DRAS - Demand Response Automation Server
The Akuacom Demand Response Automation Server (DRAS) brings full automation to Demand Response programs such as Critical Peak Pricing, Demand Bid, and Capacity Bidding. The DRAS accepts Demand Response (DR) events from Utilities and ISO’s and turns these into signals that are sent to Energy Management Systems (EMS) at participant facilities over the Internet. The DRAS is currently being used by all three California Investor Owned Utilities.
Facility Interface
My Site Screenshot
The DRAS is capable of managing the signaling to thousands of facilities. Each facility communicates with the DRAS using a software agent called a DRAS client which is the bridge between the EMS and the DRAS. Third party manufacturers provide standalone DRAS client devices that sit on the facility Intranet and connect to the EMS via a variety of interfaces. Alternatively, since the DRAS uses standard Internet technology to send signals, many EMSs can also connect directly to the DRAS with the addition of a simple software agent. The DRAS client software agent is royalty free, open and interoperable, and based upon emerging DR signaling standards. From an IT perspective, clients that are communicating with the DRAS behave just like computers accessing web pages on the Internet, making them easy to install and configure.
Each facility manager has his own secure web page, called “My Site”, from which they can configure their program settings and monitor their DRAS clients and account information. This web page is available from anywhere on the Internet, so facility mangers can monitor their program status or tweak their operating parameters from anywhere in the world.
Mature, Reliable, and Secure
Designed in conjunction with the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's Demand Response Research Center (DRRC), the DRAS is built upon proven Enterprise software technology giving it a world class feature set. Since going live in 2005, the DRAS has exceeded its availability requirement of 99.99%. Access to the DRAS is secured using SSL, the same technology used to secure banking transactions on the Internet. The DRRC is a currently leading a widely supported standardization effort for the DRAS that will help ensure Open Automated Demand Response interoperability between Utilities, ISO’s, aggregators and end user participants.
Akuacom has over a decade of experience implementing end to end enterprise control systems for Energy Management and Building Control.
For more information, contact: Clay Collier