Cross-chain-based multi-microgrid energy trading mechanism

The increasing integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the emergence of multi-microgrid systems have necessitated the development of efficient and decentralized energy trading mechanisms. Traditional centralized energy trading frameworks face challenges related to scalability, security, market flexibility, and transaction bottlenecks, limiting their applicability in dynamic and distributed energy markets. Decentralized trading approaches, including peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading, distributed optimization methods, and blockchain-based mechanisms, have been proposed to enhance energy exchange efficiency. However, existing blockchain-based energy trading models suffer from interoperability constraints, hindering seamless transactions between microgrids operating on different blockchain networks. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a cross-chain-based multi-microgrid energy trading mechanism that integrates blockchain interoperability protocols with decentralized trading frameworks. A two-layer cross-chain trading architecture is developed to enable secure, reliable, and seamless energy transactions across blockchain platforms. Furthermore, a multi-dimensional evaluation model (MEM) is introduced to comprehensively assess microgrid trading performance, incorporating key factors influencing energy transactions. Based on MEM, a multi-microgrid energy trading mechanism with reputation-based consensus is designed to optimize trading efficiency, mitigate energy imbalances, and ensure fairness in the market. Additionally, a dynamic price adjustment mechanism is developed, leveraging a multi-dimensional evaluation index (MEI) and supply-demand ratio (SDR) to enhance transaction stability and adaptability. The proposed cross-chain trading mechanism is validated through extensive simulations, demonstrating superior efficiency and enhanced system scalability compared to traditional energy trading mechanisms. The results confirm that the integration of cross-chain interoperability, multi-dimensional evaluation, and reputation-based consensus significantly improves market performance, energy utilization and social welfare. This study contributes to the advancement of scalable, secure, and fair multi-microgrid energy trading, offering a promising solution for future distributed energy markets.