A Test Bench for a Blockchain-based Management of Smart Prosumers' Flexibility

Abstract

To date, the European regulatory framework requires the development of new energy policies at the national level that can reduce overall consumption and support the implementation of customer-focused control and management systems. Therefore, it is necessary to study the feasibility of the various strategies available, especially for the involvement of residential users in services that can contribute to the management of the electricity grid. The advent of blockchain technology has enabled the development of new business models for the electricity market, opening this world to end users who previously did not have the opportunity to participate in energy trading and allowing the implementation of services to ensure the proper operation of the power grid. Due to its characteristics, blockchain could be the solution to balancing problems caused by the penetration of unpredictable renewable sources. This paper describes a test bench for a Smart Prosumer simulation with the goal of emulating a user who is both a consumer and a producer, but also able to be smart, i.e., to optimally manage production and consumption and to communicate with a blockchain network for the provision of energy services. The document shows the different components of the test bench and how it is connected to a local blockchain implemented in the framework of the Blorin research project.