OpenADR

What is OpenADR?

OpenADR (Open Automated Demand Response) is a non-proprietary, open, and secure communication standard widely used to automate demand response and manage distributed energy resources (DER) in the energy sector. OpenADR facilitates seamless interaction between utilities, aggregators, and energy users in real time. By enabling efficient communication, it helps balance grid demand, enhances energy efficiency, and supports broader energy management goals in the EV charging and renewable energy ecosystems.

How does OpenADR work?

OpenADR is a message exchange protocol between two primary players: VTN and VEN. All communications are between a VTN and one or more VENs. 

The Virtual Top Node (VTN) is a central server component used within the Open Automated Demand Response (OpenADR) framework. It operates on the utility or grid operator side, serving as the hub for managing demand response events and interactions with distributed energy resources (DERs). Here’s a detailed look at its functionality:

• Resource Management: The VTN oversees a wide array of resources, ensuring they are aligned with grid requirements. This includes both large-scale resources like solar farms and smaller distributed assets like residential EV chargers and batteries.
• Event Creation and Transmission: The VTN generates demand response or energy-related events, such as curtailment requests or price updates, and transmits them to connected systems (Virtual End Nodes or VENs). Depending on grid needs, these events can be scheduled in advance (day, hour, or minute ahead) or sent in real-time.
• Report Requests and Data Exchange: It requests telemetry, performance, or compliance reports from VENs to monitor how resources respond to events and ensure effective participation in DR programs.
• Demand Response and DER Integration: The VTN communicates with VENs to facilitate dynamic pricing, load balancing, and energy efficiency strategies. This approach supports both direct load control and “inform and motivate” strategies, where customers adjust their energy consumption based on provided information.
• Interoperability Support: It ensures seamless interaction between various stakeholders, including utilities, aggregators, and customers, by adhering to OpenADR standards for secure and standardized communication.

The Virtual End Node (VEN) is a key entity in the OpenADR framework, residing on the customer or resource side and interacting directly with the Virtual Top Node (VTN). It acts as the endpoint that receives and responds to grid signals for demand response (DR) or distributed energy resource (DER) management. Key functionalities of a VEN include:

• Receiving Events: The VEN receives demand response or other grid-event signals from the VTN. These events include price adjustments, curtailment requests, or other energy usage directives, which can be scheduled in real-time.
• Resource Control: The VEN translates the received events into specific commands for local energy resources, such as adjusting HVAC settings, reducing EV charging rates, or activating battery storage.
• Generating and Sending Reports: It collects telemetry data, such as energy consumption, resource status, or compliance performance, and transmits this back to the VTN. This feedback loop enables utilities and grid operators to monitor event outcomes.
• Demand-Side Management: By controlling resources like lighting, appliances, or EV chargers, the VEN helps manage customer-side loads, ensuring alignment with grid requirements while optimizing energy usage.
• Interoperability and Security: The VEN ensures secure and standardized communication with the VTN, supporting the seamless integration of diverse devices and systems within the OpenADR framework.

Additional OpenADR Components 

• Signals and Events
  • Signals: Represent specific grid requirements, such as price signals, energy usage thresholds, or emergency alerts.
  • Events: Time-bound requests for demand response actions based on signals.
• Profiles – Define how data is communicated and processed within OpenADR systems. Common profiles include OpenADR 2.0a (simple one-way communication), OpenADR 2.0b (more advanced two-way communication), and OpenADR 2.0c Profile
• Transport Protocols – The system uses secure and reliable communication protocols, such as HTTPS, to transmit data between VTNs and VENs.
• Demand Response Programs – OpenADR supports various program types, including price-based demand response (e.g., time-of-use rates) and reliability-based programs (e.g., grid emergencies).
• Certification and Interoperability – OpenADR Alliance certifies devices and software to ensure compliance and interoperability between vendors.

Application of OpenADR

OpenADR is crucial for integrating renewable energy, enhancing grid resilience, and supporting advanced energy management strategies. OpenADR does this integration by leveraging  the Demand Response (DR) programs and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) assets for use cases like the following:

• Increased grid reliability –  Provides standardized DR communication and signaling infrastructure to enable utilities and aggregators to manage growing energy demand and decentralized energy production cost-effectively.
• Mitigates peak pricing – Helps commercial and industrial customers benefit from mitigating the impact of Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) events.  
• Dynamic Load Management (DLM) – OpenADR signals can optimize EV charging schedules to prevent grid overload during peak times.
• Renewable energy – Aligns EV charging with renewable energy availability through real-time signals.
• Vehicle-to-grid applications – Supports V2G by automating bidirectional energy flows based on grid needs.
• Enables EV fleets or individual chargers to participate in utility demand response programs

How to enable charging stations with OpenADR?

Integrating charging stations with OpenADR allows them to function as demand response assets, enabling utilities and operators to manage electricity demand efficiently. The following outlines the steps to enable charging stations within the OpenADR framework:

1. Direct Registration of Charging Stations

Each charging station is individually registered with the OpenADR Virtual Top Node (VTN), which serves as the server responsible for demand response event management. This approach directly links the charging station with the utility or demand response system.

2. Centralized Registration Through OCPP Servers

Alternatively, a central server using the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) can act as an intermediary. In this setup:

• The OCPP server (a.k.a. CPMS) registers with the OpenADR Virtual Top Node (VTN) as an OpenADR Virtual End Node (VEN).
• The server aggregates the participating charging stations and translates OpenADR signals into OCPP smart charging commands.
• These commands are then communicated to the appropriate charging stations within the network, facilitating demand response actions.

Additional Information About OpenADR

The OpenADR Alliance was formed in 2010 by industry stakeholders to build on the foundation of technical activities to support the development, testing, and deployment of commercial OpenADR and facilitate its acceleration and widespread adoption.

Related Terms for OpenADR

1. Demand Response (DR)