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

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...

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...

Building Automation Training

Overcoming Interoperability and Data Sharing Challenges in BAS

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a compelling proposition for building managers, promising energy savings, streamlined operations, and improved occupant comfort. However, a significant challenge hindering the full potential of BAS lies in the lack of interoperability between different systems and the complexities associated with data sharing. This article explores the challenges of interoperability in BAS, examines the consequences of siloed data, and discusses potential solutions towards creating a more integrated building automation ecosystem.

The Interoperability Challenge: A Tower of Babel in Building Automation

Interoperability refers to the ability of different devices and systems to communicate and exchange data seamlessly. In the context of BAS, interoperability challenges arise from several factors:

Proprietary Communication Protocols: Many BAS manufacturers utilize proprietary communication protocols, creating closed systems that struggle to communicate with devices or systems from other vendors. This necessitates complex workarounds or gateways to enable data exchange, increasing cost and complexity.

Lack of...

Communications

Powering Efficiency: BAS and the Pursuit of Sustainable Buildings

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have revolutionized how buildings operate, transforming them from static structures into dynamic environments that can adapt to changing needs. One of the most compelling applications of BAS lies in its ability to optimize energy consumption, contributing...

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...