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...

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

Generator Protection and Renewable Energy Integration

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power into the electricity grid presents unique challenges for generator protection. Traditional protection schemes, designed for conventional synchronous generators (fossil-fuel, hydro), need adaptation to accommodate the distinct characteristics of renewable energy sources. This article explores the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources from a generator protection perspective, discussing the unique characteristics of these generators and their potential impact on protection strategies.

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Unique Characteristics of Renewable Generators

Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power differ significantly from conventional thermal and hydroelectric generators in their operational dynamics and electrical characteristics.

Variable Output and Intermittency

The power output from renewable sources like wind and solar is inherently variable and intermittent, depending on weather conditions. This variability poses challenges in maintaining a stable and balanced grid.

Low Inertia Contribution

Renewable energy systems, especially those...

Electrical Protection Articles

Protection Schemes for Commercial and Industrial Facilities

The strategies and recommended practices that apply to protection schemes for commercial and industrial facilities have evolved in the past decade. It is important that facilities managers and protection practitioners understand and embrace these developments. The key challenges arise from the new...

Generator Protection

The Evolution of Generator Fault Detection

The reliable operation of power grids hinges on the ability to detect and isolate faults within generators promptly. Over time, fault detection methodologies have evolved significantly, with advancements in technology leading to more accurate, sophisticated, and intelligent approaches. This article...

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Legacy Systems and Patching Dilemmas: Securing Outdated Protective Devices in a Modern Threat Environment The ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity poses a significant challenge for the protection of critical infrastructure. While modern protective devices often incorporate robust cybersecurity...

Transformer Protection

The Rise of Digital Relays

For decades, transformer protection relied on analog electromechanical relays. While these served their purpose, the advent of digital relays has revolutionized this crucial aspect of power system operation. This article explores the key advantages of digital relays over their analog counterparts,...