Modeling of the Internet of Energy (IOE) for Optimal Energy Management with an Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Approach

Increasing demand for energy, pollution from fossil energy consumption and global warming are the key factors that have made optimal energy management necessary. The advent of information technology has led to the emergence of a new paradigm called the Internet of Energy (IOE). IOE is a new concept that provides the tools needed for optimal energy management. IOE has expanded dramatically with the advent of the Internet of Things (IOTs). So that the Internet of Energy moves towards energy management by integrating the features of smart grids and the Internet of Things. The present study is an applied research that aimed at conceptualizing of the Internet of Energy. In order to achieve the research objectives, a series of indicators of IOE were identified according to the previous studies and interviews with experts. The pattern of causal relations of these indices has been identified by the FUZZY DEMATEL technique. Then, these factors have been analyzed by Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique, and finally, the relationship and sequence of the indices have been obtained. Among the indicators, existence of powerful internet servers in the country, equipping consumable equipment with internet and online monitoring of each person’s energy consumption are at the first level of the research model and the most basic variables in applying the concept of IOE. All of these elements ultimately depend on the availability of financial resources and the determination to apply IOE at the macro level. The insight that this model provides to the energy management at the macro level can be helpful in strategic planning for energy production, conversion, transmission, distribution and consumption in the country.