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

Counterfeiting Kills

Each year, the counterfeiting of well-known brands and products continues to rise, creating an even more threatening problem. Such well-known counterfeited brands, including consumer safety and critical electrical products, are estimated to be five to seven percent of world trade. The International...

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...

Building Automation Training

Wireless Mesh Networks in Scalable Lighting Control

Wireless mesh networks represent a significant evolution in communication technology, offering a robust, flexible, and scalable solution for building automation, especially in lighting control systems. Unlike traditional star topology networks, mesh networks consist of nodes that directly communicate with each other, creating a dynamic and interconnected system.

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a powerful tool for managing and optimizing lighting systems within modern buildings. Traditionally, BAS relied on wired connections between lighting fixtures and control units. However, the emergence of wireless mesh networks (WMNs) is transforming the landscape of BAS-controlled lighting, offering significant advantages for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

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The Advantages of Mesh Networks for Lighting Control

Reliability and Self-Healing

One of the primary benefits of wireless mesh networks is their inherent reliability. In a mesh network, each node is connected to multiple other nodes, allowing for multiple pathways for data transmission. This...

Communications

Fortressing the Connected Building: Securing BAS in a Digital Age

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a compelling proposition for building management, promising enhanced efficiency, streamlined operations, and improved occupant comfort. However, the growing reliance on interconnected systems introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities that threaten building...

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

Legacy Systems: Strategies for Integrating Outdated HVAC Equipment into Modern BAS

Building automation offers powerful tools for streamlining HVAC operations, optimizing efficiency, and improving comfort. However, a significant challenge arises when dealing with legacy systems - older HVAC equipment from various generations that might lack the native compatibility necessary for...