Shapeshifter is a REST/XML protocol that implements the Universal Smart Energy Framework for flexibility forecasting, offering, ordering, and settlement processes. Additionally, Shapeshifter enables trading via grid operator coordination platforms.
Shapeshifter enables a fast, fair, and low cost route to a smart energy future by delivering one common approach to efficiently connect smart energy projects and technologies. Its market structure, roles, rules and tools for the commoditization and trading of flexible energy usage work with existing and evolving energy markets.
Shapeshifter focuses specifically on the exchange of flexibility between aggregators (AGRs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) or between aggregators and transmission system operations (TSOs). It describes the corresponding market interactions between them to resolve grid constraints by applying congestion management or grid capacity management.
- OpenADR - Event-based demand/response signaling (price, reliability, flexibility).
- OpenLEADR - If OpenADR is suitable for you, this is an implementation for Python or Java you could use.
- EVerest - An open-source firmware stack for EV charging stations, handling the low-level device logic (ISO 15118, PWM).
- OCPP - The standard for communicating between EV charging stations and central management systems.
| Feature | Shapeshifter | OpenADR |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Market-based Flexibility Trading. Focuses on the trading of energy flexibility (forecasting, offering, ordering, settlement). Designed for markets where flexibility is bought and sold. | Demand Response signaling. Focuses on sending signals (price, reliability, events) to devices to change consumption. Primarily a command-and-control or price-signaling mechanism. |
| Workflow | Supports a full trading cycle: D-prognosis (forecast) Flex Offer Flex Order Settlement. Assumes a negotiation or market process. |
Unidirectional or bi-directional signaling: "Shed load now" or "Price is high." Devices acknowledge, but it is less about negotiating a "deal" and more about reacting to a signal. |
| Roles | Defined by USEF roles: Aggregator (AGR), Distribution System Operator (DSO), Transmission System Operator (TSO), Balance Responsible Party (BRP). | Virtual Top Node (VTN) (usually utility/aggregator) and Virtual End Node (VEN) (usually the device/gateway). |
| Data Model | Explicitly models power profiles, baselines, and deviations for the purpose of financial settlement and grid congestion management. | Models events, reports, and opt-in/opt-out states. |
| Target Grid Level | Often focused on DSO (Distribution) congestion management and TSO balancing, enabling local flexibility markets. | Widely used for utility-to-customer programs (residential, commercial, industrial) for peak load reduction. |
- Trading & Settlement are required: You are building a system where flexibility is treated as a commodity that is forecasted, offered, ordered, and financially settled.
- Congestion Management: You are a DSO (Distribution System Operator) or working with one to manage local grid congestion using market-based mechanisms.
- Complex Flexibility Products: You need to express complex capabilities (e.g., "I can reduce X MW for Y hours at price Z, but only if notified A hours in advance").
- Simple Demand Response: You just need to tell devices to turn off or reduce power during peak hours without a complex bidding/settlement process.
- Device Control: You are communicating directly with end devices (thermostats, heaters) that don't "negotiate" markets but just react to signals.
- US Market Standard: You are operating in the US or other markets where OpenADR is the established standard for utility demand response programs.
- Broad Device Support: You need off-the-shelf compatibility with a wide range of certified hardware (many devices are "OpenADR certified").
Shapeshifter is based on the market-based coordination mechanism (MCM) described by USEF. It facilitates the delivery of value propositions (i.e. marketable services) to various market parties without imposing limitations on the diversity and customization of the propositions.
This MCM is designed for all energy commodities and enables the market to optimize in time, capacity and power. The MCM provides access, under equal conditions, for all stakeholders to a single integrated market. This unique approach aims to deliver a future-proof market design.
In Shapeshifter, the general MCM phases are followed. However, processes in each phase are limited to the interactions between the AGR and DSO or TSO for flexibility trading. The MCM operations scheme distinguishes five phases:
- Contract: AGR and DSO/TSO negotiate FlexOptions. This is flexibility that is reserved for DSO or TSO purposes and can be invoked by the DSO/TSO when needed. Typically, a contract includes availability remunerations and activation remunerations.
- Plan: information exchange between DSO/TSO and AGRs related to congestion points. This information exchange through the ‘Common Reference’ involves communication with the Common Reference Operator (CRO). The AGR carries out an initial portfolio optimization.
- Validate: the DSO uses D-prognoses to validate whether the demand and supply of energy can be distributed safely without any limitations. If congestion occurs, the DSO or TSO can procure flexibility from AGRs to resolve grid capacity issues.
- Operate: in the operate phase, the actual assets and appliances are dispatched and the AGR adheres to its D-prognoses. When required, DSOs/TSOs can invoke additional flexibility from AGRs to resolve unexpected congestion.
- Settle: in the settle phase, the flexibility that the AGR has sold to DSOs/TSOs is settled. For this purpose, the actual consumed and produced volumes are allocated to the responsible parties first. Any unresolved or disputed volumes are reconciled shortly afterwards.
