The participation of prosumers in demand-response programs is essential for the success of demand-side management in renewable-powered energy grids. Unfortunately, the engagement is still low due to concerns related to the privacy of their energy data used in the prediction processes. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based distributed federated learning (FL) technique for energy-demand prediction that combines FL with blockchain to provide data privacy and trust features for energy prosumers. The privacy-sensitive energy data are stored locally at edge prosumer nodes without revealing it to third parties, with only the learned local model weights being shared using a blockchain network. The global federated model is not centralized but distributed and replicated over the blockchain overlay, ensuring the model immutability and provenance of parameter updates. We had proposed smart contracts to deal with the integration of local machine-learning prediction models with the blockchain, defining functions for the model parameters’ scaling and reduction of blockchain overhead. The centralized, local-edge, and blockchain-integrated models are comparatively evaluated for prediction of energy demand 24 h ahead using a multi-layer perceptron model and the monitored energy data of several prosumers. The results show only a slight decrease in prediction accuracy in the case of blockchain-based distributed FL with reliable data privacy support compared with the centralized learning solution.
Ümit Cali, Murat Kuzlu, D. Jonathan Sebastian-Cardenas, Onur Elma · 6 authors
Decarbonization of energy systems has been a recent trend during the last two decades where large-scale renewable energy sources (RES) are integrated into the modern power systems. Various countries have developed new energy policy instruments, such as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), to promote the growth of RES. RECs are tradable, non-tangible assets, which have a monetary value. Tracking and certification of the origin of an energy resource regardless of its type (e.g., a conventional power plant or RES) are a critical operation. In addition to the certification of origin, trading transactions must be performed using a secure method. Energy industry participants need to secure the data and applications related to RECs. Digitalization technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed ledger technology (DLT) are among the most popular and promising options. DLT is a perfect framework that can support such REC functionalities. This paper addresses the cybersecurity aspects in REC trading using blockchain and distributed ledger technology, considering detailed cybersecurity perspectives and aspects of adopting technology from an organizational perspective.
Intermittent distributed energy resources (DERs) add challenges to the modern power system network. On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) is changing traditional electricity grids into smart grids, which facilitates a decentralized system in which prosumers may participate in energy trading. Smart grids, DER integration, and network connectivity are adding complexity to the power system network day by day; Blockchain technology might be a great tool to manage the network’s operational complexity. The Blockchain provides for quicker, frictionless, secure, and transparent transactions. With the addition of smart contracts, it may be utilized to manage the expanding complexity of the contemporary power system. In this study, the authors focus on the scope, challenges, and potential future direction of Blockchain technology application in the power system. Blockchain has received interest and has been used for decentralized power system applications in recent years, but it is still young and has scalability, decentralization, and security concerns. This article discusses the interfaces and the possibilities that can assure trust, security, and transparency in decentralized power system applications and make a decentralized power system and power market possible.
Compared to other applications of distributed ledger technologies, for example, in decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens, and logistics, Blockchain applications in the energy industry have not found widespread dissemination and fell short of market expectations during the Blockchain hype in the late 2010s. In semi-structured qualitative interviews with leading providers in the energy industry, conducted from 2019 to 2021, hurdles in energy applications are compared with a control group of additional interviews with representatives of companies operating in IT and FinTech. The analysis uses a framework covering technical feasibility, desirability, and economic viability, as well as the role of regulatory frameworks. The interviews reveal that the first Blockchain applications suffered from a combination of technological constraints and inter-platform competition. Due to the permissionless configuration of the early energy Blockchains, they were slow in terms of transaction speed compared to existing platforms and prices per transaction were high, in addition to high degrees of complexity related to requirements from both critical-infrastructure systems and financial market regulation. The analysis further points to the slow adoption of Blockchain applications in the energy sector being related to business models rather focusing on products and platforms as well as on transactional rather than procedural use cases, with a high degree of standardization of the offering and low levels of inclusiveness concerning processes. The move from transaction platforms to innovation platforms and the emergence of Blockchain as a service provider—plus technical advances with regards to high-frequency transactions combined with the increasing importance of use cases, such as proof of origin for fuels or e-charging—may induce a shift from pilot applications to commercialization within the larger innovation ecosystem. While the involvement of Blockchain solutions in energy markets increases with pilot projects and with this, the acceptance of players and stakeholders in the energy ecosystem, a big hurdle for innovation remains the regulation of energy markets to allow for peer-to-peer trading, a usage-driven distribution of network costs, and bottom-up pricing markets.
M R Jivtesh, Rohit Mathew Samuel, M R Gaushik, Siddhi Menon · 6 authors
Blockchain is the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies. Reliable machine-to-machine automatic transactions, such as auctions, bidding, and payments, utilise the immense potential of blockchain technology. Researchers are exploring blockchain-based applications for automobiles and transportation, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging and highway user fee payment. The use of blockchain eliminates the need for third parties in transactions. This paper presents a proof of concept for using EVs as energy storage in a smart grid system. Generators, consumers, and distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar and wind, make up the elements of a smart grid. We propose storing the surplus power generated by DER in the electric vehicle's battery. When the generation is less, or there is high demand, these EVs can supply the stored energy back to the grid. We use blockchain smart contracts and Ethereum cryptocurrency to monitor and monetise the process. We also make a cost comparison of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs, analysing the financial benefits of employing the suggested method in EV charging instead of more conventional charging methods.
The Energy Internet (EI) and Smart Grid 2.0 (SG 2.0) concepts are potential challenges in industry and research. The purpose of SG 2.0 and EI is to automate innovative power grid operations. To move from Distribution Network Operators (DSO) to consumer-centric distributed power grid management, the blockchain and smart contracts are applicable. Blockchain technology and integrated SGs will present challenges, limiting the deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This review looks at the decentralization of the Smart Grid 2.0 using blockchain technology. Energy trading has increased due to access to distributed energy sources and electricity producers who can financially export surplus fuels. The energy trading system successfully combines energy from multiple sources to ensure consistent and optimal use of available resources and better facilities for energy users. Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading is a common field of study that presents some administrative and technical difficulties. This article provides a general overview of P2P energy exchange. It discusses how blockchain can improve transparency and overall performance, including the degree of decentralization, scalability, and device reliability. The research is extended to examine unresolved issues and potential directions for P2P blockchain-based energy sharing in the future. In fact, this paper also demonstrates the importance of blockchain in future smart grid activities and its blockchain-based applications. The study also briefly examines the issues associated with blockchain integration, ensuring the decentralized, secure and scalable operation of autonomous electric grids in the future.
M A C L Gunarathna, Rebecca Yang, Sajani Jayasuriya, K Wang · 6 authors
Abstract The involvement of many stakeholders from diverse sectors throughout the distributed solar energy (DSE) project lifecycle and their discrete commitments to the project have lessened the stakeholder understanding in each other’s contribution. Communication between the stakeholders is not continuous and systematic; thus, the project information is not well-communicated for accurate decision making. Therefore, DSE projects have not yet won the complete stakeholder trust and its adoption in the building industry is not yet fully accepted. This study aims at exploring the opportunities for using blockchain technology to reduce/eliminate the trust issues and communication gaps along the DSE lifecycle. The study conducts 50 semi-structured interviews with building and energy stakeholders to identify the issues/ limitations which (1) reduce the stakeholder trust on DSE technologies and applications and (2) generate communication gaps along the DSE project lifecycle. Findings reveal that most of the issues/ limitations occurred due to the unavailability of a common platform for communication and information sharing, unavailability of information, improper record keeping and limited information security. The unique features of blockchain technology such as (1) distributed ledger technology (DLT), (2) smart contracts, (3) token-based access control, and (4) automated consensus and forking can effectively eliminate the identified issues/ limitations by providing (1) information accuracy and reliability, (2) information security, (3) open access to project information, (4) systematic record keeping and (5) proper governance of the system. The outcome of this study provides a systematic approach to increase the quality of communication in DSE projects design and management.
Jingya Dong, Chunhe Song, Tao Zhang, Youjun Hu · 6 authors
Blockchain technology provides the possibility for the realization of decentralized energy trading. However, the blockchain confronts privacy risks and efficiency issues, which hinder its application in energy trading. In this paper, to solve this problem, we propose an efficient and privacy-preserving decentralized energy trading scheme in a blockchain environment. We propose an account mapping algorithm to solve the privacy attack problem. We propose a new transaction processing method, which can protect private data and improve execution efficiency by two-layer transaction processing. Finally, we verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme for privacy protection and trading efficiency of decentralized energy transactions through experiments.
Mehran Hajiaghapour‐Moghimi, Kamyar Azimi Hosseini, Ehsan Hajipour, Mehdi Vakilian
Abstract In recent years, the mining of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has attracted much global attention due to the simplicity and high profitability of this business, especially in countries with low electricity rates. The process of cryptocurrency mining using cryptocurrency mining devices requires a significant amount of computing power. This industry, which is increasingly growing in energy and carbon emissions, can cause environmental concerns. Common ways to reduce this amount of energy consumption are to prohibit mining and charge these loads at a higher electricity rate; however, these solution methods are not feasible and applicable in many countries. This paper presents an energy efficiency program to persuade the customers to mine cryptocurrency using high‐efficient cryptocurrency mining devices (CMDs), including informative, regulation, and financial policy instruments. This energy efficiency approach suggests a standard, if implemented, would ban the application of inefficient CMDs, and would encourage the cryptocurrency miners to improve the profitability of their business with high‐efficient CMDs through a penalty‐reward strategy. The performance of this energy efficiency program is studied through an analysis of data gathered from different CMDs used in Iran. The effectiveness of this suggested program is proved through its sufficient incentives for miners using high‐efficient CMDs.
Marco Marcozzi, Leonardo Mostarda, Diletta Cacciagrano
As micro grids and blockchain gained the interest and attention of both academia and the industry, the interaction between the two technologies seems inevitable. However, there are challenges to overcome in order to actually realize the integration between micro grids and blockchains. In this article, we review the solutions proposed to enhance micro grids with blockchains. We discuss the scalability challenges and the opportunities derived from the off-chaining computing techniques. In this context, we draft a design to implement a micro grid-based peer-to-peer local energy market, powered by an off-chain computing protocol called DIVERSITY. DIVERSITY aims to shift the computational burden from a main blockchain to an intermediate layer of nodes, aggregating data and executing smart contracts off-chain. We simulate different data logging approaches, and it is found that DIVERSITY allows an actual saving on fees and power consumption derived from using a public blockchain platform, such as Ethereum, in order to assure a truly decentralized renewable energy distribution at a lower cost.
Maria Luisa Di Silvestre, P. Gallo, Giovani Lorenzo Restifo, Eleonora Riva Sanseverino · 6 authors
The Blorin project started at the end of 2019 to support the implementation of a blockchain platform to support the energy services provision from end users by means of Demand Response and Vehicle to Grid programs. The experimental part of the project is being carried out on two Mediterranean islands and inside the University campus in Palermo. Customized smart contracts have been designed to support the active participation of end users to regulation services for the two weak electrical grids of the islands in the view of a deep penetration of renewable energy in the two energy systems. In particular, the smart contract for remuneration accounts for the very special energy situation of islands where TSO, DSO, energy seller and aggregator collapse in a unique market actor. Moreover, in islands the electricity provision is typically still relying on diesel generators thus strongly connecting the Demand Response programs benefit to the reduction of fuel consumption, as an effect of increased efficiency of diesel generators. Due to the critical international situation and to the climate crisis, fossil fuels get more and more costly, thus a speed up of the energy transition in small islands is highly needed. This paper addresses the problem of designing a customized smart contract for remuneration of Demand Response service provision in small islands.
Over time, distribution systems have begun to include increased distributed energy resources (DERs) due to the advancement of auxiliary power electronics, information and communication technologies (ICT), and cost reductions. Electric vehicles (EVs) will undoubtedly join the energy community alongside DERs, and energy transfers from vehicles to grids and vice versa will become more extensive in the future. Virtual power plants (VPPs) will also play a key role in integrating these systems and participating in wholesale markets. Energy trading on a peer-to-peer (P2P) basis is a promising business model for transactive energy that aids in balancing local supply and demand. Moreover, a market scheme between VPPs can help DER owners make more profit while reducing renewable energy waste. For this purpose, an inter-VPP P2P trading scheme is proposed. The scheme utilizes cutting-edge technologies of the Avalanche blockchain platform, developed from scratch with decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized applications (DApps), and Web3 workflows in mind. Avalanche is more scalable and has faster transaction finality than its layer-1 predecessors. It provides interoperability abilities among other common blockchain networks, facilitating inter-VPP P2P trading between different blockchain-based VPPs. The merits of DeFi contribute significantly to the workflow in this type of energy trading scenario, as the price mechanism can be determined using open market-like instruments. A detailed case study was used to examine the effectiveness of the proposed scheme and flow, and important conclusions were drawn.
Laurence L. Delina, Rainbow Yi Hung Lam, Wing Shun Tang, Ka Ying Wong
Decentralized renewable energy installations, such as home or building solar PV, can be funded through digital fintech instruments, such as via peer-to-peer trading. This is an innovation merging two different sectors: energy and finance. But who could be the actors in this new ecosystem? How is this blending of the digital or the fintech and the renewable energy sectors perceived? This talk highlights on Hong Kong, a global financial centre, as it seeks to become an international hub for green finance and expand renewable energy contributions in its energy mix. Reporting the outcome of an expert elicitation work, the talk describes a prospective actor/institution landscape of this emergent ecosystem. We found that not only energy and finance actors will most likely be engaged in this innovation, but also those in the technology and research sectors. The general public is also seen as a key actor. The talk also surfaces expert perceptions on the possible impacts of this innovation on Hong Kong. This includes new opportunities for citizen participation in energy transition as these new investment vehicles are made available. The innovation, however, is challenged by Hong Kong's distinct electricity market regime and lack of space for technology deployment.
Conor Mullaney, Adnan Aijaz, Nathan Sealey, Ben Holden
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy trading provides various benefits over conventional wholesale energy markets and makes renewable energy more accessible. This paper proposes a novel multi-layer P2P energy trading system for microgrids based on IOTA 2.0, which is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) primarily designed for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. The proposed energy trading system, which is a manifestation of a cyber-physical system (CPS), exploits the benefits brought by IOTA's unique ledger structure as well as the recently introduced IOTA smart contract protocol (ISCP). Further, it implements a uniform double-auction market mechanism and a hierarchical routing structure for interconnected microgrids. Performance evaluation demonstrates key benefits over wholesale markets as well as speed, energy efficiency and cost benefits over conventional blockchain-based P2P energy trading systems.
This paper presents a method to implement cooperative Demand Side Management (DSM) approaches over a distributed communication network. Our method combines a decentralized DSM approach called Profile Steering with two distributed consensus mechanisms Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS). We make use of a network manager to moderate the network and a distributed ledger system to store the power profiles from each planning period.We evaluate our approach using publicly-available real data from 25 houses. We successfully implemented our distributed approach in Python using JSON files as blocks and performed time-performance evaluations of this implementation. We show that, distributed DSM for day-ahead planning using blockchain concepts is possible and adds an overhead of only 0.98 seconds and 3.99 seconds in the case of PoW and PoS respectively.
Joey H. Li, Münür Sacit Herdem, Jatin Nathwani, John Z. Wen
Information technologies involving artificial Intelligence, big data, Internet of Things devices and blockchain have been developed and implemented in many engineering fields worldwide. Existing review articles focus on developments and characteristics of individual topics and the associated deployment in the energy sector. These technologies, all based on communication, information, and data analysis, are naturally coherent and integrable. This article reviews the literature and patents in four closely related fields and aims to provide a holistic view of how they are related and their integrability in relation to smart energy management strategies. Artificial intelligence models forecast energy use and load profiles as well as schedule resources to ensure reliable performance and effective utilization of energy resources. Training artificial intelligence models requires immense volumes of data. Utilizing big data systems and data mining enables the discovery of new functions and relationships, which determines the performance of artificial intelligence. Data mining also refines the information; thus, artificial intelligence is trained iteratively with more accurate data. Smart energy management can be further enhanced through advanced digital technologies like Internet of Things and blockchain. An Internet of Things platform containing edge, fog and cloud layers helps connect artificial intelligence to other hardware and software devices and systems. Furthermore, an Internet of Things platform efficiently transmits and stores data, improving access and availability to stakeholders for data mining. Emerging technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrency facilitate energy trading and can be designed in the cloud layer of an Internet of Things platform to supplement data storage. Providing an efficient and seamless integration of artificial intelligence, big data, and advanced digital technologies will be an important factor in the emerging transition of the energy sector to a lower-carbon system.
Abstract A global push to achieve universal electricity access, paired with drastic reductions in the cost of decentralized electricity technologies, has led to significant research on how best to roll out access to rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Various geospatial electrification models have been developed to aid the decision-making process considering decentralized grid alternatives such as mini-grids and solar home systems. Despite these tools suggesting that in many cases, decentralized systems are a more cost-effective electricity access pathway, grid extension still predominates in practice. This is due, at least in part, to institutional structures in most countries that provide significant direct and indirect subsidies to grid extension projects, commonly through publicly-owned utilities. These sources of finance are generally not available to primarily privately operated off-grid energy service providers. However, the subsidy provided for grid extension projects is not well understood. In this paper, we employ utility grid extension costs and revenue data, and geospatial grid infrastructure data to estimate the size and distribution of subsidy implicitly provided to rural grid extension projects for 129 communities in Mombasa County, Kenya. We also estimate subsidies for hypothetical off-grid electricity systems in the same communities that would deliver equivalent services to the grid. We allocate the cost of shared medium voltage (MV) distribution infrastructure using a marginal and an average cost method for grid extension and compare these with subsidies for off-grid systems. We find that the average of average subsidy per customer across communities for grid extension is US$5,118 and US$5,330 for the two MV cost allocation methods respectively, while for the off-grid systems the corresponding average of average subsidies are US$3,380, using a real discount rate of 1.3% evaluated from a nominal discount rate of 8% and inflation rate of 6.7%. Our results show that in the communities in our case study, 40% and 37% of the communities would command less subsidy while served by minigrids over the grid, and the switch would save 50% and 54% of the total cost for average and marginal cost allocation methods respectively. We also show that by using a multi-model approach to electrification and by reallocation of implicit subsidies that have been exclusive to grid extension to other technology options utilities can cast the net wider, without an increase in budgets.
Energy systems are transforming due to the incorporation of multiple distributed energy resources, such as renewable energy and battery storage systems. This transformation has triggered a need to shift power distribution from a low efficiency centralized model with high coordination costs to a decentralized distribution system comprising smart grids. Researchers have discovered a number of uses for blockchain technology in the energy sector because of its decentralized structure and possibility for safe transactions. In order to pinpoint current trends and important research directions in this area, this article thoroughly examines the effects of blockchain technology on smart grids and distributed energy resources. The aim of this paper is also to identify research gaps and future research initiatives in the area of blockchain-based energy distribution. To do this, 92 research publications were subjected to a comprehensive literature review based on predetermined criteria. Transactive Energy, Electric Vehicle Integration, Privacy and Security, and Demand Response, together with some other relatively fresh and unexplored topics, were, therefore, highlighted as four major focal areas of blockchain energy research. We have also drawn attention to the gaps in the research that has already been done and the constraints imposed by present systems that must be removed before blockchain technology can be widely used.
Suman Rath, Lam Duc Nguyen, Subham Sahoo, Petar Popovski
Blockchain has recently been depicted as a secure protocol for information exchange in cyber-physical microgrids. However, it is still found vulnerable to consensus manipulation attacks. These stealth attacks are often difficult to detect as they use kernel-level access to mask their actions. In this paper, we firstly build a trusted and secured peer-to-peer network mechanism for physical DC microgrids' validation of transactions over Distributed Ledger. Secondly, we leverage from a physics-informed approach for detecting malware-infected nodes and then recovering from stealth attacks using a self-healing recovery scheme augmented into the microgrid Blockchain network. This scheme allows compromised nodes to adapt to a reconstructed trustworthy signal in a multi-hop manner using corresponding measurements from the reliable nodes in the network. Additionally, recognizing the possible threat of denial-of-service attacks and random time delays (where information sharing via communication channels is blocked), we also integrate a model-free predictive controller with the proposed system that can locally reconstruct an expected version of the attacked/delayed signals. This supplements the capabilities of Blockchain, enabling it to detect and mitigate consensus manipulation attempts, and network latencies.
Feng Xue, Kang Chang, Wei Li, Qin Wang · 8 authors
In this paper, a blockchain-enabled energy trading method is proposed to deal with the inefficiency and security issues in energy trading for electric vehicles in smart grids. It includes the design of a smart contract and the excitation mechanism of energy sharing. The credit points of each vehicle as a node are considered in the design of the smart contract, which is used to supervise the process of energy trading. A strategy to estimate the credit points of each node and describe the excitation mechanism is illustrated. The connection between the credit points and the probability that a node would be accepted for energy trading has been established. To control the energy trading access, a double auction method is used to choose the part of the nodes participating in energy trading. Only selected nodes with winning bids can supply or request energy from the blockchain-based platform. Then it reaches the conclusion that the higher the credit points they have, the more trading initiative they would have during the energy transaction and transmission. The smart contract design and the excitation mechanism proposed in this paper would reward the vehicles that perform well and punish the beguiling vehicles for regulating the trading process.
Interconnected Microgrids (IMGs) are considered a futuristic paradigm of power grids that offer modularity, resilience, and independence with energy exchangeability. In this context, each MG is accountable to its own citizens (i.e., generators or loads) and can participate in a market with its neighbours, if this enhances the benefits of its citizens. Thus, greedy behaviour is assumed to be rational for MGs participating in such a market. In this paper, a novel decentralized platform to facilitate energy trading between IMGs is developed. The platform would allow interested MGs to participate and gain benefits assuming self-benefit-driven (SBD) actions from participating MGs. The proposed platform provides a market-clearing approach based on sequential rounds. In each round, the MG with the cheapest energy price is privileged to export its surplus energy and maximize its own benefits. In order to identify the round champ, a decentralized ranking algorithm is developed to determine the MG with the cheapest energy price. The effectiveness of the proposed platform is validated using various case studies.
Laura Cirrincione, Maria La Gennusa, Giorgia Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo · 5 authors
Decarbonizing urban environments and reducing their energy consumption is one of modern society biggest commitments. In this regard, both the scientific community and international governments have been giving special consideration on improving the energy-environmental performance of mostly single buildings; recently the focus has been shifting towards a broader Positive Energy District (PED)/ Energy Community (EC) vision, from small clustered group of buildings to neighborhoods up until urban settlements. In this respect, integrating the use of renewable energy resources (RES) and actively involving building users can have a significant environmental impact on local areas. Within this framework, this work discusses the possibility of employing an innovative blockchain-based approach for the energy interaction among buildings. The blockchain technology can, in fact, be useful in managing such scenarios since it would allow to, not only consider buildings occupants behaviors, but also take into account concernings regarding the need for transparency, engagement, environmental and human health benefits, as well as the stakeholders role in the interaction/integration between PEDs/ECs and local/national electricity systems.
T. Deepa, N. Saraswathi, S. Hariprasad, KMS Praveen · 6 authors
Abstract Blockchain is an emerging technology which is known for its popularity and reliability. First introduced in 2008, it has now expanded to many areas such as IoT, cryptocurrency and Smart contracts. A blockchain consists of blocks assembled in the form of a chain. Data from each participant in the network is stored in these blocks. It is done in a block format called a series of transactions. The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed many traditional lifestyles. The IoT has enabled cities, housing, pollution control, energy saving and intelligent transportation systems. Blockchain technology and the Internet of Things can increase the efficiency of peer-to-peer energy trading platforms. The open-source peer to peer (P2P) energy trading system is designed on the blockchain. Peer to peer (P2P) is a decentralized communication model in which each party has the same functionality and each party can initiate a communication session. The system collects real time data, monitors and controls it using MQTT Protocol. The trading activities takes place on a web interface which uses a public test Ethereum blockchain, they are tamper-proof. IoT is used to monitor and control the energy. The energy data is acquired and processed using Wi-Fi Based microcontrollers.
Miguel Gayo-Abeleira, Carlos Santos, Francisco J. Rodríguez, Pedro Martı́n · 6 authors
Regulatory changes in different countries regarding self-consumption and growing public concern about the environment are encouraging the establishment of community microgrids. These community microgrids integrate a large number of small-scale distributed energy resources and offers a solution to enhance power system reliability and resilience. This work proposes a geographically-based split of the community microgrids into clusters of members that tend to have similar consumption and generation profiles, mimicking the most typical layout of cities. Assuming a community microgrid divided into clusters, a two-layer architecture is developed to facilitate the greater penetration of distributed energy resources in an efficient way. The first layer, referred as the market layer, is responsible for creating local energy markets with the aim of maximising the economic benefits for community microgrid members. The second layer is responsible for the network reconfiguration, which is based on the energy balance within each cluster. This layer complies with the IEC 61850 communication standard, in order to control commercial sectionalizing and tie switches. This allows the community microgrid network to be reconfigured to minimise energy exchanges with the main grid, without requiring interaction with the distributed system operator. To implement this two-layer energy management strategy, an aperiodic market approach based on Blockchain technology, and the additional functionality offered by Smart Contracts is adopted. This embraces the concept of energy communities since it decentralizes the control and eliminates intermediaries. The use of aperiodic control techniques helps to overcome the challenges of using Blockchain technology in terms of storage, computational requirements and member privacy. The scalability and modularity of the Smart Contract-based system allow each cluster of members to be designed by tailoring the system to their specific needs. The implementation of this strategy is based on low-cost off-the-shelf devices, such as Raspberry Pi 4 Model B boards, which operate as Blockchain nodes of community microgrid members. Finally, the strategy has been validated by emulating two use cases based on the IEEE 123-node system network model highlighting the benefits of the proposal.