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

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...

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

Balancing Investment vs. Savings in BAS for HVAC Systems

Building automation systems (BAS) offer the tantalizing promise of streamlined HVAC operations, increased energy efficiency, and enhanced occupant comfort. However, the upfront investment involved can lead to hesitation among building owners and facility managers. Determining whether the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs requires a careful examination of both financial metrics and the broader value proposition of an automated HVAC system.

Understanding the Investment

The cost of implementing a BAS for HVAC control depends on several factors. Some of these include:

Building Size and Complexity: Larger buildings with more extensive HVAC networks naturally require a higher investment in sensors, controllers, and the central management platform.

Level of Integration: Integrating the BAS with other building systems such as lighting, security, or fire alarms increases complexity and overall cost.

Age and Condition of Existing Equipment: Retrofitting older HVAC systems with the necessary sensors and actuators for automation compatibility can be more...

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

Building Automation: A Conductor's Guide to Energy Efficiency

In the ever-growing symphony of a building's operation, energy consumption plays a critical role. However, left unmanaged, this crucial element can quickly become a discordant note, driving up costs and jeopardizing environmental well-being. Building Automation Systems (BAS) emerge as...

HVAC

Wireless Sensor Networks and the Impact on HVAC Monitoring

Traditional building automation systems have often relied on a relatively sparse network of wired sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and perhaps a few other basic parameters. Wireless sensor networks are disrupting this model, enabling the deployment of far denser arrays of sensors,...