Valuing Flexibility in Low Carbon Electricity Portfolios

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Blumsack, S.

Abstract: With the increased focus on responding to climate change by accelerating a tran ... Expand

Abstract: With the increased focus on responding to climate change by accelerating a transition to a low carbon energy system, differing views remain on the combination of energy technologies that will best achieve this goal. Identifying technological pathways is complicated by wide uncertainties in economic and technological factors. Analyses that neglect these uncertainties can produce pathways for a low carbon energy future that are highly granular and specific, but which are based on a particular assumption about future conditions and imply a need to make specific technology commitments over a long period of time. We frame the energy transition problem as the identification of one near-term investment strategy that is flexible across a wide range of possible future costs, followed by many alternative subsequent investment plans, each of which responds to realized future costs to achieve an aggressive emissions reduction target. Using an example of planning a low carbon power system under uncertainty, we demonstrate the option value of not ruling out some energy technologies in the near-term. Collapse

Topics: energy information system IT investment technological change

Methods: support vector machine case study machine learning stochastic model descriptive statistic

Green Data Analytics of Supercomputing from Massive Sensor Networks: Does Workload Distribution Matter?

2023 | Information Systems Research | Citations: 0

Authors: Guo, Zhiling; Li, Jin; Ramesh, Ram

Abstract: Energy costs represent a significant share of the total cost of ownership in hig ... Expand

Abstract: Energy costs represent a significant share of the total cost of ownership in high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Using a unique data set collected by massive sensor networks in a petascale national supercomputing center, we first present an explanatory model to identify key factors that affect energy consumption in supercomputing. Our analytic results show that, not only does computing node utilization significantly affect energy consumption, workload distribution among the nodes also has significant effects and could effectively be leveraged to improve energy efficiency. Next, we establish the high model performance using in-sample and out-of-sample analyses. We then develop prescriptive models for energy-optimal runtime workload management and extend the models to consider energy consumption and job performance tradeoffs. Specifically, we present four dynamic resource management methodologies (packing, load balancing, threshold-based switching, and energy optimization), model their application at two levels (purely within-rack and jointly cross-rack resource allocation), and explore runtime resource redistribution policies for jobs under the emergent principle of computational steering and comparatively evaluate strategies that use computational steering with those that do not. Our experimental studies show that packing is preferred when the total workload of a rack is higher than a threshold and load balancing is preferred when it is lower. These results lead to a threshold strategy that yields near-optimal energy efficiency under all workload conditions. We further calibrate the energy-optimal resource allocations over the full range of workloads and present a bicriteria evaluation to consider energy consumption and job performance tradeoffs. We demonstrate significant energy savings of our proposed strategies under various workload conditions. We conclude with implementation guidelines and policy insights into energy-efficient computing resource management in large supercomputing data centers. History: Olivia Liu Sheng, Senior Editor; Xiaobai Li, Associate Editor. Funding: The authors thank the National Supercomputing Center of Singapore for enabling and supporting this research. J. Li received support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71901169, 72032006, and T2293774]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2023.1208. Collapse

Topics: data center high-performance computing task productivity resource allocation analytical information system

Methods: optimization model experiment simulation descriptive statistic longitudinal research

Threefold Sustainable Neighborhood Energy Systems: Depicting Social Criteria in Decision Support Systems

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Hart, Maria; Eckhoff, Sarah; Schäl, Ann-Kristin; Breitner, Michael H.

Abstract: Despite the consensus that considering social factors is as important as econom ... Expand

Abstract: Despite the consensus that considering social factors is as important as economic and environmental dimensions for long-term successful, sustainable energy development projects, there is a lack of quantifiable assessments in multi-energy simulation decision support systems. Therefore, we applied a design science research approach to develop an energy system simulator that includes all three dimensions of sustainability. Based on a rigorous literature review and expert interviews, we establish a framework for assessing social sustainability. We then implement the derived criteria and indicators in the open-access software NESSI and validate it in an applicability check for a Madagasi neighborhood. With our framework, we aim to provide guidance to researchers and stakeholders on incorporating the social sustainability dimension into their approaches, tools, and decision-making process. The user-friendly, web-based simulation software enables various stakeholders to explore the interrelationships of threefold sustainability in specific energy systems. KeywordsSocial sustainability, multi-energy system simulation, decision support system, design science research, sustainable development goals. Collapse

Topics: energy information system decision support system open access usability IT security threat

Methods: literature study qualitative interview design science literature sample applicability check

STAY FLEXIBLE: A PRESCRIPTIVE PROCESS MONITORING APPROACH FOR ENERGY FLEXIBILITY-ORIENTED PROCESS SCHEDULES

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Hermann, Julia; Rusche, Simon; Moder, Linda; Weibelzahl, Martin

Abstract: The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources poses major challe ... Expand

Abstract: The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources poses major challenges for balancing increasingly weather-dependent energy supply and demand. Demand-side energy flexibility, offered particularly by companies, is seen as a promising and necessary approach to address these challenges. Process mining provides significant potential to prevent a deterioration of product quality or process flows due to flexibilization and allows for exploiting monetary benefits associated with flexible process operation. Hence, we follow the design science research paradigm to develop PM4Flex, a prescriptive process monitoring approach, that generates recommendations for pending process flows optimized under fluctuating power prices by implementing established energy flexibility measures. Thereby, we consider company-and process-specific constraints as well as historic event logs. We demonstrate and evaluate PM4Flex by implementing it as a software prototype and applying it to exemplary data from a heating and air conditioning company, observing considerable cost savings of 1.56ct per kWh or 34.35%. Collapse

Topics: process mining procurement management database system virtualization technology energy information system

Methods: event log design artifact optimization model literature study design science

Digital Carbon Accounting for Accelerating Decarbonization: Characteristics of IS-Enabled System Architectures

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Körner, Marc-Fabian; Schober, Marcus; Ströher, Tobias; Strüker, Jens

Abstract: To cope with climate change, an effective reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emi ... Expand

Abstract: To cope with climate change, an effective reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is necessary. An acceleration of decarbonization still lacks an efficient way to precisely account GHG emissions. Recent literature acknowledges the role of Information Systems (IS) research, particularly Green IS, to contribute to decarbonization by enabling digital carbon accounting (CA). In this context, various scholars set out to design system architectures -often focusing on the energy sector due to its large potential for decarbonization. As research and practice lack a comprehensive overview (e.g., to develop standards), our work aims at reducing this identified gap by providing key characteristics of digital CA system architectures that we derive from an extensive, structured literature review and a consecutive deductive and descriptive approach. We argue that a stronger focus on both, user and identity management and interoperable registries, may be beneficial to foster digital CA. Collapse

Topics: identity management digital ecosystem accounting database system enterprise architecture

Methods: structured literature research literature study company material

DRIVERS AND OUTCOMES OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF 4 EU COUNTRIES

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Neves, Catarina; Oliveira, Tiago

Abstract: Nowadays, given the growing global environmental problems, several mitigation s ... Expand

Abstract: Nowadays, given the growing global environmental problems, several mitigation strategies have been developed, putting technology at the centre of them. Thus, studies that investigate the antecedents of sustainable technology use are of primary interest as a way to increase the use of these solutions. On the other hand, sustainable technologies post-adoption studies are still very scarce in the literature, especially regarding both humanistic and instrumental outcomes. Therefore, a research model is developed to understand the main drivers and outcomes of sustainable technology use. Given the wide range of antecedents of use, a mixed methods design is adopted in an attempt to provide deeper insights into the phenomenon. The model is then tested with data from four European Union countries.These questions are addressed by drawing on the belief-action-outcome framework to understand both the antecedents and outcomes of sustainable technology use. Despite the rich body of literature on the Sustainable technologies' drivers and outcomes Collapse

Topics: green IS cognitive absorption information system use energy information system social influence

Methods: qualitative interview survey mixed method qualitative coding

On the Effectiveness of Smart Metering Technology Adoption: Evidence from the National Rollout in the United Kingdom

2023 | Journal of the Association for Information Systems | Citations: 3

Authors: Sim, Jaeung; Lee, Junyeong; Cho, Daegon

Abstract: In response to the burgeoning threats of climate change to humanity, numerous go ... Expand

Abstract: In response to the burgeoning threats of climate change to humanity, numerous governments, such as those of the United States and most European countries, have launched rollout programs for the distribution of smart metering technology (SMT). Despite this notable recent investment, questions of whether and why SMT adoption facilitates the reduction of households’ energy demands remain relatively unexplored. Building on cognitive dissonance theory, we propose a research model for SMT adoption, residential energy-saving behaviors, and moderating factors. We then empirically test the model using a rich household dataset from the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2016. Our results show that SMT adoption is positively associated with energy-saving behaviors, while energysaving motivations substantially moderate this association—a lower level of concern about saving energy / a higher level of concern about climate change amplifies this effect. Importantly, we find that SMT usage positively moderates this relationship, but this marginal gain decreases in technology usage intensity. Our findings contribute to the information systems literature by showing a consequence of new technology adoption along with the role of cognitive dissonance in promoting intended objectives and identifying potential moderating effects. We discuss actionable insights for policymakers and utility firms. Collapse

Topics: climate change technology adoption information system use green IS web page

Methods: survey propensity score method data transformation exploratory factor analysis propensity score matching

Theories: cognitive dissonance theory

DeSET: Digital Energy Services and Ecosystem Transformation

2023 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Thompson, Steve; Ekman, Peter; Dahlin, Peter; Erixon, Cecilia; Rondell, Jimmie

Abstract: In this emerging research paper, we introduce a project exploring the role of a ... Expand

Abstract: In this emerging research paper, we introduce a project exploring the role of a commercial real estate property company called Mestro on enhancing the efforts of its clients to provide environmentally sustainable venues for their clients who also value environmentally sustainable business practices. Mestro provides real time energy usage and advanced reporting systems that enables commercial property owners to optimize tenant energy consumption. Through the lens of service dominant logic, we will perform a multiple case-based study to understand how Mestro, in collaboration with its commercial property clients and their tenants, creates an ecosystem where all parties co-create value for each other. In addition to the case studies, we will analyze actual energy consumption based on real data provided by the participating commercial property companies on tenant energy usage. Collapse

Topics: energy information system

Methods: survey theory development case study

Theories: service-dominant logic

Gender inclusiveness in the adoption and use of home energy technologies

2023 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Tuomela, Sanna; Iivari, Netta; Hänninen, Tuomo; Svento, Rauli

Abstract: Home energy technologies, such as smart home energy management systems (SHEMS), ... Expand

Abstract: Home energy technologies, such as smart home energy management systems (SHEMS), are important in reducing energy-related emissions and empowering energy users. However, there are concerns on gender inclusiveness of the adoption and use of SHEMS. So far, information systems research has failed to address this significant challenge. This study examines factors shaping gendered adoption and use of smart home technologies, particularly SHEMS, and the implications this has for sustainability and energy equality. Applying a critical lens, we examine findings from a sensory ethnographic study on the adoption of SHEMS in households. The findings underline the need for more inclusive energy technology design, more understanding of diversity of households and more variety in the approaches for increasing awareness on and facilitating the adoption of energy technologies. We contribute to research on gender and home energy technologies, and to the larger discussion of gender and energy. Collapse

Topics: energy information system smart home user experience systems analysis technology adoption

Methods: qualitative interview ethnography design methodology

Theories: sociomaterialism theory

Towards Designing Smart Home Energy Applications for Effective Use

2022 | DESRIST | Citations: 1

Authors: Bluhm, Saskia; Staudt, Philipp; Weinhardt, Christof

Abstract: To reduce climate change, considerable behavioral changes are required from priv ... Expand

Abstract: To reduce climate change, considerable behavioral changes are required from private households, who often have a low energy literacy and are therefore unaware of the necessary behavioral change. Collapse

Topics: smart home energy information system data visualization frequency of use user centered design

Methods: survey design artifact design science literature study qualitative interview

Theories: theory of effective use