The OpenADR Alliance learned a lot representing the EcoPort/CTA-2045 interface and testing program at the AHR Expo in Chicago last week. The AHR Expo brings together manufacturers and suppliers of all sizes and specialties to share ideas and showcase the future of HVACR technology. We shared a booth with LonMark International, a partner focused on building management interfaces who introduced a new building interoperability architecture that encompasses both EcoPort and OpenADR.
The most encouraging part of the show was seeing several EcoPortTM–certified products on the show floor.
This week is particularly exciting one for us at the OpenADR Alliance. As we gather at Enlit Europe (November 28-30th) with industry leaders and several of our members, all part of the growing community of companies looking to solve the most important energy transition issues, we are delighted to announce the new version of the OpenADR communications standard.
OpenADR 3.0 is an important milestone for us as the industry body responsible for driving the development, adoption, and compliance of OpenADR. It’s also a significant step in the development of communications standard for utilities, operators, and aggregators, as they look to manage the growing range of distributed energy resources.
EVs and e-mobility set to take centre stage at Enlit Europe 2023
Transactive energy is an intelligent, multi-layer communications process that organizes energy generation, consumption, and delivery. During a transactive energy occurrence, power suppliers, energy markets and distributed energy resources (DERs), including electric vehicles and batteries, exchange to negotiate energy requirements and pricing.
Today security concerns, the economy, and daily life choices require a flexible and durable electricity system. Transactive energy is designed to improve energy efficiency, which results in a more resilient and reliable power grid.
In the electricity power industry, ranging from petroleum, gas, coal and nuclear power, balancing supply and demand is crucial to maintaining a reliable electric grid. As the world increasingly focuses on renewable energy, Distributed Energy Resources, and electrification, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are garnering more attention, especially in the US. These VPPs present an innovative solution, enabling local grid operators to use energy flexibility to ensure a more stable electricity supply, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced grid capacity.
Swell Energy and SunPower, members of OpenADR, are important players in the transformative shift, having established VPPs that offer new value to utilities and their customers. A VPP is defined as a cloud-based network with a decentralized multi-asset ecosystem consisting of Distributed Energy Resource (DERs)—such as batteries, EVs, smart plugs and thermostats. Controlled by grid operators or third party aggregators, these resources can be monitored, forecasted and optimized with bi-directional communications between components for a more efficient and resilient power grid. VPPs are proving to be a key resource capable of providing resource adequacy and other grid services at a negative net cost to the utility.
The OpenADR Alliance held our first European OpenADR++ Users Conference from 6-7 June in London. It was two days packed full of keynotes, use cases, workshops, networking and more. (All presentation links may be found in the agenda here.) The more than 100 attendees came from all over the U.K. and Europe, with guests coming from as far as China and New Zealand. This conference is the latest in series of activities signaling the expansion of interest in OpenADR in the European market and new Alliance membership among European companies.
The conference was significant not only as the first such major conference in Europe, but also that it was hosted by the U.K. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). DESNZ led the development of PAS 1878, incorporating OpenADR as one of the requirements and criteria that an electrical appliance needs to meet in order to perform and be classified as an energy smart appliance (ESA). This DESNZ action not only lowers costs and promotes innovation in the U.K., but also demonstrates U.K. leadership in promoting published standards for international adoption.
Don Dulchinos, Director, Market Facilitation and Rolf Bienert, Managing & Technical Director, OpenADR Alliance
The Biden Administration has recently proposed ambitious plans to meet the country’s climate goals, with proposals to ensure that two-thirds of new passenger cars and a quarter of new heavy trucks sold in the U.S. are all-electric by 2032. This presents a big challenge for automotive manufacturers. Just 5.8% of new cars and less than 2% of new trucks sold last year were all-electric.
EV growth driving OpenADR Alliance membership in Europe
Last year sales of electric vehicles (EVs) hit a major milestone, with around 10% of the market for the first time. This is being driven mainly by strong growth in the EU – second only to China – where sales of electric cars broke a new record, according to figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
The OpenADR Alliance spent a little time at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. This show was back to full strength with close to 120,000 attendees, and in particular the automotive industry was present in full force. OEMs focused as in recent years on in-vehicle entertainment, autonomous driving and electrification of mobility, but this year’s focus definitely moved more in the direction of electrification.
Mercedez-Benz maybe made the biggest announcement, the launch of their own nationwide network of EV chargers, exclusively for the use of Mercedes-Benz drivers. BMW, Stellantis, Toyota and other major manufacturers highlighted their electrification efforts, and many EV focused start-ups were present including Faraday, Lightning, Hispano Luiza, and Lightyear, with its roof and trunk covered with integrated solar panels. It was also interesting to see electrification arriving in categories like tractor trailers, boats, construction excavators and farm equipment.
OpenADR exhibited at RE+ in Anaheim in September. Having participated in predecessor show Solar Power International, it is clear that the rapid evolution of solar/storage or hybrid solar developments have created new demand for OpenADR. RE+ is:
The largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industry, RE+ is comprised of: Solar Power International (our flagship event), Energy Storage International, RE+ Power (including wind, and hydrogen and fuel cells), and RE+ Infrastructure (electric vehicles and microgrids) and brings together an extensive alliance of renewable energy leaders for multiple days of programming and networking opportunities.
Combining OpenADR and EEBUS Equals Full Energy Control
By Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director, OpenADR Alliance
The energy supply is becoming more and more decentralized and volatile, while at the same time mobility and the heating transition are putting a significant load on the grid. This requires a seamless exchange of information between the grid and energy consumers or generators in residential and commercial buildings. EEBUS provides the standard for energy networking behind the grid connection and thus enables load and tariff management at the point of transfer to the building.
GUEST Q&A Blog with Michel Kohanim, CEO of Universal Devices
-Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director, OpenADR Alliance
The OpenADR 2.0 Demand Response Program Guide was designed to further the interoperability of products certified as OpenADR compliant. The certification program is a simple add-on to the current OpenADR 2.0b Profile Certification that is being required by utilities worldwide. To date a number of utilities and manufacturers support the DR Program Guide and certification program.
Guest Blog Q&A with Jan Klube, EVP, Engineering, Electriq Power
By Rolf Bienert, Technical and Managing Director, OpenADR Alliance
It is exciting to see more members participating in the OpenADR 2.0 DR Program testing and certification program. This is key in getting other members on board to participate in the program so utilities can benefit from the value it provides.
Why the OpenADR International Symposium is a Must-Attend Event – By Rolf Bienert, Managing and Technical Director, OpenADR Alliance
We all have hectic schedules these days and finding time to attend events has become more and more difficult. Most would agree, however, that networking with industry colleagues and subject matter experts in person offers an undeniable benefit, thanks to the new business and learning opportunities that are created.
Japan's move to open its electric energy sector to new entrants presents a ripe business opportunity for U.S. consultancies and other firms and organizations wanting to help it make the transition.
When you enjoy the position of being the only global standard, it seems only natural that you'll be called upon to consult with new markets. That's how the OpenADR Alliance, based in California, got involved in Japan's move to a competitive market.
Schneider Electric announced its partnership with IPKeys Technologies, LLC, a provider of standards based energy interoperations software, network communications engineering, and enterprise security solutions that enable energy providers and their customers to achieve a more reliable, safer, and more economically beneficial smart grid.
Utilizing the OpenADR 2.0b protocol, facilities benefit from increased flexibility and improved usability for better customer experience and enhanced performance. Read more: http://www.directionsmag.com/pressreleases/ipkeys-power-partners-teams-with-schneider-electric-to-provide-enhanced-ene/453542
EnTouch Controlslaunched the Advanced Peak Energy Management service to enable restaurant and retail facilities to reduce monthly energy spending by curtailing the amount of energy used during peak demand hours. The EnTouch360° building control platform is OpenADR 2.0 certified, which makes it possible for restaurant and retail facilities to receive electrical rate information and participate in demand response and peak demand programs. To view article click here: http://www.energymanagertoday.com/demand-response-restaurants-retail-0114003/
Siemens’ SureGrid detects the grid-responsive potential in every building energy controller. To view entire article please visit: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/will-building-energy-controls-and-demand-response-converge