EV charging coordination via blockchain-based charging power quota trading

With the increasing electric vehicle (EV) integration, challenges arise in the operation of a distribution network in that charging numerous EVs at the same time may overload distribution facilities. The charging power should be distributed among the charging stations in such a way that both individual EV charging demands and security constraints are met. Meanwhile, there usually does not exist a coordinator over all EV charging stations. This paper proposes an EV charging coordination method by designing a charging power quota (permissible charging power of a charging station) trading platform on blockchain. After collecting the future charging demands from charging stations, the proposed platform distributes initial charging power quotas in an equitable and secure manner while considering facility ratings. Then, considering the elasticity of different charging stations, the platform allows EV charging stations to trade the initially-allocated charging power quota via a double auction. By matching the submitted offers and bids from charging stations, the optimal allocation of charging power quotas is realized. By designing corresponding smart contracts, a charging power quota allocation and trading platform is established based on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring the transparency, trustfulness, and intelligence of the charging power quota trading. A case study based on an Ethereum private blockchain shows the fairness and efficiency of the proposed mechanism and the effectiveness of the method.