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...

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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...

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...

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

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

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...