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...

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...

Building Automation Training

Optimizing User Behavior for BAS-Driven Energy Management

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a powerful tool for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. However, achieving maximum energy savings often hinges on a factor beyond the control of BAS systems themselves: occupant behavior. This article explores the challenges associated with occupant behavior impacting energy management goals and delves into strategies for promoting user engagement in energy-efficient practices within BAS environments. The role of user interfaces (UIs) and feedback mechanisms will be examined as crucial tools for influencing occupant behavior and achieving optimal energy savings.

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The Human Factor: A Challenge to Efficiency

Even the most sophisticated BAS can struggle to achieve maximum energy savings if occupant behavior remains unaddressed. Here are some common examples of occupant actions that can counteract BAS optimization efforts:

Manual Overrides: Occupants may override BAS settings for temperature, lighting, or ventilation, prioritizing comfort over energy efficiency. For example, adjusting thermostats beyond...

Communications

Building a Breath of Fresh Air: BAS and Indoor Air Quality

Modern buildings prioritize energy efficiency and aesthetics, but sometimes at the expense of indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and decreased occupant comfort and productivity. Fortunately, Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a powerful solution,...

Energy

Optimizing Energy Consumption for a Sustainable Future

In today's world, where energy costs are on the rise and environmental concerns are paramount, building automation systems (BAS) are emerging as a powerful tool for achieving significant energy savings and fostering a more sustainable future. These intelligent systems act as the central...

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,...