Blockchain-Based Malicious Behaviour Management Scheme for Smart Grids

Abstract

The smart grid optimises energy transmission efficiency and provides practical solutions for energy saving and life convenience. Along with a decentralised, transparent and fair trading model, the smart grid attracts many users to participate. In recent years, many researchers have contributed to the development of smart grids in terms of network and information security so that the security, reliability and stability of smart grid systems can be guaranteed. However, our investigation reveals various malicious behaviours during smart grid transactions and operations, such as electricity theft, erroneous data injection, and distributed denial of service (DDoS). These malicious behaviours threaten the interests of honest suppliers and consumers. While the existing literature has employed machine learning and other methods to detect and defend against malicious behaviour, these defence mechanisms do not impose any penalties on the attackers. This paper proposes a management scheme that can handle different types of malicious behaviour in the smart grid. The scheme uses a consortium blockchain combined with the best–worst multi-criteria decision method (BWM) to accurately quantify and manage malicious behaviour. Smart contracts are used to implement a penalty mechanism that applies appropriate penalties to different malicious users. Through a detailed description of the proposed algorithm, logic model and data structure, we show the principles and workflow of this scheme for dealing with malicious behaviour. We analysed the system’s security attributes and tested the system’s performance. The results indicate that the system meets the security attributes of confidentiality and integrity. The performance results are similar to the benchmark results, demonstrating the feasibility and stability of the system.

Monitoring Energy Flows for Efficient Electricity Control in Low-Voltage Smart Grids

“…The expansion of modern smart grid networks comes with a host of technical challenges, such as asymmetrical phase loads, voltage control issues, and weak connections between infrastructure elements like distribution transformers, auxiliary facilities, and end-users. Additionally, unauthorized and illegal energy consumption poses a significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of smart grids [1][2][3][4]. This problem includes issues like electricity theft, technical errors, and the improper use of network equipment and facilities, as highlighted in previous studies [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

Implementation of a Trust-Based Framework for Substation Defense in the Smart Grid

“…The substation is regarded as the heart of the Smart Grid because its core role in generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity within the Smart Grid is the adjustment of voltages. Similar to the Smart Grid, the substation is now automated due to the integration of cyber-infrastructure, making it a cyber-physical infrastructure [1]. The Smart Grid is considered a critical infrastructure because any downtime experienced within it, especially by the substation, will affect the lives of many industrial/business and household consumers.…”