Exploring the mechanisms of microgrid management from a structural view: A qualitative study from China

Abstract

This paper offers insights into microgrid management, with an analysis that stresses the structural features of microgrids at both technical and organizational levels. The article posits that the importance of microgrid management lies in the fact that managerial activities can support the technical microgrid systems in achieving different energy-related goals. It introduces the concept of the “mirroring hypothesis”, which aligns the technical structure with the organizational structure to identify mechanisms of microgrid management. Insights from multiple cases reveal that technical integration and diversification are two dimensions of microgrid technical features. Correspondingly, coordination within organizational integration and diversification serve as two groups of management mechanisms. Energy autonomy, clean energy consumption, and auxiliary services run as three dimensions of energy-related goals. Subsequently, a conceptual framework is developed to establish connections among the technical structure, organizational structure, and energy-related goals. This management framework illustrates three distinct pathways for microgrids to achieve different goals. Finally, some practical and policy implications are provided.