§110.12(a)1-5
There are two main communication requirements that apply to all DR controls:
1. The control must, at minimum, be able to understand a signal sent using OpenADR; and
2. The control must, at a minimum, be able to communicate with the virtual end node using a wired or wireless bi-directional communication pathway.
These are minimum requirements, meaning that the control can have (and use) additional communication features provided that the required features are included.
§110.12(a)1
DR controls must have the capability of communicating with the entity that initiates a DR signal by way of an OpenADR certified virtual end node (VEN).
The OpenADR 2.0 protocol is the primary open-standard protocol used in the California market. It implements a profile within the Organization of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) Energy Interoperation information and communication model that defines two types of communications entities – virtual top nodes (VTNs) and virtual end nodes (VENs). VTNs are information exchange servers typically operated by utilities or third-party providers and can dispatch events. VENs are the recipients of DR payloads and are typically the gateway or end-use devices installed at customer facilities throughout a dispatcher’s territory. See OpenADR Alliance’s website (http://www.openadr.org/) for more information about OpenADR certified VENs.
There are two ways to comply with the OpenADR certified VEN requirement:
Option A: Install an OpenADR 2.0a or 2.0b certified VEN within the building as part of the DR control system (§110.12(a)1A)
If complying using Option A (§110.12(a)1A), the designer of the DR control system(s) must select a VEN that the OpenADR Alliance has certified as being compliant with the OpenADR 2.0a or 2.0b specification. The OpenADR Alliance maintains a list of certified VENs (https://products.openadr.org/). If using Option A, the certified VEN must be installed inside the building at the time of inspection. The building can comply if the DR control system has a certified VEN that is incorporated into a networked system of devices such that the single VEN communicates control strategy information to multiple devices in the network (e.g., a gateway system), or if each device (e.g., thermostat) in the building is itself a certified VEN.
Option B: Install a DR control system that has been certified to the Energy Commission as being capable of communicating with an OpenADR 2.0b certified VEN (§110.12(a)1B)
If complying using Option B (§110.12(a)1B), the designer of the DR control system(s) must select a DR control system that the Energy Commission has approved for the certified list of DR control systems. The Energy Commission maintains a list of certified products and instructions on how manufacturers can certify products on their website: http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/equipment_cert/. If using Option B, the manufacturer of a DR control system must submit documentation to the Energy Commission confirming that the DR control system is capable of communicating with an OpenADR 2.0b certified VEN. Demand responsive controls must be programmed or configured so any test control strategy defined in building code can be deployed at the time of permitting.
Option B requires that the manufacturer of the DR control system certify to the Energy Commission that the control system is capable of communicating with an OpenADR 2.0b certified VEN. This requirement does not mean that the DR control system must be connected to a 2.0b certified VEN. When the DR control system is connected to a VEN, it can be connected to either a 2.0a or 2.0b certified VEN.
The DR control system must comply with Option A or Option B, but the control system can also include features that allow the control system to use other communications protocols.
When specifying DR control systems, it is recommended that the controls designer check to see which DR programs are currently available in the area and specify controls that are both compliant with Title 24, Part 6, and eligible for the area’s DR programs.