Distributed ADMM Using Private Blockchain for Power Flow Optimization in Distribution Network With Coupled and Mixed-Integer Constraints

Abstract

The optimization problem for scheduling distributed energy resources (DERs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) integrated with the power grid is important to minimize energy consumption from conventional sources in response to demand. Conventionally this optimization problem is solved in a centralized manner, limiting the size of the problem that can be solved and creating a high communication overhead because all the data is transferred to the central controller. These limitations are addressed by the proposed distributed consensus-based alternating direction method of multiplier (DC-ADMM) optimization algorithm, which decomposes the optimization problem into subproblems with private cost function and constraints. The distribution feeder is partitioned into low coupling subnetworks/regions, which solves the private subproblem locally and exchanges information with the neighboring regions to reach consensus. The relaxation strategy is employed for mixed-integer and coupled constraints introduced in the optimal power flow (OPF) problem by stationary and transportable BESS because DC-ADMM convergence is only guaranteed for strict convex problems. The information exchange and synchronization between subnetworks/regions are vital for distributed optimization. In this work, both of these aspects are addressed by the blockchain. The smart contract deployed on the blockchain network acts as a mediator for secure data exchange and synchronization in distributed computation. The blockchain-based distributed optimization problem's effectiveness is tested for a 0.5-MW laboratory microgrid for one hour ahead and day-ahead for the IEEE 123-bus and EPRI J1 test feeders, and results are compared with a centralized solution. INDEX TERMS Alternating direction method of multiplier, Battery energy storage systems, Blockchain, Distributed optimization, Optimal power flow, Microgrid.

Applications of Blockchain Technology in Modern Power Systems: A Brief Survey

“…Liu et al [86] proposed a distributed P2P day-ahead transaction method under the congestion management of multiple micro-networks in active distribution networks, and analyzed the effect of the P2P transaction on the (1) Optimized algorithms are used in power transmission and distribution networks. For example, in the study by Shah et al [82], a distributed-consensus based alternate direction multiplication optimization algorithm was proposed, which contains the subproblems of private cost function and constraints. Distributed feeders were divided into low coupling subnetworks/regions, which solved the private subproblems locally and exchanged information with the adjacent regions to reach a consensus.…”

Review on Energy Application Using Blockchain Technology With an Introductions in the Pricing Infrastructure

“…In this method, the system operator invokes the SC and asks the demand response service to check the baseline of the user by reading all details registered in the BC. Shah et al [73] presented a private BC that worked as a secure mediator between local MG controllers and utility operators to develop and solve optimum power flow problems in networks using recorded SC. The P2P transactions were proposed for internal and multi-MGs based on double layer BC frameworks in order to provide decentralized trading market, transparency and trust between the nodes in the trading market [74].…”

Three-stage Power Flow & Flexibility Reserve Co-Optimization for Converter Dominated Distribution Network Lookahead Model using Blockchain & S-ADMM — II: Case Study

“…The nominal operating voltage of the test feeder is 4.16 kV. The components and the data for the IEEE-123 bus test feeder are partially adopted from [12]. The distribution feeder system model for both BA areas is presented in the following subsections.…”