Organic photovoltaics, although potentially a disruptive technology, do not currently offer very high efficiency levels or lifetime and these characteristics limit their market uptake, says a recent IDTechEx Research report. However, OPVs can offer versatility in form factor, improved indoor performance and low capital expenditure for large-scale manufacture. [ + ]

This article discusses the top nine electrical safety mistakes contractors make, from PPE to maintenance. [ + ]

Four out of five fastest growing territories in terms of data centre power requirements are the ‘BRIC’ economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China), reveals a recent report by DCD Intelligence. [ + ]

Smart lighting control systems make a significant contribution to the effective operation of commercial buildings. As the race towards new technologies for lighting control continues, the prospect of creating smarter, more intuitive controls is seemingly straightforward - all a system really needs to do is to make decisions about which lights to switch on, and how brightly, based on information in the space beneath them. [ + ]

ASIS International, an organisation for security professionals, has released two new ANSI standards: Maturity Model for the Phased Implementation of a Quality Assurance Management System for Private Security Service Providers (PSC.3) and Quality Assurance and Security Management for Private Security Companies Operating at Sea - Guidance (PSC.4). [ + ]

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) is building a diamond-shaped facility designed to foster researchers’ creativity and productivity. [ + ]

1 March 2013 saw the commencement of the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) rollout in participating states and territories of Australia. First cab off the rank is Queensland, with WA, Vic, Tas, SA, NT and ACT all looking to follow suit. Additionally, New Zealand will implement similar legislation. [ + ]

Large smelters in electricity-intensive, metal-winning industries can use as much power as a medium-sized city, so finding ways to reduce their energy requirement is a high priority.  In a bid to help smelters cut their consumption and associated emissions, the Australian research agency CSIRO, in partnership with industry players, is assessing and testing new electrical connection systems. [ + ]

Much has been said about the limitations of photovoltaic (PV) solar as an alternative energy source, given its inherent intermittent nature. PV solar has even been blamed for grid instability as well as pushing up the price of electricity. So what about a solar system that allows the utility to decide how much power it requires and when? [ + ]

As the world adapts to technological advancements in readily deployable virtualisation, cloud computing, CoLo and enterprise networks, the migration towards 40 Gbps copper and 100 Gbps fibre cabling infrastructure will see the daily work practices of telecommunications installers undergo a drastic change. [ + ]

A number of developing technologies are ready to surface in the access control market throughout the course of 2013, all of which will bring new levels of security and efficiency to Australian companies. [ + ]

As part of a multimillion-dollar project to build Victoria’s largest underground recycled water treatment plant at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Compressed Air and Power Solutions (CAPS) Australia was selected to supply aeration blowers for the facility. [ + ]

In the last issue of ECD Solutions, we asked the question why bother changing from a CCTV surveillance installation to a more expensive IP solution? Now we take it a step further and take a look at a true decentralised system and a study of the costs involved in implementing all three solutions. [ + ]

Power and automation technology group ABB has delivered six Resibloc dry-type transformers rated at 5860 kilovolt amperes (kVA) to facilitate the distribution of power to the Daocheng-Yading airport in the Sichuan Province of China. When the airport opens later this year, travellers will land and depart at an elevation of 4411 metres - 77 metres higher than the current record held by the Bamda airport in Tibet. [ + ]

Any type of construction site is a dangerous place. Constantly moving heavy machinery and high-pressure equipment, along with toxic and hazardous chemicals, are an everyday part of the industry. With an increasing focus on having a safe and healthy workplace for workers and contractors, considering all of the options available can both save money and minimise the risk of injuries and fatalities on work sites. [ + ]