In the energy sector, the OpenADR (Open Automated Demand Response) is an important standard for facilitating automated, secure, and interoperable demand-response solutions today.

What is OpenADR?

For efficient connectivity and integration in the energy sector, it is a significant achievement to create OpenADR certified VEN (Virtual End Node) products, which validates adherence to industry standards and boosts product reliability.

This blog post presents a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to achieve the OpenADR certification.

The OpenADR Certification

The OpenADR certification is an official process designed to verify that a product adheres to the OpenADR standard. This certification gives assurance that the product can effectively connect with other OpenADR-compliant systems, such as Virtual Top Nodes (VTN), while meeting the OpenADR Alliance’s established criteria for functionality, security, and compatibility.

The use of OpenADR certified systems is growing in a variety of industries, including utilities using automated demand response to balance grid load, commercial buildings optimizing HVAC and lighting systems for using energy efficiently, and EV charging networks that dynamically adjust charging schedules in response to grid conditions. It is even being used by data centers and manufacturing facilities to lower operating costs during times of high demand, demonstrating how certification guarantees seamless integration throughout the energy ecosystem. Why is it important?

1. Compatibility: With this certification, VEN is guaranteed to connect with any OpenADR certified VTN.
2. Market Credibility: Certified VEN is recognized and trusted by utilities, aggregators, and key players within the energy sector.
3. Regulatory Compliance: It will help us to participate in numerous demand response programs recognized by bodies like Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and California Energy Commission (CEC) ensuring alignment with regional energy regulations and standards.

Steps to Achieve the OpenADR Certification

Join the OpenADR Alliance

To achieve the certificate, one needs to join the OpenADR Alliance as a prerequisite, which provides access to:

• Technical resources and tools
• The OpenADR Test Harness for product validation
• The community access to discuss and understand the standard
• The certification process to ensure compliance

Select a membership tier that best suits your company’s requirements.

Understand the OpenADR Standard

Before starting the certification journey, it is important to understand the OpenADR standard, which includes the following versions / profiles:

1. OpenADR 1.0: This version was developed by OpenADR as a proof-of-concept and hence it is not supported for any certification.
2. OpenADR 2.0: This version is available for certification with any of the following profiles.
   1. 2.0 a: This profile includes the basic functionalities of the OpenADR.
   2. 2.0 b: This profile includes all the features of 2.0a with more complex and dynamic demand response (DR) programs, including enhanced reporting, opt-in scheduling, and lower latency communications.
3. OpenADR 3.0: This version is available for certification. This version primarily replaces the OpenADR 2.0b’s XML/SOAP with lightweight JSON and RESTful APIs for simplified communication and implementation.

One should carefully examine the technical specifications and compliance guidelines outlined by the OpenADR alliance after selecting the versions and profile for which one wants to apply for the certification.

Development Activities

After understanding the standard and joining the alliance, one needs to start the development which covers the services given below along with the necessary technical / operational and security requirements.

1. Registration Service
2. Poll Service (Optional)
3. Event Service
4. Report Service

Conduct Pre-Certification Testing

Before submitting the VEN for the certification process, it is necessary that one executes the test cases provided by the test harness to validate the VEN. This initiative-taking step allows us to detect and resolve potential issues early, which will eventually ensure smooth and more efficient testing.

Select an Authorized Testing Lab

The OpenADR Alliance has authorized several testing labs, such as Intertek and UL, to conduct certification testing.

Select a lab and submit VEN for evaluation.

Prepare and Submit the Artifacts

To start the certification testing, one needs to prepare and submit the VEN Configuration, PICS documentation, and other artifacts based on testing lab’s requirements.

Certification Testing

The testing lab will put the VEN through a series of tests to check if it:

• Performs all the required functions.
• Follows all the security rules.
• Works seamlessly with other OpenADR certified systems.

Address non-conformities / Fix and Re-Test

If VEN fails any part of the test, the lab will specify what needs to be fixed. One needs to make changes and resubmit the VEN until it meets all the requirements.

Obtain Certification

After successfully passing all tests, the testing lab will provide a certification report. This report must be submitted to the OpenADR Alliance for final approval. Once approved, the VEN will be featured on the OpenADR Alliance Certified Products page.

Maintain Certification

Certification is an ongoing process. As OpenADR standards are updated, one must ensure the VEN’s continues to meet compliance requirements. Furthermore, significant modifications to VEN may necessitate re-certification.

Promote Your Certification

Achieving an OpenADR certification is an achievement. One can use it to display VEN’s compliance with industry standards by featuring the certification prominently in VEN’s documentation, marketing materials, and on the website.

Best Practices for Achieving Certification

To achieve the certification, follow the best practices given here:

• Early Preparation: Start by understanding the OpenADR standards and preparing the VEN accordingly.
• Expert Guidance: Engaging with an expert/team with experience in OpenADR certification.
• Iterative Testing: Testing is important and hence we should conduct multiple rounds of testing to identify and resolve issues early.
• Documentation: Clear and comprehensive documentation is required to support the certification journey.

Conclusion

Securing OpenADR certification for your VEN product is a challenging yet highly rewarding endeavor. It guarantees adherence to industry standards while boosting the product’s credibility and market appeal. By adhering to the steps detailed in this guide, one can confidently navigate the certification journey and establish oneself as a frontrunner in the demand response ecosystem.

We have in-depth experience in the entire certification process. Do reach out to us in case of any query.