Framing Microgrid Design from a Business and Information Systems Engineering Perspective

Microgrids are decentralized distribution networks that integrate distributed energy resources and balance generation and loads locally. The introduction of microgrids can help overcome challenges of global energy systems. Despite this potential, in the information systems domain, research on microgrids has been limited. The paper on hand studies the design of microgrids for electric energy. Experts we interview state that technological microgrid solutions have been solidly developed; yet, lack of economic and business consideration is stalling their deployment.
We argue that research in business and information systems engineering can provide integrated perspectives bridging from technology to markets. Therefore, from an extensive interdisciplinary literature review, we derive a framework that structures microgrid design and may guide information systems researchers. The framework comprises four layers: energy technology and infrastructure, information and communication infrastructure, application systems, and governance. We evaluate the framework in interviews with 15 experts from industry and 3 from academia. The given feedback and examples allow us to iteratively refine the framework, instantiate it, and point out research directions on microgrids in business and information systems engineering.