A Decentralized System for Green Energy Distribution in a Smart Grid

A smart grid is a two-way communication distributed energy network that enables efficient energy generation and distribution. Due to increased interest in renewable energy production and consumption, energy distribution using a centralized grid architecture has limited applicability. Blockchain technology has attained significant attention recently and provides a number of ways for reliable processing and storage of data in a decentralized manner. It is now recognized that trustless decentralized energy production and transfer using blockchain technology is a promising approach. This work proposes a novel blockchain-based decentralized green energy distribution system for trustless reliable energy exchanges in a smart grid. The proof of distribution problem in a decentralized environment is first formalized. The reliability and validity of the energy distribution system is established by way of a robustness evaluation model. An extensive experimental study is performed to evaluate the effectiveness and soundness of the solution. Finally, a decentralized green energy distribution smart-grid case study is presented to demonstrate the utility of the system in real-life situations. (C) 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.