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...

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...

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...

Building Automation Training

The Backbone of Building Intelligence: Network Infrastructure and Design for BAS

Building Automation Systems (BAS) rely on a robust and well-designed network infrastructure to ensure seamless communication and reliable data exchange between various building systems and devices. This article delves into the intricacies of network infrastructure for BAS, exploring different network topologies, bandwidth considerations, technology selection between wired and wireless options, and factors influencing optimal network design for efficient building automation.

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Network Topologies: Defining the Flow of Information

The network topology refers to the layout of connections between devices within the BAS network. Here are some common topologies used in building automation:

Star Topology: In a star topology, all devices connect to a central switch or hub. This offers centralized control and simplifies troubleshooting but can become a single point of failure if the central device malfunctions.

Bus Topology: Devices are connected to a single cable in a linear fashion. This is a simple and...

Communications

Building Automation Systems and Occupant Experience

Modern buildings are increasingly focusing on occupant well-being, recognizing the link between a comfortable environment and occupant satisfaction, productivity, and overall health. Building Automation Systems (BAS) play a crucial role in achieving this goal, offering a range of features that...

Energy

Optimizing User Behavior for BAS-Driven Energy Management

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a powerful tool for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. However, achieving maximum energy savings often hinges on a factor beyond the control of BAS systems themselves: occupant behavior. This article explores the challenges associated with occupant...

HVAC

Using Building Automation Analytics to Drive Operational Insights

Building automation systems (BAS) continuously generate an enormous amount of data on HVAC equipment operation, energy consumption patterns, sensor readings, and more. This data, when properly harnessed, holds the key to unlocking critical insights that can significantly enhance building...