Establishing Interoperability in Blockchain Enabled Interconnected Smart Microgrids Using Ignite CLI

Application of Blockchain Technology (BCT) in the energy industry in Blockchain Enabled Interconnected Smart Microgrids (BSMGs) is on the rise as it can automate local energy markets; execute energy trading; and implement market operations and management. However, they are limited by their scalability and low transactions rate. Also, with the increase in adoption of BSMGs, different types of BCT platforms will emerge, creating heterogeneity in the system. This shortcoming may lead to a monopoly of certain platforms over the rest. These drawbacks can be overcome by establishing interoperability between heterogeneous blockchains. Interoperability can also enable inter-microgrid transactions which will be hindered if there is no inter-chain communication and transaction. Cosmos is a network of blockchains which allows blockchains, applications and services to be interconnected through Inter Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Ignite CLI is an open-source, command line interface which easily creates modular and customizable blockchains which are inherently connected to Cosmos through IBC. In this paper, Ignite CLI is used to create blockchains for BSMGs which exchange data and calls for inter-microgrid transactions via IBC. The procedure to establish inter-chain communication is defined. Interoperability between BSMGs is explored and demonstrated through different examples, for the first time in the energy domain. The execution times for different cases and varying numbers of information packets have been observed.

Automated summary

The application of blockchain technology in the energy industry is growing, enabling automation of local energy markets, energy trading, and market operations. However, scalability and low transaction rates present limitations. Moreover, the adoption of Blockchain Enabled Interconnected Smart Microgrids (BSMGs) may lead to heterogeneity in the system and possible monopolization by certain platforms. To overcome these drawbacks, interoperability between heterogeneous blockchains is proposed. In this paper, Ignite CLI is used to establish inter-chain communication among BSMGs, enabling inter-microgrid transactions, and exploring interoperability in the energy domain.