Optimal System Design for Multi-Agent Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading Networks

Abstract

The limitations of grid infrastructure and the cheapening of renewable energy technologies has spurred immense growth in the development of independently financed microgrid systems that are owned and operated by private citizens and non-utility corporations. Ranging from simple rooftop solar installations on homes to miniature power plants powering universities, these microgrids will soon be able to interface not only with the larger grid but also amongst themselves. By leveraging the capabilities of blockchain technology to enable a decentralized energy trading platform, this thesis will attempt to present a methodology for finding optimal multi-agent system designs and examine the energy and cost savings of those designs relative to the current centralized grid infrastructure, with special regards towards the effectiveness of this new system in reducing the variability inherent to renewable energy production