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

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...

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...

Compatibility Issues with Generator-Backed Power Systems

Line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems play a vital role in maintaining seamless operation during power outages. Their integration with backup generators, however, can pose challenges regarding synchronization and power quality. While both UPS systems and generators serve as...

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

Design and Installation Challenges

Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to structures and electrical equipment. A well-designed and installed lightning protection system (LPS) is crucial to safeguard buildings, infrastructure, and personnel from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. However, designing and installing effective LPS presents several challenges that need careful consideration.This article explores these challenges and key considerations for designing and installing LPS for different types of structures and environments.

Understanding Lightning Protection Systems

Before delving into the challenges, it’s essential to understand the components and functions of a typical LPS. An LPS usually includes air terminals (lightning rods), down conductors, grounding systems, and surge protection devices, working together to intercept, conduct, and dissipate the lightning strike safely into the ground.

Design Challenges

The design of an LPS must account for various factors, each critical to the system’s overall effectiveness and reliability.

Structure Type and Geometry

The type and geometry of the structure significantly...

Electrical Protection Articles

Generator Protection

Integration of Generator Predictive Maintenance

The reliable and efficient operation of power grids relies heavily on the effective protection of generators. Traditionally, generator protection focused on reacting to faults after they occur. However, advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and machine learning are enabling a paradigm...

Transformer Protection

Protection for Smart Grid Integration

The concept of smart grids is revolutionizing the power delivery landscape. Characterized by two-way power flow, distributed generation, and increased reliance on automation, smart grids present unique challenges for traditional transformer protection schemes.These developments necessitate a...

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Zero-Trust Security: Securing Electrical Protection

The ever-increasing reliance on interconnected electrical protection systems necessitates a robust cybersecurity posture. Traditional perimeter-based security models, which rely on strong external defenses, have proven insufficient against sophisticated cyberattacks. Zero-trust security offers a...

Lightning Protection Systems

Impact of Climate Change on Lightning Protection Strategies

Climate change is altering global weather patterns, leading to a potential increase in lightning activity. This phenomenon poses a significant challenge for existing lightning protection strategies and standards. This article explores how changing weather patterns and increased lightning intensity...