Energy Management Decisions in Engineering Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Theories, Technologies, and Applications

Energy management is a decentralized, complex problem central to a sustainable engineering society. Old, siloed approaches are obsolete. The paper's novelty is not in a new algorithm or empirical data; its contribution is in providing a new perspective by reviewing modern energy management through the lens of System of Systems (SoS) engineering, a viewpoint often missing in the literature This paper reviews modern energy management through the lens of System of Systems (SoS) engineering, a perspective not prevalent in the literature. The novelty lies in the argument that a coherent, integrative SoS framework, supported by a full stack of data technologies, is necessary to navigate this complex landscape. This review conceptualizes the foundations for systems engineering and decision science in this context. This provides a necessary intellectual structure that moves beyond isolated technical solutions to address systemic complexity. It explores the implications of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Digital Twins. The paper critiques the application of systems engineering and decision science to Smart Grids, Smart Buildings, and Smart Manufacturing. It identifies specific gaps in technological scalability, applied interoperability, and socio-ethical governance. The paper concludes with a research agenda for developing autonomous, resilient, and responsible energy systems.