Distributed Consensus Control for Secure Smart Grid Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SCADA, IEC 61850, and IEEE 1547 smart grid control systems are vulnerable to cyber and physical attacks, lacking secure and automated control mechanisms for distributed energy and computation systems, which hampers the reliability and efficiency of energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
The TransActive Grid (TAG) system implements a decentralized, market-based, peer-to-peer control and settlement network using blockchain technology for secure, autonomous control of smart grid devices, enabling self-executing contracts and tokenization of energy and computation values, ensuring secure, transparent, and auditable transactions across a distributed network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decentralized peer-to-peer control is implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions into distributed nodes across the network, with each node independently executing smart contracts and validating transactions. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure and enhances security while distributing system complexity across multiple independent components rather than concentrating it in a central controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces blockchain technology as an intermediary layer that mediates transactions between nodes. The blockchain ledger and consensus mechanisms serve as neutral intermediaries that enable secure peer-to-peer interactions without requiring complex trust relationships between individual nodes, thus improving security while managing complexity through a standardized intermediary protocol.
2Productivity
If automated control mechanisms are implemented, then efficiency is improved, but loss of information increases due to cyber vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated control through smart contracts that execute transactions without interruption or human intervention. The blockchain ledger maintains continuous, immutable records of all transactions, ensuring information integrity is preserved throughout the automated process and preventing data loss or manipulation that could occur with manual or periodic control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with cryptographic mechanisms. Smart contracts use cryptographic algorithms to automatically execute control logic, and the blockchain uses cryptographic hashing and digital signatures to protect information integrity. This substitution eliminates vulnerabilities associated with traditional control systems while maintaining automated efficiency.
3Reliability
If blockchain technology is used for decentralized control, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts blockchain parameters such as block size, block time, and consensus mechanism configuration to optimize the balance between security and energy consumption. By changing these parameters, the system can enhance reliability through more robust consensus validation while controlling energy usage through optimized block processing intervals and sizes appropriate for the specific smart grid application.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the cryptographically-secure, autonomous control of devices comprising, connected to or remotely operating devices in an electrically powered network and the transaction of the benefits, costs or value created by or transacted through the devices in this electrically powered network.