physical Transportation Research Infrastructure enables the real-time implementation and visualization of real-world traffic scenarios, all aimed at tackling the traffic-related challenges associated with CAVs.

Available for access
by external users

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs)
  • Name:  Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs)
  • Description:  Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs)/ drones of various sizes including fixed wing and quadcopters
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Emergency Response Technologies Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Implementation of multi-agent systems that enable operation of multiple UAVs and automate decision-making based on perception and intelligence. In doing so we enable improved situational awareness and more accurate and resilient operations. We employ Computer Vision & Machine learning in order to classify, detect, segment, and estimate pose of objects, or moving targets, and provide complete scene understanding using aerial footage, either in real-time or offline. We use Software Defined Radios (SDRs), and on-board sensors on UAVs to extract signals from the environment which processed by our Signal Processing Algorithms to achieve improved robustness in operation.

Available for access
by external users

LIDAR Camera
  • Name:  LIDAR Camera
  • Description:  State-of-the-art LiDAR scanners for 3D surveys
  • Units:  2
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Emergency Response Technologies Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Using remote sensing to create a 3D representation of a surveyed environment or object with a high level of accuracy. Suitable for large area mapping.

Available for access
by external users

RGB-Thermal camera
  • Name:  RGB-Thermal camera
  • Description:  RGB-Thermal camera suitable for integration in various UAV and robotics platforms. Suitable for in day and clear weather conditions as well as at night or in low Lux scenes, or in environments that have fog, haze, smoke or sandstorms
  • Units:  3
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Emergency Response Technologies Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
With one camera, you can see in the normal visual spectrum to assess a situation, but you can also view thermal imaging to see in low-light or dark environments to locate and rescue individuals or properly inspect a structure.

Available for access
by external users

Multispectral camera
  • Name:  Multispectral camera
  • Description:  Multispectral camera capable of capturing different spectra or images beyond the range visible to the human eye. Because each pixel records different information, a variety of data can be captured and results can be obtained for specific analyses, which can be useful for a variety of purposes.
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Emergency Response Technologies Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Can be used for geological surveys, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, fire detection, mapping, security and surveillance.

Available for access
by external users

RGB camera
  • Name:  RGB camera
  • Description:  RGB colour camera for accurate colour representation suitable for use in in daytime and clear weather conditions
  • Units:  1
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Emergency Response Technologies Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Record in normal visual spectrum to assess a situation, surveillance and inspection of infrastructure

Available for access
by external users

Custom prototype attachments
  • Name:  Custom prototype attachments
  • Description:  Hardware Prototyping & Integration with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) promotes applied field testing and deployment
  • Hosting Laboratory / Department:  Emergency Response Technologies Research Infrastructure
Brief description of the utilization of the instrument:
Prototyping embedded systems including boards, microcontrollers, sensors, and 3D designs dedicated to creating custom enclosures and cases. For example, BALORA custom PCB board, water sampling mechanisms etc. Other ideas and options can be explored.

Available for access
by external users