Mahesh Sooriyabandara

Bio: Mahesh Sooriyabandara is an academic researcher from Toshiba. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wireless network & Smart grid. The author has an hindex of 20, co-authored 99 publications receiving 2141 citations.

Smart Grid Communications: Overview of Research Challenges, Solutions, and Standardization Activities

Abstract: Optimization of energy consumption in future intelligent energy networks (or Smart Grids) will be based on grid-integrated near-real-time communications between various grid elements in generation, transmission, distribution and loads. This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities of communications research in the areas of smart grid and smart metering. In particular, we focus on some of the key communications challenges for realizing interoperable and future-proof smart grid/metering networks, smart grid security and privacy, and how some of the existing networking technologies can be applied to energy management. Finally, we also discuss the coordinated standardization efforts in Europe to harmonize communications standards and protocols.

Smart Grid Communications: Overview of Research Challenges, Solutions, and Standardization Activities

Abstract: Optimization of energy consumption in future intelligent energy networks (or Smart Grids) will be based on grid-integrated near-real-time communications between various grid elements in generation, transmission, distribution and loads. This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities of communications research in the areas of smart grid and smart metering. In particular, we focus on some of the key communications challenges for realizing interoperable and future-proof smart grid/metering networks, smart grid security and privacy, and how some of the existing networking technologies can be applied to energy management. Finally, we also discuss the coordinated standardization efforts in Europe to harmonize communications standards and protocols.

The Tactile Internet for Industries: A Review

Abstract: The term Tactile Internet broadly refers to a communication network that is capable of delivering real-time control, touch, and sensing/actuation information through sufficiently reliable, responsive, and intelligent connectivity. Envisioned to enable unprecedented applications, the Tactile Internet provides a promising opportunity to reshape industrial communication and transform the operation of many existing industrial systems. This paper investigates the role of Tactile Internet in current and future industrial systems and reviews the technological trends from legacy industrial networks to emerging industrial wireless networks, and beyond. To this end, this paper begins with an overview of the Tactile Internet. Complementing prior efforts, it presents a taxonomy of the key Tactile Internet applications. This paper covers the relevant background on the emergence of industrial communication. Then, it discusses the role of the Tactile Internet for various industrial systems and identifies the key use cases with respective connectivity requirements. This paper provides a technology landscape for the Tactile Internet to enable high-performance industrial wireless communication. Specifically, it provides insights into the recent Third Generation Partnership Project developments for enabling ultrareliable and low-latency communications over 5G mobile/cellular networks. It also examines the potential of the IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15 standards for industrial control applications. Besides, it reviews the role of artificial intelligence and edge-computing platforms in overcoming the imperfections of wireless environments. Finally, this paper provides a roadmap for future, investigating the role of Tactile Internet in next generation industrial systems along with some directions and challenges for future research.

The new frontier of communications research: smart grid and smart metering

Abstract: This paper discusses some of the challenges and opportunities of communications research in the area of smart grids and smart metering. It is clear that the communications research community has been actively seeking the 'next big thing' after interests in recent hot topics such as cognitive radio, cooperative communications, and MIMO have more or less peaked. We argue that the new initiative on smart grid worldwide provides an ideal opportunity for communication and networking researchers to apply various existing technologies as well as inventing new ones in this exciting area.

HealthyOffice: Mood recognition at work using smartphones and wearable sensors

Abstract: Stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace are detrimental to human health and productivity with significant financial implications. Recent research in this area has focused on the use of sensor technologies, including smartphones and wearables embedded with physiological and movement sensors. In this work, we explore the possibility of using such devices for mood recognition, focusing on work environments. We propose a novel mood recognition framework that is able to identify five intensity levels for eight different types of moods every two hours. We further present a smartphone app ('HealthyOffice'), designed to facilitate self-reporting in a structured manner and provide our model with the ground truth. We evaluate our system in a small-scale user study where wearable sensing data is collected in an office environment. Our experiments exhibit promising results allowing us to reliably recognize various classes of perceived moods.

Blockchain challenges and opportunities: a survey

Abstract: Blockchain has numerous benefits such as decentralisation, persistency, anonymity and auditability. There is a wide spectrum of blockchain applications ranging from cryptocurrency, financial services, risk management, internet of things (IoT) to public and social services. Although a number of studies focus on using the blockchain technology in various application aspects, there is no comprehensive survey on the blockchain technology in both technological and application perspectives. To fill this gap, we conduct a comprehensive survey on the blockchain technology. In particular, this paper gives the blockchain taxonomy, introduces typical blockchain consensus algorithms, reviews blockchain applications and discusses technical challenges as well as recent advances in tackling the challenges. Moreover, this paper also points out the future directions in the blockchain technology.

Demand response and smart grids—A survey

Abstract: The smart grid is conceived of as an electric grid that can deliver electricity in a controlled, smart way from points of generation to active consumers. Demand response (DR), by promoting the interaction and responsiveness of the customers, may offer a broad range of potential benefits on system operation and expansion and on market efficiency. Moreover, by improving the reliability of the power system and, in the long term, lowering peak demand, DR reduces overall plant and capital cost investments and postpones the need for network upgrades. In this paper a survey of DR potentials and benefits in smart grids is presented. Innovative enabling technologies and systems, such as smart meters, energy controllers, communication systems, decisive to facilitate the coordination of efficiency and DR in a smart grid, are described and discussed with reference to real industrial case studies and research projects.

A Survey on Demand Response Programs in Smart Grids: Pricing Methods and Optimization Algorithms

Abstract: The smart grid concept continues to evolve and various methods have been developed to enhance the energy efficiency of the electricity infrastructure. Demand Response (DR) is considered as the most cost-effective and reliable solution for the smoothing of the demand curve, when the system is under stress. DR refers to a procedure that is applied to motivate changes in the customers' power consumption habits, in response to incentives regarding the electricity prices. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of various DR schemes and programs, based on the motivations offered to the consumers to participate in the program. We classify the proposed DR schemes according to their control mechanism, to the motivations offered to reduce the power consumption and to the DR decision variable. We also present various optimization models for the optimal control of the DR strategies that have been proposed so far. These models are also categorized, based on the target of the optimization procedure. The key aspects that should be considered in the optimization problem are the system's constraints and the computational complexity of the applied optimization algorithm.

Game-Theoretic Methods for the Smart Grid: An Overview of Microgrid Systems, Demand-Side Management, and Smart Grid Communications

Abstract: The future smart grid is envisioned as a large scale cyberphysical system encompassing advanced power, communications, control, and computing technologies. To accommodate these technologies, it will have to build on solid mathematical tools that can ensure an efficient and robust operation of such heterogeneous and large-scale cyberphysical systems. In this context, this article is an overview on the potential of applying game theory for addressing relevant and timely open problems in three emerging areas that pertain to the smart grid: microgrid systems, demand-side management, and communications. In each area, the state-of-the-art contributions are gathered and a systematic treatment, using game theory, of some of the most relevant problems for future power systems is provided. Future opportunities for adopting game-theoretic methodologies in the transition from legacy systems toward smart and intelligent grids are also discussed. In a nutshell, this article provides a comprehensive account of the application of game theory in smart grid systems tailored to the interdisciplinary characteristics of these systems that integrate components from power systems, networking, communications, and control.