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The detection of illicit cryptocurrency mining farms with innovative approaches for the prevention of electricity theft

Author

Listed:
  • B. Dindar
  • Ö. Gül

Abstract

Illegal use of electricity is very common in cryptocurrency mining farms, as energy bills are the most important component of the cost of cryptocurrency production. In this case, it raises the issue of how to detect illegal cryptocurrency mining. Innovative approaches are needed to identify data centers that illegally mine cryptocurrencies. This study proposes the use of unique noise and/or harmonic features of cryptocurrency generating machines to detect illegal cryptocurrency mining farms. Within the scope of this study, the characteristic harmonics originating from the data centers were determined by performing field tests on the neutral line of the electrical grid. In this study, it has been shown that electricity distribution companies can detect illegal cryptocurrency data centers using potential illegal electricity by monitoring energy quality data. Legal permissions can be obtained easily for detailed examination and detection in cryptocurrency data centers of using illegal electricity. With the proposed innovative approach, the time taken to detect illegal cryptocurrency mining farms using illegal electricity is reduced.

Suggested Citation

  • B. Dindar & Ö. Gül, 2022. "The detection of illicit cryptocurrency mining farms with innovative approaches for the prevention of electricity theft," Energy & Environment, , vol. 33(8), pages 1663-1678, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:engenv:v:33:y:2022:i:8:p:1663-1678
    DOI: 10.1177/0958305X211045066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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