Blockchain-based peer to peer energy trading using distributed model predictive control

Abstract

The energy network is experiencing a decentralizing process due to the recent inclusion of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as photovoltaics (PV), electric vehicles (EV), or batteries. This paradigmatic shift involves new challenges that require enhancing the electricity system's flexibility while preserving its integrity and stability. One way of dealing with them is by unbundling the electrical network into smaller, more manageable units, known as microgrids (MG). Nonetheless, the usage of distributed architectures leads to more exchanged data and control information between end agents, involving security or privacy issues. In this context, blockchain technology emerges as a feasible solution that promises transparent, tamper-proof, and safe systems in a decentralized ecosystem. This paper proposes a distributed energy management platform that takes full advantage of the blockchain technology to enable safe peer to peer (P2P) transactions. A Distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme is adopted, and its performance is compared with the centralized approach.