Figure 2 shows the one-line diagram of the IIT Microgrid, in which the Keating Nanogrid is located in Loop 2. Through strategically managing power exchanges, the Keating Nanogrid provides the IIT Microgrid with additional operational efficiency and flexibility while taking full advantage of on-site generation resources and energy storage devices. The Keating Nanogrid is also able to island itself from the rest of the IIT Microgrid and continue to function autonomously under emergency conditions so long as the Keating Nanogrid can supply sustained power generation to its critical loads. The Keating Nanogrid is designed to utilize on-site resources to feed both ac and dc loads to the largest extent that minimizes the power import from the utility grid. Furthermore, the Keating Nanogrid provides a reliable and versatile platform for conducting research on the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of combining ac and dc technologies in a single building. This article introduces the design and the implementation of the Keating Nanogrid and demonstrates the technical advantages of integrating autonomous ac and dc subsystems in a nanogrid. The control and management strategies applied to the Keating Nanogrid are discussed in detail. The Keating Nanogrid acts as a test bed for identifying and quantifying technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of ac and dc technologies under various criteria (e.g., cost savings, energy efficiency, and maintenance effort). This article concludes by presenting the distinguished potential of nanogrids in a transition toward the realization of smart grids. Constructing the Keating nanogrid Design of the Keating Nanogrid The Keating Nanogrid is a self-sufficient and localized electric power system that utilizes solar energy in conjunction Figure 1. Keating Hall at IIT. IEEE Electrific ation Magazine / j une 2 0 1 7 37