Date of Defense
25-11-2025 10:00 AM
Location
F1-1164
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE)
College
COE
Department
Electrical and Communication Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Abdulrahman Kalbat
Abstract
This thesis explores the integration of blockchain technology with smart cities to enhance efficiency, transparency, and reliability. The basic principles of blockchain, its layered architecture, consensus protocols, and decentralized security are first reviewed. The thesis then highlights how blockchain features can be integrated with urban and energy systems. The research focuses on how token economy can be used with smart cities to promote individuals to engage in desired behaviors by employing blockchain-based incentive mechanisms that can encourage responsible energy consumption.
The FairChain test system was developed and tested using blockchain technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) to demonstrate the functionality of decentralized verification and automated rewards. FairChain uses IoT sensors to monitor user behavior, such as reductions in energy consumption, and transmits that data to the blockchain. Subsequently, smart contracts allocate FairChain Credits (FCR) as digital incentives, omitting the central authority. The local Hardhat Ethereum network was utilized for energy tariff models (AADC/DEWA). The results demonstrated that the transaction finality was in a matter of seconds, while maintaining a throughput of 1-2 transactions per second. The gas deployment costs were limited to 118 AED and 10 AED for routine transactions.
The results show that blockchain can make energy management systems more reliable and transparent, which can encourage individuals to behave in a more sustainable way. The paper explores reinforcement theory, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and power systems. It also shows how token economies based incentives can help make smart cities more efficient and allow for energy saving.
Included in
BLOCKCHAIN IN SMART CITIES
F1-1164
This thesis explores the integration of blockchain technology with smart cities to enhance efficiency, transparency, and reliability. The basic principles of blockchain, its layered architecture, consensus protocols, and decentralized security are first reviewed. The thesis then highlights how blockchain features can be integrated with urban and energy systems. The research focuses on how token economy can be used with smart cities to promote individuals to engage in desired behaviors by employing blockchain-based incentive mechanisms that can encourage responsible energy consumption.
The FairChain test system was developed and tested using blockchain technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) to demonstrate the functionality of decentralized verification and automated rewards. FairChain uses IoT sensors to monitor user behavior, such as reductions in energy consumption, and transmits that data to the blockchain. Subsequently, smart contracts allocate FairChain Credits (FCR) as digital incentives, omitting the central authority. The local Hardhat Ethereum network was utilized for energy tariff models (AADC/DEWA). The results demonstrated that the transaction finality was in a matter of seconds, while maintaining a throughput of 1-2 transactions per second. The gas deployment costs were limited to 118 AED and 10 AED for routine transactions.
The results show that blockchain can make energy management systems more reliable and transparent, which can encourage individuals to behave in a more sustainable way. The paper explores reinforcement theory, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and power systems. It also shows how token economies based incentives can help make smart cities more efficient and allow for energy saving.