DESTinE Block: Private Blockchain Based Data Storage Framework for Power System

This paper presents DESTinE Block, a blockchain-based data storage framework designed for power systems and optimized for resource-constrained environments, including grid-edge devices such as single-board computers. The proposed architecture leverages the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) for storing large files while maintaining secure and traceable metadata on a custom blockchain named DESTinE Block. The metadata, comprising the IPFS Content Identifier (CID), uploader identity, administrator verification, and timestamp; is immutably recorded on-chain to ensure authenticity and integrity. DESTinE Block adopts a dual-blockchain abstraction, where the blockchain remains unaware of the IPFS storage layer to enhance security and limit the exposure of sensitive file data. The consensus mechanism is based on Proof of Authority (PoA), where both an administrator and an uploader with distinct cryptographic key pairs are required to create a block collaboratively. Each block contains verified signatures of both parties and is designed to be computationally efficient, enabling deployment on devices like the Raspberry Pi 5. The framework was tested on both an x86-based device and an ARM64-based Raspberry Pi, demonstrating its potential for secure, decentralized logging and measurement storage in smart grid applications. Moreover, DESTinE Block is compared with a similar framework based on Multichain. The results indicate that DESTinE Block provides a promising solution for tamper-evident data retention in distributed power system infrastructure while maintaining minimal hardware requirements.