Abstract

Blockchain and smart contract technology is advancing rapidly and, as many companies and industries are stepping up to adopt the technology, it is a worthy subject of research. This study presents a decentralized microgrid model that considers blockchain and smart contract technology. We consider a microgrid consisting of two players: a power distribution company (DC) and an electricity prosumer. The cost-benefit analysis of utilising blockchain and smart contract technology is assessed through an evaluation model for the two players. Further, to encourage the prosumer to generate renewable energy, a credit period that allows the prosumer to defer payments is provided by outside banks. A game-theoretical method is applied to analyse the decision-making by the two players, seeking to maximise their own profits. The DC acts as a leader who determines the electricity price and blockchain technology investment level, and the prosumer is a follower who determines how much renewable energy should be generated. The results show that the adoption of blockchain and smart contract technology benefits both the DC and prosumer in a decentralized microgrid. Further, several examples are provided to illustrate the model and obtain managerial insights.

摘要

区块链和智能合约技术正在迅速发展，随着许多公司和行业正在加紧采用该技术，它是一个值得研究的课题。本研究提出了一个考虑区块链和智能合约技术的去中心化微电网模型。我们考虑一个由两个参与者组成的微电网：一个配电公司 (DC) 和一个电力生产者。利用区块链和智能合约技术的成本效益分析通过两个参与者的评估模型进行评估。此外，为了鼓励产消者生产可再生能源，外部银行提供了允许产消者推迟付款的信贷期。采用博弈论的方法来分析两个参与者的决策，以寻求最大化自己的利润。DC是决定电价和区块链技术投资水平的领导者，产消者是决定应该产生多少可再生能源的追随者。结果表明，区块链和智能合约技术的采用对分散式微电网中的 DC 和产消者都有好处。此外，还提供了几个示例来说明模型并获得管理见解。