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

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...

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...

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...

Electrical Protection

Design and Installation Challenges

Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to structures and electrical equipment. A well-designed and installed lightning protection system (LPS) is crucial to safeguard buildings, infrastructure, and personnel from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. However, designing and installing effective LPS presents several challenges that need careful consideration.This article explores these challenges and key considerations for designing and installing LPS for different types of structures and environments.

Understanding Lightning Protection Systems

Before delving into the challenges, it’s essential to understand the components and functions of a typical LPS. An LPS usually includes air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, grounding systems, and surge protection devices, working together to intercept, conduct, and dissipate the lightning strike safely into the ground.

Design Challenges

The design of an LPS must account for various factors, each critical to the system’s overall effectiveness and reliability.

Structure Type and Geometry

The type and geometry of the structure significantly...

Electrical Protection Articles

Transformer Protection

Cybersecurity Threats and Transformer Protection

The increasing reliance on digital technologies for power system operation has introduced new vulnerabilities. Transformer protection systems, historically reliant on dedicated hardware and closed communication protocols, are becoming more interconnected and susceptible to cyberattacks. This...

Overcurrent and Short Circuit Protection

Wireless Monitoring and IoT

The realm of electrical protection is continuously evolving, embracing advancements in technology to enhance system performance and reliability. One exciting development is the integration of wireless monitoring and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into overcurrent and short circuit protection...

Generator Protection

Integration of Generator Predictive Maintenance

The reliable and efficient operation of power grids relies heavily on the effective protection of generators. Traditionally, generator protection focused on reacting to faults after they occur. However, advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and machine learning are enabling a paradigm...

A Closer Look into the True Cost of Replacing Electrical Switchgear

During my switchgear modernization presentations all over the US, I am constantly reminded of the concerns customers face with their aging electrical infrastructure. For the most part, these center around safety, reliability and productivity: Replacements parts are very hard (or impossible) to...