Intelligent Power Today Magazine

News and Trends

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 initial fixture cost misses a crucial aspect of responsible lighting management – the long-term perspective.

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Beyond the Sticker Price: Unveiling the True Cost of Light

Modern lighting solutions promise a...

Buyer's Guide

News & Trends

2024 CE Code Training - Better Understanding of the Rules

CE Code training is intended to do a lot more than instruct about what changes have taken place since the last time Canada issued a national electrical code. We are producing a series of courses across Canada by one of Canada’s leading experts on the 2024 Edition of Canada’s Electrical...

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...

Building Automation Training

Legacy Systems: Strategies for Integrating Outdated HVAC Equipment into Modern BAS

Building automation offers powerful tools for streamlining HVAC operations, optimizing efficiency, and improving comfort. However, a significant challenge arises when dealing with legacy systems - older HVAC equipment from various generations that might lack the native compatibility necessary for seamless integration. Confronting this hurdle effectively is key to maximizing the benefits of automation in established buildings.

Understanding the Compatibility Challenge

Proprietary Protocols: Historically, many HVAC manufacturers used closed communication protocols, making their systems reluctant to "talk" to devices or software from other vendors.

Varying Lifecycles: Different components within an HVAC system (chillers, boilers, air handling units, etc.) may have been installed or replaced at different intervals, leading to a mix-and-match environment with no unifying communication standard.

Outdated Control Systems: Older equipment might still rely on basic pneumatic or analog controls, creating a stark contrast with modern digital building automation platforms.
Integration Strategies

The good news is that outdated systems...

Communications

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...

Energy

Utilizing Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance in BAS

Building Automation Systems (BAS) play a crucial role in optimizing energy consumption and maintaining building comfort. However, traditional BAS primarily focus on reactive maintenance, addressing equipment failures only after they occur. This reactive approach can lead to costly downtime,...

HVAC

Cloud-Based BAS: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Considerations for Remote Management

Cloud-Based BAS: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Considerations for Remote Management The traditional model of building automation systems (BAS) has involved on-premises servers, software installations, and localized data storage. Cloud-based solutions are disrupting this model, offering the potential...