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

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...

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

Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns in BAS for Energy Management

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a powerful tool for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. However, as BAS become increasingly connected and collect more sensitive data, cybersecurity concerns become paramount. This article delves into the cybersecurity risks associated with BAS used for energy management, explores best practices for securing BAS systems, and outlines strategies for mitigating these risks.

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The Evolving Threat Landscape: BAS as a Target

BAS play a critical role in managing energy consumption by controlling various building systems like HVAC, lighting, and security. They collect and transmit sensitive data, including:

Building occupancy patterns
Energy usage statistics
Equipment operation parameters
Environmental sensor data (temperature, humidity)

This data, if compromised, can be exploited by attackers in several ways:

Disrupting Building Operations: Hackers could manipulate settings within BAS, causing disruptions to building systems. This could involve creating uncomfortable room temperatures, disrupting lighting schedules, or even compromising...

Communications

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Building Automation Systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have revolutionized how buildings operate, offering centralized control and automation of various functions like lighting, HVAC, and security. However, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), BAS are poised for a significant transformation. AI can analyze...

Energy

Exploring the Rise of Cloud-Based BAS for Enhanced Energy Management

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have become a cornerstone for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. Traditionally, BAS have operated as on-premise systems, with hardware and software located within the building itself. However, the recent surge in cloud-based technologies has led to the...

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...