The ongoing transformation of the energy sector from fossil energy to renewable energy and the widespread use of new prosumer units (e.g. battery storage, charging stations) requires a paradigm shift. Future energy systems will be characterized by more volatile and cellular behaviour with high structural dynamics. The current system control is focused on a centralized, top‐down based communication and control approach of transmission system operators and distribution system operators. This centralized system is insufficient in order to support new requirements of our future energy grid.

Aim of the MANET4E experiment was to test a new communication approach using mobile ad‐hoc network technologies. This approach should serve as a key enabler for a decentralized and selforganizing energy management systems. During Stage‐1 in Fed4FIRE+, we tested and optimized the behaviour of our communication approach in a larger and more realistic environment. With the gained knowledge of our Stage‐1 experiment, we have built first prototypes using our MANET4E solution. This solution realizes an intelligent energy management between charging stations. Based on this, we extended our prototypes with a blockchain solution in order to enable future decentralized smart energy services (trading, billing, advertising, sales promotion, etc.). In this Stage‐2 experiment, we researched how suitable is our mobile ad‐hoc peer‐to‐peer network in combination with our new blockchain solution and services. The aim of the experiment was to analyze the blockchain behavior and to identify the optimal blockchain configuration (block size, distribution rates, redundancy, frequency band, etc.) in a larger and more realistic testbed in order to reach a reliable, tamperproof and scalable communication of the network. After the end of the experiment, the MANET4E solution should be used for the intelligent and decentralized energy management of charging infrastructures. Subsequently, the solution should be rolled out successively for other consumer and prosumer units.

Funding: Fed4FIRE+, Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, European Commission
Stage 1: July 2020–September 2020
Stage 2: June 2021–September 2021