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

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...

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...

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...

Building Automation Training

Overcoming the 'Automation Paradox' in Smart Lighting Systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer significant advantages for lighting control within smart buildings. These systems can optimize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and potentially enhance occupant comfort through features like automated dimming and occupancy sensing. However, there's a potential pitfall: overly complex automation can backfire, leading to user frustration and dissatisfaction. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the 'automation paradox'.

Building automation, particularly in lighting systems, aims to enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and convenience. However, the 'Automation Paradox' emerges when the increased complexity of these systems paradoxically makes them harder to use, leading to user frustration. This phenomenon underscores the importance of balancing sophisticated automation with user control and satisfaction in smart lighting systems.

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The Challenge of Complexity in Automated Lighting

Automated lighting systems integrate sensors, timers, and algorithms to control the lighting based on occupancy, daylight availability, and user preferences. While...

Communications

Fortressing the Connected Building: Securing BAS in a Digital Age

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a compelling proposition for building management, promising enhanced efficiency, streamlined operations, and improved occupant comfort. However, the growing reliance on interconnected systems introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities that threaten building...

Energy

Overcoming Integration Hurdles in BAS for Energy Management

Potential and Integration Challenges for Energy Optimization Building Automation Systems (BAS) hold immense promise for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. By intelligently controlling various systems, they can significantly reduce energy waste and improve overall efficiency. However, to...

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...