Setting Up Demand Response

Demand Response allows a facility to reduce power usage by lowering the maximum light level during a time of high electrical demand or limited electrical capacity. SimplySNAP supports three methods for enabling Demand Response.

  • Manual Configuration.

  • Using an Automatic Demand Response (ADR) Gateway as a sensor connected to a SimplySNAP controller.

  • Using a Building Management System (BMS) along with the Synapse BMS Gateway.

Definitions

  • Automatic Demand Response (ADR) - An automated system where a signal sent by the electric utility requests power consumption be reduced.

  • ADR Gateway - A device that listens for ADR signals from a local utility company and responds by actuating a relay in order to trigger a response.

  • ADR Sensor - A SimplySNAP controller that monitors a relay in order to detect a Demand Response signal.

  • Building Management System (BMS) - A system installed in buildings that controls and monitors the building's mechanical and electrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, fire systems, and security systems.

  • Demand Response - A change in the power consumption of an electric utility customer to better match the demand for power with the supply.

  • Demand Response Sensor - A SimplySNAP wireless controller that monitors a Normally Open or Normally Closed relay for a Demand Response signal from an ADR Gateway.

  • Normally Closed - A switch relay that maintains a closed connection under normal circumstances, and opens the connection when Demand Response is active.

  • Normally Open - A switch relay that maintains an open connection under normal circumstances, and closes the connection when Demand Response is active.

Using with a BMS

When used in conjunction with the Synapse BMS Gateway, any Building Management System (BMS) that supports BACnet or MODBUS via IP or serial connection is supported.

In the BMS system, run the discovery process that connects to SimplySNAP. Two points are available for Demand Response:

  • dr_active | Boolean | active / inactive | Sets the Demand Response state

  • dr_cap | Integer | 0 - 100 | Sets the Max Site Light Output when Demand Respose is active

Using with an ADR Gateway

SimplySNAP will interface with an ADR Gateway through the sensor inputs of a light controller. The ADR Gateway must provide a relay contact that is either Normally Open or Normally Closed.

Synapse has validated interoperability with the IPKeys EISS Box ADR Gateway. However, any ADR Gateway that uses a dry contact relay should work.

Configuration Steps

  1. Add a Demand Response Sensor as outlined in Adding Lights and Sensors.

  2. Navigate to the Demand Response page by selecting Config -> Demand Response in the navigation menu.

  3. Expand the ADR Sensors card and select the context menu (3 dots) to the right of the sensor name.

  4. Click the Edit option.

  5. Enter the appropriate information into the Edit Sensor dialog and click Save Changes.

Manually using Demand Response

An administrator can manually activate Demand Response from within SimplySNAP.

  1. Navigate to the Demand Response page by selecting Demand Response in the navigation menu.

  2. Ensure Automated Demand Response is unchecked.

  3. To enable Demand Response, enable the Active toggle.

  4. Adjust the Max Site Light Output to the desired level.

  5. To disable Demand Response, disable the Active toggle.

Excluded Lights

Lights may be exempt from Demand Response. These lights may be added to an exclusion list on the Demand Response page.

  1. Navigate to the Demand Response page by selecting Config -> Demand Response in the navigation menu.

  2. Expand the Excluded Lights card and click the Manage Lights button.

  3. Select any lights in your system that should not be adjusted when Demand Response is active.

  4. Click Save to apply the changes.