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

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...

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...

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

Advancements in Lightning Rod Design: Early Streamer Emission (ESE) Technology

Lightning protection systems have evolved significantly, with Early Streamer Emission (ESE) technology emerging as a groundbreaking advancement in lightning rod design. ESE technology aims to proactively protect structures from lightning strikes by initiating an upward streamer earlier than traditional lightning rods. This article delves into the concept of ESE technology, its potential benefits, limitations, and its impact on modern lightning protection strategies.

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Understanding Early Streamer Emission Technology

ESE lightning rods are designed to preemptively react to the electrostatic conditions that precede a lightning strike, creating an upward leader streamer ahead of natural conditions. This proactive approach increases the probability of capturing the lightning discharge directly, thereby enhancing the protected area's safety.

Mechanism of Action

ESE devices work by detecting the rise in ambient electric field strength as a thunderstorm approaches. Once a certain threshold is reached, the device emits a streamer earlier than...

Electrical Protection Articles

Transformer Protection

The Rise of Digital Relays

For decades, transformer protection relied on analog electromechanical relays. While these served their purpose, the advent of digital relays has revolutionized this crucial aspect of power system operation. This article explores the key advantages of digital relays over their analog counterparts,...

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...

Overcurrent and Short Circuit Protection

Coordinating Overcurrent Protection in Complex Power Systems

Modern power systems are intricate networks that deliver electricity from generation sources to various consumers. These systems comprise multiple layers, including high voltage transmission lines, substations, distribution feeders, and low voltage connections to end users. Ensuring reliable...