Abstract
•An optimised power generation PV system with energy storage is proposed.•An optimised PV system connected to the grid to satisfy the GRL energy demand is simulated.•Blockchain technology is integrated with renewable solar energy to improve the sustainability of the GRL.•A smart contract logic on the peer-to-peer energy trading process is proposed.
The Gautrain railway link in the Gauteng province of South Africa is a crucial transportation facility that has faced considerable energy-related difficulties and hence a dependable power supply is essential to ensure the continuous operation of railway processes. The total number of passenger trips on the Gautrain, in a year, is two million plus. The railway system, which has always relied on grid electricity to power trains, stations, lights, security, and operations is facing increasing difficulties because of rising electricity demand and costs, and power-related outages. To address these issues, the study designed an optimised power generation system for the Gautrain railway link (GRL) using a photovoltaic (PV) system with energy storage connected to the grid to lower energy costs, promote economic growth, and satisfy its energy demand. The Advanced Interactive Multidimensional Modelling System (AIMMS) tool was used to optimise the incorporation of solar energy generation and battery energy storage into the GRL power system. This study contributes to sustainable energy development by leveraging renewable solar energy, optimising the GRL power system, and integrating blockchain technology for peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading. A smart contract is compiled and deployed within the Remix Online IDE to apply a logic that manages energy generation, consumption, and P2P energy trading amongst prosumers. It furnishes a replicable model for the advancement of electrical energy systems within diverse transportation networks, therefore fostering the adoption of energy-efficient practices.