A Converged Approach to Physical-Layer Communications in Supporting Domestic-Level Automated Demand-Response Systems utilizing ISO/IEC 20922

In this paper the authors present an analysis of a converged approach to the challenges of developing a domestic-level automated demand response system to support smart scheduling of controllable loads such as EV charging and HVAC, and fast load-shedding to provide frequency stability during system faults. The authors utilize the ongoing development of a test-bed platform to discuss the various aspects and considerations for the physical-layer communications required. The convergence concept arises with the use of the MQTT publish-subscribe protocol as the core logical architecture to support secure, reliable, low-overhead message transport in a one-to-many manner, over the various physical access technologies, which is essential for the potentially huge number of endpoints in future ADR systems. The authors describe the laboratory testbed development to date, and how additions will be made with collaborations from network operators and industry, towards the goal of having a demonstrator system running in the near future that will show how domestic-level ADR can be used to reduce stress on existing networks during times of increasing electrification and reduced traditional inertia.