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

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...

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...

Electrical Protection

Cybersecurity Threats and Transformer Protection

The increasing reliance on digital technologies for power system operation has introduced new vulnerabilities. Transformer protection systems, historically reliant on dedicated hardware and closed communication protocols, are becoming more interconnected and susceptible to cyberattacks. This article explores the evolving cybersecurity landscape and proposes mitigation strategies to safeguard these critical components of the electrical grid.

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Understanding the Cybersecurity Risks

Transformer protection systems, integral to managing the flow and integrity of electrical power, now often rely on digital and networked technologies. These systems are targets for cyber threats due to their critical role in energy distribution. Cyberattacks can lead to the unauthorized manipulation of protective relays, resulting in false tripping, sustained outages, or physical damage to the transformers themselves.

Types of Cyber Threats

Targeted attacks: Specific systems are targeted to disrupt power supply operations.
Malware and ransomware: Software designed to damage or gain...

Electrical Protection Articles

Generator Protection

Modernizing Protection for Aging Generators

As the electrical grid continues to evolve, the challenge of maintaining effective protection for aging generators becomes increasingly significant. Many older generators operate with potentially outdated protection schemes that may not meet the current standards of efficiency and safety. This...

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Legacy Systems and Patching Dilemmas: Securing Outdated Protective Devices in a Modern Threat Environment The ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity poses a significant challenge for the protection of critical infrastructure. While modern protective devices often incorporate robust cybersecurity...

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...

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...