CypherChain: A Privacy-Preserving Data Aggregation Framework for Blockchain-Based DR Programs

Integrating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) into smart grids presents challenges in privacy and transparency for Demand Response (DR) programs. Blockchain offers a secure, but transparent solution, risking privacy. ‘CypherChain’ is introduced as a novel framework for these programs, utilizing Secure Multi-Party Computation (SMPC), Homomorphic Encryption (HE), and Hypergraph Coloring via CHAIN and CYPHER protocols. These ensure private data aggregation and encrypted processing, balancing privacy with transparency. Tested on real-world smart building data, CypherChain improved data aggregation speed by 40% and cut computational costs by 30% against existing systems, showcasing its potential to revolutionize privacy in smart grids and address DR programs’ privacy-transparency issues.