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...

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...

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

Protecting Industrial Control Circuits

Addressing relay challenges with the modern technology

BY MARK STEPHENS & ALDEN WRIGHT, Electric Power Research Institute

In 2009, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) began an effort to create improved alternating current (AC) “ice cube” relays that could withstand voltage sags without dropping out.

Their white paper entitled “AC Ice Cube Relays Applied for Improved Power Quality” outlined the basic design and vulnerability of these common devices that often appear in modern industrial control circuits. These are called “ice cube” because they are housed in clear plastic having the appearance of an ice cube (see photo).

Similar appearing relays with direct current (DC) coils are generally robust to common power quality problems as long as their corresponding DC power supplies are robust as well. However, “ice cube” relays with AC coils have shown extreme sensitivity to voltage sags.

With an average dropout at or near 70 percent of nominal...

Electrical Protection Articles

Lightning Protection Systems

Design and Installation Challenges

Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to structures and electrical equipment. A well-designed and installed lightning protection system (LPS) is crucial to safeguard buildings, infrastructure, and personnel from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. However, designing and installing...

Transformer Protection

Protection for Smart Grid Integration

The concept of smart grids is revolutionizing the power delivery landscape. Characterized by two-way power flow, distributed generation, and increased reliance on automation, smart grids present unique challenges for traditional transformer protection schemes.These developments necessitate a...

Motor Protection

Compatibility Issues with Generator-Backed Power Systems

Line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems play a vital role in maintaining seamless operation during power outages. Their integration with backup generators, however, can pose challenges regarding synchronization and power quality. While both UPS systems and generators serve as...

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Enhancing Cybersecurity with AI and Machine Learning

The ever-increasing reliance on interconnected electrical systems necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are emerging as powerful tools in this fight, offering new...