Research Area:  Blockchain Technology

Abstract:

The decentralization in the electrical power grids has gained increasing importance, especially in the last two decades, since transmission system operators (TSO), distribution system operators (DSO) and consumers are more aware of energy efficiency and energy sustainability issues. Therefore, globally, due to the introduction of energy production technologies near the consumers, in residential and industrial sectors, new scenarios of distributed energy resources (DER) are emerging. In order to guarantee an adequate power management in the electrical power grids, incorporating producers, consumers and producers-consumers (prosumers) together, it is important to adopt intelligent systems and platforms that allow the provision of information on energy consumption and production in real time, as well as for obtaining a fair price for the sale and purchase of energy. In this paper, we analyze the literature to identify the appropriate solutions to implement a decentralized electrical power grid based on sensors, blockchain and smart contracts, evaluating the current state of the art and pilot projects already in place. We also discuss a proposal for a power grid model, with renewable energy production, combining Internet of Things, blockchain and smart contracts.

Keywords:  

Author(s) Name:  Manuel Casquiço ,Bruno Mataloto ,Joao C. Ferreira ,Vitor Monteiro ,Joao L. Afonso and Jose A. Afonso

Publisher name:  MDPI

DOI:  10.3390/en14238043

Volume Information:  Volume 14 Issue 23

Paper Link:   https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/23/8043