Interoperability testing of a smart home automation system under explicit demand response schemes

Interoperability becomes a key issue for smart grid systems, as the interaction between diverse components needs to lead to a normal system operation. In this paper, we test interoperability issues with respect to home automation. In particular, interaction of a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) is examined with an external actor for home/ building remote control. We show the importance and the feasibility of remotely controlling domestic loads from outside the house premises, which can be crucial for energy saving operations, like demand response. The Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) is used, where the different actors are depicted. The interoperability testing methodology for smart grids, developed by our unit is followed in order to design the necessary tests and execute them. For the experimental part, we develop a HEMS in our lab along with a Home Automation End Device (HAED), used to transform two normal plugs, and consequently normal loads into smart ones, thus creating a system for home automation and control. The described configuration is only one possible configuration out of the available ones existing in the market for home automation. LabVIEW programming is used in order to realize the actual explicit demand response program through remote load control and scheduling. The results show that explicit demand response can be achieved by an external actor with success and interoperability is preserved.