Co-simulation of Electricity Distribution Networks and Blockchain Energy Trading Platforms

There has been significant recent interest in local electricity trading platforms, and particularly in the application of blockchain technology for distributed, or peer-to-peer energy trading in local energy communities. Several projects worldwide have demonstrated this concept on a small scale in Low Voltage (LV) distribution networks and microgrids. However, previous work in this area has not sufficiently addressed the potential impacts of peer-to-peer energy trading and other local electricity trading mechanisms on the control, operation and planning of the electricity distribution networks. Accordingly, this paper presents a methodology for the co-simulation of power distribution networks and local peer-to-peer energy trading platforms. The co-simulation approach is based on detailed network analysis of the distribution system using the open-source distribution system simulator OpenDSS interfaced with a blockchain-based energy trading simulator. The presented co-simulation approach is demonstrated using a case study of typical European suburban distribution network.