IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading for peer-to-peer transactions

Abstract

An IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading, configured to enable peer-to-peer transactions between a large number of distributed energy nodes. The system includes: an intelligent energy trading device (SETD) connected to each energy node, comprising a tamper-proof bidirectional energy measurement module configured to measure both energy generation and consumption with sub-one-second resolution; an embedded processing unit coupled with the energy measurement module, wherein the embedded processing unit includes a cryptographic coprocessor configured to generate digital signatures and perform blockchain key management; a communication subsystem integrated into the SETD, configured to establish a wireless connection using at least one of the mobile communication protocols Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRa or 5G / 6G for the exchange of transaction data over heterogeneous networks; a blockchain integration control unit that is operationally connected to the processing unit and configured to execute smart contracts for verifying, recording and synchronizing peer-to-peer energy transactions in a distributed ledger without relying on a central intermediary; a power switching module that is electrically connected to the energy node and configured to physically regulate the bidirectional energy flow according to executed peer-to-peer trading agreements; and an IoT sensor module that includes at least one current sensor, voltage sensor, frequency sensor or power factor sensor to monitor network stability parameters and provide real-time telemetry data to the processing unit,

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to decentralized energy management systems and, in particular, an IoT-enabled architecture that enables secure, real-time peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading between decentralized energy producers and consumers. The invention comprises a hardware- and software-integrated device and a structural system that enables local energy exchange without dependence on central utility companies. Background of the invention

[0002] Traditional energy trading models are centralized and rely on utilities or grid operators for metering, billing, and distributing electricity. With the increasing use of renewable energy sources such as rooftop solar panels, small wind turbines, and micro-hydropower plants, consumers are generating more and more surplus energy at the point of consumption. However, existing systems lack efficient mechanisms to trade this surplus transparently and reliably directly with neighboring consumers. Centralized platforms not only introduce inefficiencies and additional costs but also pose challenges in terms of scalability, latency, and cybersecurity.

[0003] While blockchain-based smart contracts have been proposed to facilitate decentralized trading, these solutions are often detached from physical hardware integration and real-time IoT-based monitoring of energy flow. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive IoT-enabled device and system architecture that enables secure energy metering, verification, and automated peer-to-peer exchange in a decentralized environment.

[0004] The development of energy distribution systems in the last century was characterized by centralized architectures in which large power plants generated electricity, which was transported via high-voltage transmission lines and distributed to consumers through hierarchically controlled grids. This model allowed for economies of scale and the maintenance of a stable supply for the general population. However, it was developed at a time when energy generation was largely predictable, demand-driven, and based on fossil fuels. With the increasing prevalence of renewable energy sources, particularly decentralized energy generation facilities such as rooftop solar panels, residential wind turbines, and small-scale battery storage systems, the limitations of centralized structures are becoming ever more apparent.Renewable energy sources are inherently variable and fluctuating, and centralized utilities face significant challenges in balancing demand with such decentralized generation. This has sparked growing interest in decentralized energy trading systems, where producers and consumers can interact directly without relying on central authorities.

[0005] Existing solutions in this area can be broadly categorized into utility-managed feed-in tariff models, centralized trading platforms, and blockchain-inspired peer-to-peer prototypes. Utility-managed models are the most traditional and widespread, particularly in regions that subsidize renewable energy use. Under these agreements, consumers with surplus renewable energy feed it back into the grid and receive a fixed payment from the utility. While this has enabled the widespread use of photovoltaics, the system remains highly centralized and dependent on the utility. Consumers cannot directly negotiate prices with like-minded individuals, nor can they control who purchases their surplus electricity.The model also leads to inefficiencies, as remuneration rates are determined by regulatory frameworks and not by actual supply and demand dynamics, often resulting in less incentive for small producers. Furthermore, measurement and billing are typically processed in batches, with delays of days to months, limiting transparency and responsiveness.

[0006] Another approach is the emergence of centralized energy trading platforms, often operated by external intermediaries or energy cooperatives. These platforms allow households, small producers, or microgrids to list their energy availability on a central exchange, where consumers can submit requests. The platform acts as a clearinghouse, matching supply and demand and handling billing. While these solutions offer some flexibility compared to utility-based tariffs, they still suffer from the drawbacks of centralization. The intermediary becomes a single point of failure, both technically and economically, and is vulnerable to outages, cyberattacks, or monopolistic practices. Users must entrust the platform with confidential consumption and transaction data, and the costs associated with platform management reduce the financial attractiveness of peer-to-peer exchanges.Latency also becomes a problem, as transactions have to be routed through central servers that are often located far from the actual trading partners, making real-time balancing less effective.

[0007] To address these challenges, researchers and innovators have experimented with blockchain-based prototypes for peer-to-peer energy trading. Thanks to their distributed and immutable ledger, blockchains offer a mechanism for decentralized trust and ensure that transactions between energy nodes are verifiable without reliance on a central authority. Smart contracts can automate pricing, verification, and settlement, theoretically enabling direct energy trading between producers and consumers. Pilot projects such as the Brooklyn Microgrid in the US, Power Ledger in Australia, and similar initiatives in Europe and Asia have demonstrated the potential of blockchain-based energy trading ecosystems. In these models, households with surplus energy from solar panels can sell it directly to neighbors, while consumers can negotiate competitive prices or purchase locally generated green electricity.These solutions have attracted significant academic and commercial interest because they offer transparency, immutability, and decentralization.

[0008] Despite their promise, blockchain-based systems face several practical limitations that hinder widespread adoption. First, blockchains in their native form are computationally intensive, requiring significant energy and processing resources for consensus mechanisms like Proof-of-Work. While simpler consensus protocols such as Proof-of-Stake and delegated mechanisms have been proposed, these often compromise decentralization or security guarantees. Furthermore, the overhead associated with transaction validation and block confirmation introduces latency, which is problematic for real-time energy trading scenarios, where supply and demand must be balanced in intervals of less than a second or minute.Furthermore, blockchain transactions typically incur gas or processing fees, which can become disproportionately expensive for microtransactions typical of household-level energy trading. Another challenge is the lack of seamless integration with physical hardware. Blockchain-based platforms often treat energy trading as a digital transaction layer but rely on traditional smart meters or utility-managed infrastructure to actually verify the flow of electricity. This creates a gap between virtual settlement and physical energy delivery, potentially facilitating disputes or fraudulent activity.

[0009] Beyond blockchain, some systems are attempting to leverage centralized databases with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to predict energy availability and coordinate trades. These systems are often integrated into Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart meters and connected appliances, which feed real-time data into the trading platform. While this approach improves efficiency and utilizes predictive models for dynamic pricing, it remains tied to centralized control. Data privacy becomes a significant concern, as users' consumption and generation profiles are collected and analyzed by central servers, often without adequate anonymization. The reliance on consistently available, high-bandwidth connectivity also limits applicability in rural or developing regions where network reliability cannot be guaranteed.Furthermore, centralized, AI-driven systems may be geared more towards profit maximization than equitable access. This leads to imbalances where smaller producers or low-income households are disadvantaged in their market participation.

[0010] Another common drawback of blockchain and centralized models is the lack of fine-grained, hardware-level control. Energy trading systems should theoretically not only record and process transactions but also be able to physically regulate the flow of electricity between peers. Without integrated control mechanisms, there is a risk of overloading local distribution lines or destabilizing the microgrid when trading with multiple counterparties simultaneously. Current systems rarely have local actuation mechanisms, such as solid-state relays or automatic circuit breakers, that can dynamically adjust inflow and outflow according to contractual agreements. This leads to a dependency on a centralized grid infrastructure to maintain stability and undermines the autonomy and resilience of peer-to-peer energy trading ecosystems.

[0011] Regulatory and interoperability challenges further complicate existing solutions. Energy markets are heavily regulated, and many blockchain-based prototypes function only in experimental sandboxes or limited community projects. The lack of standardized protocols for IoT-based measurement and secure data exchange hinders interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. Proprietary platforms often lock users into specific ecosystems, preventing broad peer-to-peer communication across heterogeneous networks. This fragmentation reduces scalability and impedes wider adoption. Security is another major concern. IoT devices are frequently vulnerable to cyberattacks due to weak authentication, outdated firmware, or inadequate encryption.In a decentralized energy trading environment, a compromised device could manipulate readings, falsify transactions, or destabilize local networks, leading to cascading outages. While blockchain offers a degree of transaction security, it does not fundamentally protect against compromised hardware at the network edge.

[0012] Finally, most existing approaches fail to adequately consider economic sustainability for users. Feed-in tariffs offered by energy suppliers provide little incentive, centralized platforms charge administrative fees, and blockchain systems incur transaction costs. None of these models fully optimizes profitability for small-scale producers, especially when considering the costs of equipment, maintenance, and local distribution losses. For consumers, price fluctuations and transaction complexity often make decentralized trading less attractive than simply purchasing from energy suppliers at stable prices. Ease of use also remains a barrier, as many blockchain-based platforms require digital wallets, token management, and technical expertise that the average household may lack.

[0013] These cumulative drawbacks underscore the urgent need for a system that combines the decentralized trust mechanisms of blockchain with the real-time sensing and activation capabilities of the IoT, integrated into a secure hardware architecture that directly manages both energy data and power flows. Such a system must reduce computational overhead by implementing lightweight consensus mechanisms, lower transaction latency to near real-time, enable tamper-proof measurements through embedded meters, and integrate robust communication modules for heterogeneous network environments. It must also be modular and interoperable so that households, communities, and microgrids can scale their participation without being tied to specific proprietary platforms.Only by bridging the gap between physical infrastructure and digital trading levels can decentralized energy trading become a viable mainstream alternative to centralized models. Summary of the invention

[0014] The invention describes an IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading that integrates hardware devices, distributed ledger technology, and machine learning predictive modules to enable seamless peer-to-peer energy exchange. Each energy node—whether producer, consumer, or potential customer—is equipped with a Smart Energy Trading Device (SETD) comprising sensors, controllers, communication modules, and blockchain-enabled processors. The SETD continuously monitors local energy generation and consumption in real time, authenticates trading requests, and executes peer-to-peer transactions using cryptographically secured smart contracts.

[0015] The system also includes dynamic pricing mechanisms, techniques for balancing supply and demand, and tamper-proof energy meters, ensuring secure and transparent energy trading. The IoT-based infrastructure enables the autonomous negotiation and execution of transactions between devices without a central intermediary.

[0016] The main objective of the present invention is to provide an IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading that enables secure, transparent, and autonomous peer-to-peer energy transactions without dependence on central utilities or intermediaries. The invention aims to empower individual energy producers, consumers, and prosumers by enabling them to directly exchange surplus renewable energy within local or extended microgrids, thereby promoting the democratization and resilience of the energy supply. A further objective of the invention is the integration of real-time sensor, measurement, and control functions into a unified hardware device that not only records and verifies energy generation and consumption but also dynamically regulates the physical flow of electricity according to concluded trading agreements.Another aim of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of existing systems by combining IoT-based telemetry with blockchain-enabled smart contracts to ensure the immutability of transactions, prevent manipulation, and reduce settlement delays. This achieves near real-time trust in peer-to-peer exchanges.

[0017] The invention also aims to provide a modular and scalable architecture that seamlessly adapts to heterogeneous communication environments—from energy-efficient wide area networks to advanced 5G or 6G infrastructures. This makes it applicable in both urban and rural areas. A further objective of the invention is the integration of predictive analytics and dynamic pricing models based on machine learning to balance supply and demand fluctuations, thereby creating a more efficient and equitable trading ecosystem for all participants. Another objective is to improve data protection and cybersecurity by embedding secure cryptographic processors into the device architecture. This ensures that both user identity and transaction integrity are protected against malicious interference.The invention also aims to solve regulatory and interoperability problems by providing a tamper-proof, standards-compliant energy metering mechanism that can be easily integrated into existing grid infrastructure or deployed as a standalone microgrid solution at the community level. Ultimately, the invention aims to create a holistic, hardware- and software-integrated system that bridges the gap between physical energy delivery and digital transaction levels, offering a sustainable, transparent, and user-centric model for decentralized energy trading. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood if the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same symbols consistently represent the same parts. The following applies: Fig. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading for peer-to-peer transactions.

[0019] Experts will also recognize that the elements in the drawing are shown for the sake of simplicity and are not necessarily to scale. For example, the flowcharts illustrate the process by highlighting the main steps to enhance understanding of the aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, with regard to the design of the device, one or more components of the device may be represented in the drawing by conventional symbols, and the drawing may show only the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to clutter the drawing with details that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this description. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] For a better understanding of the inventive principles, reference is made below to the embodiment shown in the drawing, which is described in specific terminology. However, this does not limit the scope of the invention. Changes and further modifications of the illustrated system, as well as further applications of the inventive principles, are possible, as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art in the field of invention.

[0021] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the preceding general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended as a limitation of it.

[0022] References in this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect”, or similar expressions mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, occurrences of the expressions “in one embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar expressions in this specification may all refer to the same embodiment, but need not.

[0023] The terms "includes," "include," or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process or method that includes a list of steps may not only contain those steps but may also include other steps not expressly listed or inherent in such process or method. Likewise, the statement "includes..." in the case of one or more devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, or additional devices, subsystems, elements, structures, or components.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention. The system, methods, and examples provided here serve only for illustration and are not to be construed as a limitation.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing.

[0026] Referring to the Fig.Figure 100, which shows a block diagram of an IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading for peer-to-peer transactions, comprises: a smart energy trading device (SETD) (102) connected to each energy node. The SETD includes a tamper-proof bidirectional energy metering module (102a) configured to measure both energy generation and consumption with sub-second resolution; and an embedded processing unit (104) coupled to the energy metering module. The embedded processing unit includes a cryptographic coprocessor configured to generate digital signatures and perform blockchain key management.a communication subsystem (106) integrated into the SETD, configured to establish a wireless connection using at least one of the cellular protocols Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRa or 5G / 6G to exchange transaction data across heterogeneous networks; a blockchain integration control unit (108) operationally connected to the processing unit and configured to execute smart contracts for verifying, recording and synchronizing peer-to-peer energy transactions in a distributed ledger without dependence on a central intermediary; a power switching module (110) electrically connected to the energy node and configured to physically control the bidirectional energy flow according to executed peer-to-peer trading agreements;and an IoT sensor module (112) comprising at least one current sensor, voltage sensor, frequency sensor or power factor sensor to monitor grid stability parameters and provide real-time telemetry data to the processing unit, wherein the SETD is further configured to autonomously negotiate, authenticate and execute decentralized energy transactions with other nodes in real time, thus enabling secure and transparent peer-to-peer energy trading.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bidirectional energy measurement module (102a) is housed in a sealed measurement chamber with electromagnetic shielding and also includes tamper protection sensors configured to detect physical disturbances, magnetic field anomalies, or reverse current injection. Upon detection of tampering, the embedded processing unit generates a cryptographically signed tamper event record, which is transmitted to the blockchain ledger for immutability.

[0028] In one embodiment, the embedded processing unit (104) comprises a microcontroller coupled to a secure hardware enclave. The enclave is configured to store private keys, perform elliptic curve cryptography operations, and restrict unauthorized access to key material. All peer-to-peer trading transactions within the enclave are digitally signed to prevent replay or man-in-the-middle attacks.

[0029] In one embodiment, the blockchain integration control unit (108) is configured to operate a lightweight consensus protocol selected from Proof-of-Authority, Delegated Proof-of-Stake or Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus, wherein the consensus protocol is optimized to achieve a transaction confirmation latency of less than one second to enable real-time energy trading at the household or microgrid level.

[0030] In one embodiment, the communication subsystem (106) comprises a modular communication chamber which is detachably connected to the device housing, wherein the modular chamber includes a software-defined transceiver and an interchangeable antenna module, wherein the communication protocol stack is dynamically reconfigurable to support adaptive switching between low-power wide area protocols and high-bandwidth 5G / 6G protocols depending on node density and network conditions.

[0031] In one embodiment, the power switching module (110) comprises semiconductor relays driven by bipolar transistors with insulated gate electrodes. The relays are controlled by a real-time actuation driver integrated into the processing unit, the actuation driver being further configured to enforce the results of smart contract execution by automatically closing or opening power transfer circuits between nodes after cryptographic validation of a trading agreement.

[0032] In one embodiment, the IoT sensor module (112) also includes frequency deviation detectors and harmonic distortion analyzers, wherein the module is configured to continuously provide network integrity monitoring data to the processing unit, wherein, upon detection of instability above a predetermined threshold, the processing unit executes a localized disconnection protocol that temporarily suspends peer-to-peer trading and isolates the energy node to prevent fault propagation.

[0033] In one embodiment, the SETD (102) also includes an artificial intelligence module running on the embedded processor. The AI ​​module is configured to analyze the node's historical energy generation and consumption patterns, predict short-term surplus availability using machine learning regression models, and dynamically adjust bidding strategies in peer-to-peer transactions to maximize the economic return for the node.

[0034] In one embodiment, the blockchain integration control unit (108) also includes a privacy-friendly transaction engine configured to implement zero-knowledge proof protocols, so that trade settlement values ​​are verifiable in the distributed ledger without disclosing the absolute consumption or generation data of individual nodes, thereby improving user privacy in peer-to-peer energy markets.

[0035] In one embodiment, the housing of the SETD (102) comprises a modular structure comprising: a base mounting frame configured for wall or pole mounting; a measurement chamber physically isolated from the processing chamber by a thermal insulation layer; a communication chamber arranged as a removable housing; and a passive ventilation system integrated with thermal shutdown fuses, wherein the modular design allows for independent upgrades or replacements of individual chambers without replacing the entire device.

[0036] The invention describes an IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading that enables secure, transparent, and autonomous peer-to-peer transactions between distributed energy nodes. Each participating node, whether energy producer, consumer, or prosumer, is connected to a Smart Energy Trading Device (SETD) that integrates measurement, sensor, processing, communication, blockchain integration, and actuation functions.

[0037] The SETD incorporates a tamper-proof, bidirectional measurement module capable of measuring energy inputs and outputs with high temporal resolution. This module is housed in a shielded chamber containing tamper-proof sensors that detect magnetic interference, reverse current injection, or unauthorized access. Measurement data generated by the module is fed into an embedded processing unit consisting of a microcontroller and a secure cryptographic coprocessor. The cryptographic coprocessor is responsible for digital key storage, executing elliptic curve cryptography, and generating digital signatures. All measurement and trading data is cryptographically signed before system-wide transmission to ensure authenticity and non-repudiation.

[0038] The embedded processing unit executes a trading technique that operates at the intersection of real-time IoT telemetry and blockchain smart contracts. This technique begins with the continuous monitoring of energy generation and consumption data at each node. When an energy surplus is detected, the processing unit initiates a transmission step, communicating the energy availability via the communication subsystem. This subsystem employs a modular communication architecture that can dynamically select between Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRa, and 5G / 6G protocols depending on network density and coverage conditions. In densely populated urban areas, short-range, low-latency protocols may be preferred, while in rural micronetworks, LoRa or cellular connections can be used to extend the range.

[0039] Upon receiving an availability signal, consumer nodes with active demand respond by submitting trade requests. Each trade request includes a digital signature generated by the requesting node's cryptographic coprocessor, ensuring that only authenticated participants can engage in the trade. These requests are received by the blockchain integration control unit (SETD) of the surplus node. This unit hosts a lean blockchain client configured to operate with resource-efficient consensus protocols such as Proof-of-Authority or Byzantine fault-tolerant models. This lean consensus mechanism minimizes computational overhead and achieves transaction confirmation times of less than one second, thus supporting real-time energy trading.

[0040] The central trading technology is divided into three main phases: discovery, negotiation, and execution. During discovery, available energy supplies are matched with consumer requests using a smart contract implemented in the distributed ledger. The smart contract encodes conditions such as energy quantity, unit price, delivery window, and service quality parameters. During negotiation, the smart contract automatically evaluates competing bids and applies an optimization model that maximizes efficiency and fairness. For example, the technology can implement a multi-criteria function that considers consumer urgency, producer surplus, and predicted short-term availability.The artificial intelligence module embedded in the processing unit enhances this phase by forecasting production and consumption trends using machine learning regression and time series models trained on historical node-level data. By predicting surpluses or shortages in the near future, the AI ​​module dynamically adjusts bidding strategies to maximize economic returns for producers while simultaneously meeting consumer demand.

[0041] Once a smart contract has determined the successful trade agreement, the execution phase begins. The blockchain ledger immutably records the trade, while the SETD enforces the physical energy delivery through the power switching module. The switching module, consisting of solid-state relays controlled by insulated-gate bipolar transistors, is actuated directly by the processing unit. The relays close circuits to direct energy from the generator node to the consumer node, while continuously measuring the energy transmitted by the sensing module. During transmission, the IoT sensor module monitors line parameters such as current, voltage, frequency, and harmonic distortion. Should the sensor module detect instabilities exceeding defined thresholds, such as...If a frequency deviation exceeds legal tolerances, the processing unit triggers a localized shutdown protocol to suspend trading and isolate the node. This prevents cascading faults throughout the micronetwork.

[0042] The trading technology also integrates a privacy-friendly calculation layer to protect user data. Instead of transmitting absolute consumption or production values, the system uses zero-knowledge proof protocols within the blockchain integration control unit. These protocols allow nodes to prove availability or demand without disclosing sensitive quantitative details. This ensures transparency in trade processing while simultaneously protecting the privacy of individual users.

[0043] Transactions are processed in real time via blockchain recording. Each transaction is digitally signed by the producer and consumer nodes, and the signature is validated by peer nodes in the distributed ledger. The consensus mechanism ensures that once a trade is confirmed, it is immutable and cannot be challenged. The energy balances of each node are automatically updated by the smart contract, which acts as the system's autonomous settlement layer.

[0044] The modular design of the SETD enclosure allows for physical scalability and maintenance. The measurement chamber is thermally and electrically isolated from the processing chamber to reduce noise. The communication chamber is removable, enabling future upgrades to advanced network protocols without replacing the device. A passive ventilation system with integrated thermal shutdown circuits ensures reliable operation under fluctuating environmental conditions.

[0045] In addition to real-time operation, the technology incorporates a learning feedback loop. Historical transaction data, securely logged on the blockchain, is analyzed by the AI ​​module to update predictive models. This allows the system to adapt to seasonal fluctuations in renewable energy generation, changing user consumption patterns, and shifts in market prices. By embedding adaptive intelligence, the system optimizes itself and reduces its reliance on manual configuration or central coordination.

[0046] When a node generates excess energy, the system detects this and sends an availability signal across the distributed network. Nearby nodes with demand respond with trading requests. Smart contracts within the distributed ledger automatically evaluate pricing models, availability, and node credibility. Once a trading agreement is reached, the SETD activates the power switching mechanism to direct the excess power to the consuming node.

[0047] All transactions are cryptographically signed and recorded on the blockchain to ensure immutability and traceability. Dynamic tariff models are implemented using embedded AI modules that analyze historical demand, renewable energy generation forecasts, and grid conditions. This enables adaptive pricing to balance supply and demand imbalances in real time.

[0048] The present invention relates generally to the field of decentralized energy management systems and, in particular, to IoT-enabled architectures that enable secure peer-to-peer energy trading. The invention lies at the intersection of smart grid technology, distributed ledger systems, and IoT-based sensor and actuator devices, and aims to enable tamper-proof and autonomous real-time energy exchange between decentralized producers and consumers. The presented system addresses the technical challenges associated with integrating renewable energy generation, dynamic pricing, secure metering, and blockchain-based transaction validation into a unified hardware-software platform for decentralized energy trading.

[0049] The drawing and the preceding description show examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the described elements can be combined to form a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements can be divided into several functional elements. Elements of one embodiment can be added to another embodiment. For example, the sequence of the processes described here can be changed and is not limited to the manner described here. Furthermore, the actions of a flowchart need not be implemented in the sequence shown; nor does it necessarily have to be performed by all actions. Actions that are not dependent on other actions can also be performed in parallel with the other actions. The scope of the embodiments is in no way limited by these specific examples.Numerous variations are possible, whether explicitly stated in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimensions, and material use. The range of embodiments is at least as broad as specified in the following claims.

[0050] Advantages, further benefits, and problem solutions have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the advantages, benefits, problem solutions, and all components that may lead to a particular advantage or solution occurring or becoming more apparent are not to be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or components of any or all claims. REFERENCES 100 An IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading for peer-to-peer transactions. 102 Intelligent Energy Trading Device 102a Bidirectional energy measurement module 104 Embedded processing unit 106 Communication subsystem 108 Blockchain Integration Control Unit 110 Power switching module 112 IoT sensor module

Claims

[1] An IoT-based system for decentralized energy trading configured to enable peer-to-peer transactions between a large number of distributed energy nodes. The system includes: an intelligent energy trading device (SETD) connected to each energy node, comprising a tamper-proof bidirectional energy measurement module configured to measure both energy generation and consumption with sub-one-second resolution; an embedded processing unit coupled with the energy measurement module, wherein the embedded processing unit includes a cryptographic coprocessor configured to generate digital signatures and perform blockchain key management; a communication subsystem integrated into the SETD, configured to establish a wireless connection using at least one of the mobile communication protocols Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRa or 5G / 6G for the exchange of transaction data over heterogeneous networks; a blockchain integration control unit that is operationally connected to the processing unit and configured to execute smart contracts for verifying, recording and synchronizing peer-to-peer energy transactions in a distributed ledger without relying on a central intermediary; a power switching module that is electrically connected to the energy node and configured to physically regulate the bidirectional energy flow according to executed peer-to-peer trading agreements; and an IoT sensor module that includes at least one current sensor, voltage sensor, frequency sensor or power factor sensor to monitor network stability parameters and provide real-time telemetry data to the processing unit, [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the bidirectional energy measurement module is housed in a sealed measurement chamber with electromagnetic shielding and further comprises tamper protection sensors configured to detect physical disturbances, magnetic field anomalies or reverse current injection, wherein the embedded processing unit, upon detection of tampering, generates a cryptographically signed tamper event record which is transferred to the blockchain ledger for immutability. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the embedded processing unit comprises a microcontroller coupled to a secure hardware enclave, the enclave being configured to store private keys, perform elliptic curve cryptography operations and restrict unauthorized access to key material, wherein all peer-to-peer trading transactions within the enclave are digitally signed to prevent replay or man-in-the-middle attacks. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the blockchain integration control unit is configured to operate a lightweight consensus protocol selected from Proof-of-Authority, Delegated Proof-of-Stake or Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus, wherein the consensus protocol is optimized to achieve a transaction confirmation latency of less than one second to enable real-time energy trading at the household or microgrid level. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the communication subsystem comprises a modular communication chamber which is detachably connected to the device housing, wherein the modular chamber comprises a software-defined transceiver and an interchangeable antenna module, wherein the communication protocol stack is dynamically reconfigurable to support adaptive switching between low-power wide area protocols and high-bandwidth 5G / 6G protocols depending on node density and network conditions. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the power switching module comprises semiconductor relays driven by insulated gate electrode bipolar transistors, wherein the relays are controlled by a real-time actuation driver integrated into the processing unit, wherein the actuation driver is further configured to enforce the results of smart contract execution by automatically closing or opening power transfer circuits between nodes during cryptographic validation of a trading agreement. [7] System according to claim 1, wherein the IoT sensor module further comprises frequency deviation detectors and harmonic distortion analyzers, wherein the module is configured to provide continuous network state monitoring data to the processing unit, wherein, upon detection of an instability above a predetermined threshold, the processing unit executes a localized disconnection protocol that temporarily suspends peer-to-peer trading and isolates the energy node to prevent the propagation of faults. [8] System according to claim 1, wherein the SETD further comprises an artificial intelligence module running on the embedded processor, the AI ​​module being configured to analyze historical energy generation and consumption patterns of the node, predict short-term surplus availability using machine learning regression models, and dynamically adjust bidding strategies in peer-to-peer transactions to maximize the economic return for the node. [9] System according to claim 1, wherein the blockchain integration control unit further comprises a privacy-preserving transaction engine configured to implement zero-knowledge proof protocols, so that trade settlement values ​​are verifiable in the distributed ledger without disclosing the absolute consumption or generation data of individual nodes, thereby improving user privacy in peer-to-peer energy markets. [10] System according to claim 1, wherein the housing of the SETD comprises a modular structure comprising the following: a base mounting frame configured for wall or pole mounting; a dosing chamber that is physically isolated from the processing chamber by a thermal insulation layer; a communication chamber arranged as a removable enclosure; and a passive ventilation system with integrated thermal shutdown fuses, The modular design allows for independent upgrades or replacement of individual chambers without replacing the entire device.

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