Blockchain technology has worked over the years and is being successfully applied in finance industry. The characteristics of decentralization, openness, immutability and security provide a natural solution to the distributed autonomy management for diverse energy sources and the transaction between a wide range of participants in the energy power industry. This paper introduces the current development status and the research on the application of blockchain technology in this industry in China from the aspects of demand response, point-to-point transaction and distributed energy resource. Existed problems and suggestions are concluded for the future studies.
Thanks to rapid technological advances in the Internet of Things (IoT), a smart public safety (SPS) system has become feasible by integrating heterogeneous computing devices to collaboratively provide public protection services. While a service oriented architecture (SOA) has been adopted by IoT and cyber-physical systems (CPS), it is difficult for a monolithic architecture to provide scalable and extensible services for a distributed IoT based SPS system. Furthermore, traditional security solutions rely on a centralized authority, which can be a performance bottleneck or single point failure. Inspired by microservices architecture and blockchain technology, this paper proposes a BLockchain-ENabled Decentralized Microservices Architecture for Smart public safety (BlendMAS). Within a permissioned blockchain network, a microservices based security mechanism is introduced to secure data access control in an SPS system. The functionality of security services are decoupled into separate containerized microservices that are built using a smart contract, and deployed on edge and fog computing nodes. An extensive experimental study verified that the proposed BlendMAS is able to offer a decentralized, scalable and secured data sharing and access control to distributed IoT based SPS system.
With the rapid growth of renewable energy resources, energy trading has been shifting from the centralized manner to distributed manner. Blockchain, as a distributed public ledger technology, has been widely adopted in the design of new energy trading schemes. However, there are many challenging issues in blockchain-based energy trading, e.g., low efficiency, high transaction cost, and security and privacy issues. To tackle these challenges, many solutions have been proposed. In this survey, the blockchain-based energy trading in the electrical power system is thoroughly investigated. Firstly, the challenges in blockchain-based energy trading are identified and summarized. Then, the existing energy trading schemes are studied and classified into three categories based on their main focuses: energy transaction, consensus mechanism, and system optimization. Blockchain-based energy trading has been a popular research topic, new blockchain architectures, models and products are continually emerging to overcome the limitations of existing solutions, forming a virtuous circle. The internal combination of different blockchain types and the combination of blockchain with other technologies improve the blockchain-based energy trading system to better satisfy the practical requirements of modern power systems. However, there are still some problems to be solved, for example, the lack of regulatory system, environmental challenges and so on. In the future, we will strive for a better optimized structure and establish a comprehensive security assessment model for blockchain-based energy trading system.
Abstract Nowadays, people trade electricity through centralized companies or organizations which is vulnerable to cyber attacks and incapable of coping with increasing demands from stakeholders. In this paper, we propose a new Peer-to-Peer Electricity Blockchain Trading (P2PEBT) system based on the current charging and discharging schemes for electric vehicles (EV) in the smart grid to enable users to participate in the trading process. In order to cope with the current situation of the high volume of EV integration, the proof-of-Benefit (PoB) consensus primitives are proposed for P2PEBT to achieve demand response by providing incentives to balance local electricity demand in the novel blockchain system. PoB is implemented by executing the smart contracts on the Ethereum platform, and the process of achieving the maximal benefits is completed by submitting the transaction in the decentralized network. Security analysis shows that the P2PEBT system is able to manage a potential protection against up to a number of attacks. We demonstrate that the proposed system using the PoB consensus mechanism can achieve lower power fluctuation without requiring a third-party intermediary.
Yuehao Zhao, Ke Peng, Bingyin Xu, Yuquan Liu · 6 authors
Blockchain is regarded as a revolutionary technology, which is widely used in different fields all over world, especially for the application in energy field. With the development of distributed generation, there’s a greater opportunity for distributed generation trading. In the near future, everyone may be able to sell their surplus electricity generated by their rooftop photovoltaic. It can be determined that blockchain can increase the trust between transactors. Blockchain can provide convenience for peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading. In addition, blockchain can be used in other energy fields such as IOT, shared EV charging pile and etc. Because of the above advantages, many countries in the world are developing energy blockchain and have built some applied engineering programs. Some representative projects in US are introduced in this paper, and advanced technologies adopted in these existing projects are also analyzed. Finally, suggestions for developing energy blockchain technology and conclusions are given.
As a basic building block of the smart grid, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is substantial for gathering and sending consumption and production data of consumers. The applications facilitated by blockchain technology like local peer to peer (P2P) markets challenge the centrally organized utility industry with its disruptive potential and rely also heavily on AMIs as data source. However, such technologies pose a number of engineering challenges in early stage pilot projects: Unlike centrally managed AMIs, local P2P markets in particular require AMIs to exchange data with their peer devices, which increases the communication requirements due to the decentral nature of blockchain networks. In this paper, we compare the bandwidth requirement of real-time AMI with the requirements for a blockchain managed peer to peer market. By benchmarking both a normal operation and a high throughput scenario we find a ten times higher demand in bandwidth of the blockchain-based solution compared to real-time AMI and select the appropriate communication technology for an upcoming field test.
This paper studies the design and management of distributed energy systems incorporating residential, commercial and industrial users. A hierarchical framework is first proposed for the energy demand side management through peer-to-peer exchange of information and energy in the real-time market. Smart contracts guaranteed by blockchain technologies are implemented to create a seamless and efficient trading system. The benefits of distributed energy management are presented such as economic savings, reduction of peak load and increased market efficiency facilitated by blockchain.
Shen Wang, Ahmad F. Taha, Jianhui Wang, Karla Kvaternik · 5 authors
The power grid is rapidly transforming, and while recent grid innovations increased the utilization of advanced control methods, the next-generation grid demands technologies that enable the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs)---and consumers that both seamlessly buy and sell electricity. This paper develops an optimization model and blockchain-based architecture to manage the operation of crowdsourced energy systems (CES), with peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading transactions. An operational model of CESs in distribution networks is presented considering various types of energy trading transactions and crowdsourcees. Then, a two-phase operation algorithm is presented: Phase I focuses on the day-ahead scheduling of generation and controllable DERs, whereas Phase II is developed for hour-ahead or real-time operation of distribution networks. The developed approach supports seamless P2P energy trading between individual prosumers and/or the utility. The presented operational model can also be used to operate islanded microgrids. The CES framework and the operation algorithm are then prototyped through an efficient blockchain implementation, namely the IBM Hyperledger Fabric. This implementation allows the system operator to manage the network users to seamlessly trade energy. Case studies and prototype illustration are provided.
Blockchain technology is playing an increasingly important role in the Management Information System especially in the data security aspect. In this paper, we propose a blockchain based system for the data distribution and traceability analysis in Electric Management Information System (EMIS). The blockchain and smart contract is studied to ensure the security of data share in the system. The experimental results indicate that the proposed demo system can efficiently support the data share and supply the undeniable traceability services in EMIS.
Blockchain technology has been applied in many fields to improve the management and data security of the information systems. In this paper, we describe the applications of blockchain technology in Electric Management Information System. First, the components and structure of the blockchain framework are introduced. Then the blockchain based authentication application is studied to integrate with existing IT infrastructure. Finally, the benefit and limitations of the proposed integrated framework are analyzed. As industrial application research, this paper could give a reference example for the applications of blockchain in the data management system.
The systematic integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) into the supply chain to increase operational efficiency and quality has also introduced new complexities to the threat landscape. The myriad of sensors could increase data collection capabilities for businesses to facilitate process automation aided by Artificial Intelligence (AI) but without adopting an appropriate Security-by-Design framework, threat detection and response are destined to fail. The emerging concept of Smart Workplace incorporates many CPS (e.g. Robots and Drones) to execute tasks alongside Employees both of which can be exploited as Insider Threats. We introduce and discuss forensic-readiness, liability attribution and the ability to track moving Smart SPS Objects to support modern Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) within a defence-in-depth strategy. We present a framework to facilitate the tracking of object behaviour within Smart Controlled Business Environments (SCBE) to support resilience by enabling proactive insider threat detection. Several components of the framework were piloted in a company to discuss a real-life case study and demonstrate anomaly detection and the emerging of behavioural patterns according to objects' movement with relation to their job role, workspace position and nearest entry or exit. The empirical data was collected from a Bluetooth-based Proximity Monitoring Solution. Furthermore, a key strength of the framework is a federated Blockchain (BC) model to achieve forensic-readiness by establishing a digital Chain-of-Custody (CoC) and a collaborative environment for CPS to qualify as Digital Witnesses (DW) to support post-incident investigations.
This paper proposes a contract based mechanism to ensure the optimal management of a microgrid including smart buildings and local generation. The aim is to find a trade-off between the microgrid management system (MGMS) and the building energy management systems (BEMS) while preserving the building privacy. In this approach, the MGMS guaranties the prices of energy for buildings and the BEMS provides upward and downward flexibility proposals that can be activated by the MGMS. The exchanges between the two management systems are standardized and independent of the mechanism used by the BEMS to provide flexibility. The framework is implemented for electric heating buildings and an example is provided.
Seung Min Kim, Tacklim Lee, Seunghwan Kim, Lee Won Park · 5 authors
The Smart Grid has emerged to address the shortcomings of one-way existing grid systems, and is the next generation power grid infrastructure that applies smart ICT (Information Communication Technology) to existing grid. The Smart Grid is expected to greatly improve the efficiency and reliability of future power systems with the demand for renewable energy resources. However, because major power facilities are interconnected through communication networks, Smart Grid’s cyber security is becoming an important issue. Cyber-attacks by malicious intruders can lead to serious incidents such as massive outages and the destruction of power network infrastructure, since the cyber-attacks can damage energy data, starting with personal information leakage from grid members. Therefore, as a solution to this issue we will suggest a secure smart energy management system based on the blockchain. The blockchain is a distributed data processing technology in which all users participating in the network distribute and store data. Applying blockchain technology to the Smart Grid will enable more secure management of energy data, and furthermore, it will contribute to the development of the future smart energy industry in the future.
Mario Pichler, Marcus Meisel, Andrija Goranović, Kurt Leonhartsberger · 9 authors
This paper provides a snapshot of the globally ongoing decentralization of (business) relations in the energy sector. This tendency can be observed in other domains as well and is accompanied by new digital technological developments. Blockchain technology is assigned disruptive potential when it comes to realize those decentralization ideas. This hype about Blockchain is mainly company-driven without a solid academic basis yet. The authors are currently involved in several research efforts for utilizing distributed energy resources like photovoltaic systems, batteries and electric cars for the setup of energy communities and marketplaces. The paper, therefore, presents detailed investigations of background and motivations for decentralization and the building of (local) energy communities and (peer-to-peer) marketplaces for sustainable utilization of renewable energies. An overview of recent related Blockchain-based works is presented, and the current state and feasibility for the realization of the envisioned decentralized solutions are discussed. In this way, the work aimed at contributing to a research-based decision foundation for upcoming Blockchain-based decentralization efforts.
Yuhong Li, Rahim Rahmani, Nicolas Fouassier, Peik Stenlund · 5 authors
Smart Grid represents an efficient power transmission, distribution and management system. However, solutions for Smart Grid have raised security and privacy problems. Moreover, with the introduction of renewable energy resources, such as rooftop solar panels and small biogas plants, more and more electricity consumers are involved in the energy generation system. This may cause the power system unstable and/or the waste of the energy. Blockchain is a promising technology for solving these problems in the future energy system on account of its distributed trust, anonymity, data integrity and availability. In this paper, we propose a Blockchain-based architecture for Smart Grid. By using the proposed architecture, electricity consumers can be fully involved in the energy system and tracing the details of the energy they have consumed or generated. At the same time, the stability of the energy system can be kept, reducing the waste of the energy and potential hazard to the electrical equipment.
Open access
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques
Low cost, high efficiency, price transparency, and timely settlement of transactions are required for direct transactions between electricity providers and consumers in the microgrids. So the blockchain technology and the continuous double auction mechanism for direct electricity trading have always been a hot topic in the field of microgrids.In order to further reduce the transaction cost of blockchain and increase the transaction efficiency, and to solve the problem of lack of privacy protection for continuous double auction in the existing scheme, a privacy protection scheme of microgrids direct electricity transaction based on consortium blockchain and the continuous double auction is proposed. In it, the combination of consortium blockchain technology and continuous double auction mechanism is applied to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of transactions. In the meanwhile, pseudonyms and pseudonym certificates are generated by fair blind signature technology to realize identity privacy in the continuous double auction. And decentralization and user identity traceability are achieved by using (t, n) threshold secret sharing technology which distributes and recovers the private key of a trusted third party. The theoretical security analysis shows that the privacy protection scheme has higher security. The simulation experiment shows that the consortium blockchain technology has lower cost and higher efficiency in this scheme.
The protection of smart meters (SMs) from cyberattacks is of utmost importance because SMs in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) are physically unprotected and produce a large amount of sensitive data. Due to scalability, the SMs are small-sized and low-cost devices having low computational capabilities. The algorithms that are designed to complete the security requirements of SMs should be lightweight. To address this issue, this paper proposes a lightweight security solution to address the man-in-the-middle attack, data tempering, and blockchain-based data provenance. Received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is used to generate link fingerprints, which are used along with pseudo-random nonce to secure AMI. The proposed algorithm detects the involvement of adversarial node or meter tempering by computing other values along with 0 and 1 as the average of consecutive RSSI and difference between the RSSI of connected static SMs. Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ) of 0.9102 is achieved when no adversarial node is present in between the connected SMs having mobility in one or both SMs. Negative or approximately equal to zero values of ρ are computed when the adversary is present in the AMI or any of the SM in the AMI is forged. For blockchain-based data provenance, all the hash values of the packet header are 100% matched with the hash functions present at the data concentrator unit (DCU), which shows no adversary's involvement in AMI. For cases when the adversary is in the AMI, hash functions show no match with the hash values present at the DCU.
Open access
Electricity Theft Detection Techniques
Smart Grid Security and Resilience
Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and Hardware Security
Micro and decentralized generation of electrical power is an emerging trend in the power industry. Blockchain technology allows decentralized and instant monetary and contractual transactions to occur over peer to peer private and public networks by satisfying cyber security concerns. Both changes have the potential to enable paradigm shift in the field of energy in the coming years. Decentralization in the energy business makes this sector a good playground for blockchain technology. As of now, energy applications of blockchain technology are in conceptual and early stage prototyping levels. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of P2P energy trading related blockchain technology applications and proposes a comprehensive multi-layer energy model architecture for the peer to peer (P2P) energy trading implementations where the use of blockchain technology is integrated. P2P energy trading allows consumers to become prosumers of electricity in a more efficient, trustable, and profitable way. Furthermore, this study demonstrates an Ethereum based blockchain testbed exhibiting blockchain concepts and how they can be used in the field of P2P energy trading within a commodity microgrid using a sample use-case scenario.
Flexible regulation of smart grid is vital for grid operation. This paper proposes a smart grid data aggregation and regulation mechanism based on consortium blockchain, and its signcryption algorithm can be applied to multidimensional data acquisition and multiple receivers in the consortium blockchain. In the process of regulation, the control center, the grid operator, and the equipment supplier receive fixed-height blocks from the blockchain and obtain plaintext from the decryption. Each receiver analyzes the multidimensional data and formulates corresponding control policies for individual users. Grid operators implement user power regulation by feedback on smart contracts. The security analysis and performance comparison show that the proposed scheme has advantages in computing and communication costs while meeting security requirements for confidentiality and data integrity.
DLT has become an important topic of the world in recent years. Today Distributed Ledger Technology is growing famous among transactions and storing data between organizations. It has given an economic boom to many businesses and industries. DL technology brings a revolutionary change in maintaining secure transactions and storing data on a network of machines. The data stored use crypto technology to make it secure. Although this technology brings a revolutionary change and more convenient services, the security issues of crypto technology is also a very important discussion which we need to concern. This paper discusses the security threats, deficiencies and weaknesses of Crypto Technology. Security issues is discussed which might occurred in systems, networks, transaction etc.
Ethereum smart contracts are programs that can be collectively executed by a network of mutually untrusted nodes. Smart contracts handle and transfer assets of values, offering strong incentives for malicious attacks. Intrusion attacks are a popular type of malicious attacks. In this article, we propose ContractGuard, the first intrusion detection system (IDS) to defend Ethereum smart contracts against such attacks. Like IDSs for conventional programs, ContractGuard detects intrusion attempts as abnormal control flow. However, existing IDS techniques/tools are inapplicable to Ethereum smart contracts due to Ethereum's decentralized nature and its highly restrictive execution environment. To address these issues, we design ContractGuard by embedding it in the contracts to profile context-tagged acyclic paths, and optimizing it under the Ethereum gas-oriented performance model. The main goal is to minimize the overheads, to which the users will be extremely sensitive since the cost needs to be paid upfront in digital concurrency. Empirical investigation using real-life contracts deployed in the Ethereum mainnet shows that on average, ContractGuard only adds to 36.14 percent of the deployment overhead and 28.27 percent of the runtime overhead. Furthermore, we conducted controlled experiments and show that ContractGuard successfully guard against attacks on all real-world vulnerabilities and 83 percent of the seeded vulnerabilities.
Modern power systems face different challenges such as the ever-increasing electrical energy demand, the massive growth of renewable energy with distributed generations, the large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) devices adaptation, the emerging cyber-physical security threats, and the main goal of maintaining the system's stability and reliability. These challenges pose extreme pressure on finding advanced technologies and sustainable solutions for secure and reliable operations of the power system. The blockchain is one of the recent technologies that have gained lots of attention in different applications including smart grid for its uniqueness and decentralized nature. In the last few years, this technology grew a momentum specifically with the cryptocurrencies' industry such as the Bitcoin and Etherium. The Blockchain's applications in the smart grids could offer many innovative and affordable solutions to some of the challenges that the future and the current smart grids will be facing. This paper reviews different prospects, advantages, approaches, and technical challenges of utilizing the blockchain technology in the smart grid, and presents frameworks for key smart grid blockchain-based applications; more specifically, it is shown that how the blockchain can be used as the smart grid's cyber-physical layer.