No abstract

<p> Power systems are undergoing rapid transitions to incorporate renewable sources of generation and to combat climate change. Next stage of transitions will lead to a shift from large-scale, centralized systems to networks of smallsized, distributed electricity systems which require distributed or decentralized ledgers for database management for efficient transactions. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) are a form of decentralized ledgers where the transactions (energy, information and money) among various entities are maintained. One such DLT is blockchain technology which offers several advantages. Data recorded in blockchains are difficult to tamper with; have privacy protection; facilitate fast, accurate and real-time settlement of financial transactions. Contemporary research has started focusing on their possible applications in energy systems. State-of-the-art suggests that while business and market aspects have been extensively discussed, the electrical constraints and implementation methodologies have not been adequately addressed. Furthermore, all the reviewed projects have implemented only peer-to-peer transactions that are not scalable. To incorporate the new entities like prosumers, intermicrogrid transactions and interactions with the legacy power grid, new structural and operational frameworks are necessary. The proposed research explores the possibility of developing blockchain enabled smart microgrids (BSMG) with the above frameworks. It aims to build a conceptual framework of BSMG, including the transaction protocols and process flows. It proposes inclusion of network constraints in a three-levelled transaction setup which is executed over a four-layered architecture. Another practical challenge is that BSMGs may be set up on different blockchain platforms. Hence, this paper also proposes implementing Inter-Blockchain Protocol for the first time to include interoperability and communication between different platforms. Finally the performance metrics that will be used to validate the BSMGs are outlined. </p>

No abstract

<p>This is a preprint only and has not been peer-reviewed or published anywhere so far. Abstract : Blockchain technology (BCT) is a game changer for many industries due to its distinct advantages like conducting peer-to-peer transactions in trustless environment, enhanced data security, greater transparency, and the inclusion of smart contracts. Its application in the energy industry in Blockchain Enabled Interconnected Smart Microgrids (BSMGs) is on the rise as it can automate local energy markets; execute energy trading; and implement market operations and management. However, they are limited by their scalability and low transactions rate. Also, with the increase in adoption of BSMGs, different types of BCT platforms will emerge, creating heterogeneity in the system. This shortcoming may lead to a monopoly of certain platforms over the rest. These drawbacks can be overcome by establishing interoperability between heterogeneous blockchains. Interoperability can also enable inter-microgrid transactions which will be hindered if there is no inter-chain communication and transaction. Cosmos is a network of blockchains which allows blockchains, applications and services to be interconnected through Inter Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Ignite CLI is an open-source, command line interface which easily creates modular and customizable blockchains which are inherently connected to Cosmos through IBC. In this paper, Ignite CLI is used to create blockchains for BSMGs which exchange data and calls for inter-microgrid transactions via IBC. The procedure to establish inter-chain communication is defined. Interoperability between BSMGs is explored and demonstrated through different examples, for the first time in the energy domain. </p>

This study evaluated a potential transition of India’s power sector to 100% wind and solar energy sources. Applying a macro-energy IDEEA (Indian Zero Carbon Energy Pathways) model to 32 regions and 114 locations of potential installation of wind energy and 60 locations of solar energy, we evaluated a 100% renewable power system in India as a concept. We considered 153 scenarios with varying sets of generating and balancing technologies to evaluate each intermittent energy source separately and their complementarity. Our analysis confirms the potential technical feasibility and long-term reliability of a 100% renewable system for India, even with solar and wind energy only. Such a dual energy source system can potentially deliver fivefold the annual demand of 2019. The robust, reliable supply can be achieved in the long term, as verified by 41 years of weather data. The required expansion of energy storage and the grid will depend on the wind and solar energy structure and the types of generating technologies. Solar energy mostly requires intraday balancing that can be achieved through storage or demand-side flexibility. Wind energy is more seasonal and spatially scattered, and benefits from the long-distance grid expansion for balancing. The complementarity of the two resources on a spatial scale reduces requirements for energy storage. The demand-side flexibility is the key in developing low-cost supply with minimum curtailments. This can be potentially achieved with the proposed two-level electricity market where electricity prices reflect variability of the supply. A modelled experiment with price signals demonstrates how balancing capacity depends on the price levels of guaranteed and flexible types of loads, and therefore, can be defined by the market.