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A Blockchain-Based Real-Time Power Balancing Service for Trustless Renewable Energy Grids

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Calvagna

    (Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Giovanni Marotta

    (Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Pappalardo

    (Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Emiliano Tramontana

    (Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

We face a decentralized renewable energy production scenario, where a large number of small energy producers, i.e., prosumers, contribute to a common distributor entity, who resells energy directly to end-users. A major challenge for the distributor is to ensure power stability, constantly balancing produced vs consumed energy flows. In this context, being able to provide quick restore actions in response to unpredictable unbalancing events is a must, as fluctuations are the norm for renewable energy sources. To this aim, the high scalability and diversity of sources are crucial requirements for the said balancing to be actually manageable. In this study, we explored the challenges and benefits of adopting a blockchain-based software architecture as a scalable, trustless interaction platform between prosumers’ smart energy meters and the distributor. Our developed prototype accomplishes the energy load balancing service via smart contracts deployed in a real blockchain network with an increasing number of simulated prosumers. We show that the blockchain-based application managed to react in a timely manner to energy unbalances for up to a few hundred prosumers.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Calvagna & Giovanni Marotta & Giuseppe Pappalardo & Emiliano Tramontana, 2024. "A Blockchain-Based Real-Time Power Balancing Service for Trustless Renewable Energy Grids," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:149-:d:1383760
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yang, Qing & Wang, Hao & Wang, Taotao & Zhang, Shengli & Wu, Xiaoxiao & Wang, Hui, 2021. "Blockchain-based decentralized energy management platform for residential distributed energy resources in a virtual power plant," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
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