OpenADR 2.0 deployment architectures: Options and implications

OpenADR 2.0, an internationally-recognized standard for Automated Demand Response (ADR), defines the interaction between an ADR server and client, but does not specify all the possible multi-tier deployment architectures that are valid relative to the standard's specification. In this paper, we analyze the properties of a number of OpenADR-based architectures that have been proposed for deployment by ADR vendors, in terms of interoperability (compliance with the standard), scalability, complexity, and security, with the goal of helping utilities and third party DR aggregators make informed decisions about their planned ADR deployments to ensure high performing, future-proof, and secure DR services.