There has been an emerging concern regarding the optimal operation of real-world large-scale complex networks. In this book, we focus on the theory and application of interdependent networks, optimization methods to deal with the computational complexity of such networks, and their role in smart cities. To this end, we consider the influential networks including power and energy networks, transportation networks, wireless sensor networks, communication networks, water networks, and societal networks. Our reliance on these networks as global platforms for sustainable cities and societies has led to the need for developing novel means to deal with arising issues. The considerable scale of such networks brings a large variety of computational complexity and optimization challenges. Although the independent optimization of these networks lead to locally optimum operation points, there is an exigent need to move towards obtaining the globally-optimum operation point of such networks while satisfying the constraints of each network properly.
In the first half of the book, we draw an overview on interdependent networks and their applications in sustainable interdependent networks. Then, we provide a thorough investigation of both classic and modern optimization/control problems in sustainable interdependent networks. We also introduce the physical model and corresponding constraints of these networks elaborately. In the second half of the book, we study the application of sustainable networks in power microgrids, energy and water networks, and smart cities.
A smart city is an urban development vision to integrate multiple information and communication technologies in a secure fashion to manage a city’s assets including transportation systems, power grids, distributed sensor networks, water supply networks, and other community services. Our reliance on these complex networks as global platforms for sustainable cities and societies as well as shortage of global non-renewable energy sources has raised emerging concerns regarding the optimal and secure operation of these large-scale networks.