Digital Twin-Based Blockchain for Power Support in Networked Microgrids

This study proposes a novel approach to address the challenges posed by the increasing number of renewable sources in power grids, particularly focusing on networked microgrids. The proposed method integrates digital twin technology and blockchain technology to provide power support in networked microgrids. The method comprises three main components: 1) Blockchain Network: A blockchain network is established, utilizing a modified proof of stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. This network is responsible for maintaining hourly records and tracking system changes, including faults. Fault events are recorded in real-time, and a bidding mechanism is employed to determine which microgrids interconnect and provide power support to mitigate power imbalances. 2) Digital Twins: Digital twins are created for each distributed generation and energy storage unit within the microgrids. These digital twins play a crucial role in the proposed PoS consensus mechanism, providing an additional layer of validation for transaction records. 3) Long short-term memory (LSTM)-based Controller: An LSTM-based controller is implemented to ensure stable operation of the microgrids, even during fault events and interconnections with other microgrids. The controller is trained to maintain stable voltage levels within the system. The digital twins and LSTM-based controllers are optimized using Bayesian Optimization to determine the best parameters and hyperparameters. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively records hourly system details and fault events. Additionally, power hardware-in-the-loop simulations confirm that the LSTM-based controller can maintain stable voltage levels and outperforms other controllers in terms of performance.