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...

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

Net-Zero Energy Buildings

Due to the current government mandate and possibility of implementation success, the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) is working with the New Buildings Institute in 2015 on a research project entitled “Net-Zero Energy Buildings: Building Intelligent Controls Driving Success”.

The objectives of the research project are to determine the frequency, types, and characteristics of systems in net-zero energy buildings along with establishing energy saving targets. This research will examine strategies and technologies applied in large commercial and multi-unit buildings, to identify net-zero energy (ZNE) best practices that can become the references for developers, manufacturers, property managers, and property owners.

WHAT IS ‘NET-ZERO’? Though definitions vary, a net-zero energy building is a term broadly applied to a building that produces as much energy as it consumes over a given time period. Net-zero energy buildings are, by design, very energy efficient and their remaining low-energy needs are often met by either...

Communications

Cutting the Cord: Exploring Wireless Communication Protocols for BAS

Building Automation Systems (BAS) play a crucial role in modern buildings, enabling centralized control and automation of various functions like lighting, HVAC, and security. Traditionally, BAS relied on wired networks for communication between building automation devices and the central control...

Energy

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...

HVAC

How Building Automation-HVAC Integration Improves Indoor Air Quality

Traditionally, HVAC systems within the context of building automation have focused primarily on temperature control for occupant comfort. However, the growing awareness of the profound impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) on health, well-being, and cognitive performance is driving an increased...