Automatic Demand Response

Reduce electricity use during peak demand periods with the i.LON SmartServer.

Automatic demand response is a way for buildings and homes to temporarily lower electricity use — without human intervention — when the electricity grid is nearing capacity. Our smart energy manager, the i.LON® SmartServer, lets you easily add an ADR solution to your building, or turn your existing LonWorks based building automation system (BAS) into an advanced ADR solution.

The SmartServer lets facility managers monitor and control building subsystems such as HVAC, lighting, security, and elevators, either locally or remotely. You can use the server as a smart controller for in-premise systems like LonWorks BAS, Modbus mechanical HVAC equipment, M-Bus meters, solar inverters, and more.

How It Works

When regional grid operators or utilities anticipate blackouts or brownouts due to high electricity demand, they notify participating customers, via Web services, of the scheduled time and duration of the demand response event. At the appointed time, the SmartServer triggers events that curtail consumption. For example, it can dim lights, adjust HVAC set points, or shut down non-critical equipment. If the BAS is LonWorks based, this happens automatically, from one signal. If the BAS is based on another technology, the SmartServer controls the actions of legacy equipment through Modbus, M-Bus, custom drivers, or digital I/O.

Benefits

Demand Response
  • Lower costs. Businesses can advantage of utility incentives in the form of lower rates or credits.
  • Faster response. Automatic BAS responses are easier to carry out than user responses.
  • Longevity. Because the response is automatic, users need to set up their preferences only once.
  • Leverages existing controls. ADR requires no investment beyond a standard control network. The SmartServer already resides in a LonWorks based BAS, making ADR a software switch.
  • Promotes employee investment. Employees can easily control their individual contributions to the program.

Real-world Savings

Echelon's headquarters includes two 77,000-square foot, three-story buildings in San Jose, CA. Building 1 is a showcase for open, LonWorks based building controls and LonMark interoperability. The BAS spans over a dozen subsystems — from HVAC to outdoor area lighting — and uses over 1,100 LonWorks based devices from more than 20 manufacturers. Over 16,000 points are controlled by the 1,100 smart devices, all of them on a single network. The SmartServer connects the BAS across Echelon's gigabit Ethernet backbone to remote facility and energy management services.

Echelon's utility, Pacifc Gas & Electric (PG&E), promotes a demand response program on summer days when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. PG&E offers multiple incentives to those companies that lower their energy use during peak periods. ADR events are described by Web services that consist of time off, severity, and duration. During a demand response event, Echelon's smart BAS, which is configured to individual employee preferences, automatically reduces demand within 3 minutes.

By working with EnerNOC, Echelon's energy services provider, and Kenmark Group, Echelon's facility management firm, Echelon saves $30,000 a year in energy reductions due to the demand incentives.