A Blockchain-Based Information Architecture for Next-Generation Relay Protection in Smart Grids

Abstract

Despite growing blockchain adoption in energy markets, its integration into critical operational functions — particularly relay protection— remains limited. Existing solutions fail to meet the stringent requirements of cryptographic auditability, cross-domain coordination, and configuration integrity in hierarchical grid architectures. To address this gap, we propose a three-tier blockchain-based information architecture for relay protection, featuring hybrid PoA+PBFT consensus (1.8 s finality), zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) for privacy-preserving setting verification, and smart contracts for tamper-evident logging. Evaluated on a Hyperledger Fabric v2.5 testbed across provincial, municipal, and substation tiers, the system achieves 40.2% faster hierarchical synchronization and 100% integrity of operation records. While unsuitable for sub-100 ms tripping, the architecture excels in non-real-time workflows such as setting management, fault archiving, and collaborative diagnostics— laying the foundation for secure, auditable, and interoperable protection systems.