An Electronic Double Auction of Prepaid Electricity Trading Using Blockchain Technology

Abstract

Thailand’s current energy trading system is an Enhanced Single Buyer (ESB), a market monopoly by a single buyer. It will produce and distribute electricity to service providers in each area, enabling them to distribute services to consumers. In terms of the consumer aspect, it is necessary to purchase electricity from only one seller, and it is not possible to choose the manufacturer independently. Since the price mechanism is not competitive, the market price is mainly determined by a single buyer. Meanwhile, alternative energy power generation technology has progressed. Anyone can become a power producer using wind power or solar energy. People can easily produce electricity to use in their households. Besides, residual energy from use will be sold only to the ESB. However, there is a selling restriction because there is only one buyer. Importantly, Blockchain technology can be applied to enable independent electricity trading. In other words, called peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, the Thai government has policies to promote P2P trading. However, there are not many systems supporting P2P energy trading since P2P trading is still in the beginning stages of the Pilot Project. In this study, the researchers have presented a P2P Power Trading Model using Blockchain technology. This research presents a system with efficiency and simplicity. Also, there are other technology highlights such as IoT, Lora, and Electronic Double Auction. The researcher has designed, implemented, and tested it for actual electrical power trading. It can prove to be traded according to the designed test cases. Importantly, we are truly confident that this research will benefit those interested in developing real-world applications. This research can also be used as an alternative to the traditional power purchase and sale system.