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...

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...

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...

Electrical 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 explores the historical development of fault detection techniques in generator protection, tracing the journey from traditional methods to advanced analytics and AI-driven approaches.

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Traditional Fault Detection Methods

Historically, generator protection relied on electromechanical relays and simple electronic devices that offered basic fault detection capabilities.

Electromechanical Relays

Electromechanical relays were the cornerstone of early fault detection systems, operating on physical principles to detect overcurrents, overvoltages, or other anomalies indicative of faults.

Limitations of Traditional Methods

While reliable within their operating parameters, these traditional systems had limitations in terms of speed, selectivity, and sensitivity to complex fault conditions, often leading to delayed or inaccurate fault...

Electrical Protection Articles

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Zero-Trust Security: Securing Electrical Protection

The ever-increasing reliance on interconnected electrical protection systems necessitates a robust cybersecurity posture. Traditional perimeter-based security models, which rely on strong external defenses, have proven insufficient against sophisticated cyberattacks. Zero-trust security offers a...

Transformer Protection

Solid-State Transformer Protection: A Game Changer?

The advent of solid-state transformer (SST) technology marks a significant evolution in the field of electrical transformer protection. Moving beyond the limitations of conventional oil-filled transformers, SSTs offer a promising alternative, boasting enhanced efficiency, reliability, and a host of...

A Closer Look into the True Cost of Replacing Electrical Switchgear

During my switchgear modernization presentations all over the US, I am constantly reminded of the concerns customers face with their aging electrical infrastructure. For the most part, these center around safety, reliability and productivity: Replacements parts are very hard (or impossible) to...

The Switchgear Survival Guide

10 suggestions to optimize equipment life and enhance reliability BY HAL THEOBALD, Schneider Electric With increasing dependence on computers and automated processes, most modern facilities cannot afford downtime. According to studies published by the Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company and FM...