Intelligent Power Today Magazine

News and Trends

Introducing Intelligent Power Today

Welcome to Intelligent Power Today Magazine, our publication that explores and explains the who, what, where, when, why and how of intelligent electrical devices, a collection of complex mechanical devices and sophisticated control systems used in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities—also known as intelligent buildings.

According to the Institute for Building Efficiency, intelligent buildings use smart technologies to improve system functionality, control operating costs, and to keep building occupants safe, secure, comfortable, and, of...

Buyer's Guide

News & Trends

State of Industry

Illuminating Decisions: EPRI Lights the Way for Modern Lighting Adoption

Facility managers and operators understand the critical role lighting plays in their daily operations. Accounting for roughly 30% of a commercial building's energy load, lighting significantly impacts energy consumption and associated maintenance costs. However, focusing solely on the...

Featured

Advanced protection against electromagnetic exposures and electric arc

HAZARDS AROUND While working live in the energized grid, presence of voltage around the workers requires special attention. However, live-line (live working) techniques are widely applied for decades, several accidents in the past prove that the level of safety must be improved to minimize...

2024 CE Code Training - Better Understanding of the Rules

CE Code training is intended to do a lot more than instruct about what changes have taken place since the last time Canada issued a national electrical code. We are producing a series of courses across Canada by one of Canada’s leading experts on the 2024 Edition of Canada’s Electrical...

Building Automation Training

Overcoming the 'Automation Paradox' in Smart Lighting Systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer significant advantages for lighting control within smart buildings. These systems can optimize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and potentially enhance occupant comfort through features like automated dimming and occupancy sensing. However, there's a potential pitfall: overly complex automation can backfire, leading to user frustration and dissatisfaction. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the 'automation paradox'.

Building automation, particularly in lighting systems, aims to enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and convenience. However, the 'Automation Paradox' emerges when the increased complexity of these systems paradoxically makes them harder to use, leading to user frustration. This phenomenon underscores the importance of balancing sophisticated automation with user control and satisfaction in smart lighting systems.

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The Challenge of Complexity in Automated Lighting

Automated lighting systems integrate sensors, timers, and algorithms to control the lighting based on occupancy, daylight availability, and user preferences. While...

Communications

Taking BAS to the Cloud: Exploring the Advantages and Considerations

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have become a cornerstone of modern building management, offering the promise of optimized energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, and streamlined operations. However, traditional on-premise BAS solutions can present limitations in scalability, remote...

Energy

Building Automation: A Conductor's Guide to Energy Efficiency

In the ever-growing symphony of a building's operation, energy consumption plays a critical role. However, left unmanaged, this crucial element can quickly become a discordant note, driving up costs and jeopardizing environmental well-being. Building Automation Systems (BAS) emerge as...

HVAC

Balancing Investment vs. Savings in BAS for HVAC Systems

Building automation systems (BAS) offer the tantalizing promise of streamlined HVAC operations, increased energy efficiency, and enhanced occupant comfort. However, the upfront investment involved can lead to hesitation among building owners and facility managers. Determining whether the long-term...