P2P electricity trading model for urban multi-virtual power plants based on double-layer energy blockchain

Abstract

The urban virtual power plant (VPP) enhances the overall performance of the urban power system by aggregating diverse distributed energy resources (DERs) to provide energy services. With the advancement of smart grid technology, peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity trading has emerged a new paradigm of electricity trading within urban VPPs. In this study, we propose a P2P electricity trading model for multi-VPPs in urban areas, based on a double-layer energy blockchain framework. Initially, users submit their electricity trading information for matching at the user layer; any remaining unfulfilled electricity demand is then further matched at the VPP layer. The user participation process in trading encompasses several stages: trading start, matching, validation, execution, and settlement. Additionally, this study introduces a double-layer blockchain structure consisting of one main chain and multiple side chains. The main chain records real-time trading information from the VPP layer while the side chains are dedicated to recording real-time trading information from the user layer. The feasibility of the proposed model is demonstrated through its implementation in Hyperledger Fabric. Experimental results indicate that the proposed model effectively reduces urban users' reliance on the main grid and decreases their electricity expenses.