With the ratification of 40 and 100 Gbps ethernet fibre standards, optical requirements are tighter than ever before - yet fibre testing methods have not been upgraded for many years. Consider, too, that with the introduction of 10 Gbps over ethernet, the maximum power loss budget for multimode fibre links has dropped significantly, and it is clear that changes in testing standards are essential and urgent. [ + ]

When it comes to a photovoltaic (PV) system, thoughtful planning is the foundation of a successful project. Experience has shown that 80% of successful solar systems depend on the decisions that are made in the first 20% of the project planning phase. This article provides detailed insights on critical factors for creating an efficient and long-life PV system. [ + ]

Not too long ago, keeping a data centre 'efficiently' cool was the ultimate goal for Australian data centre managers. But today, with Australian data centres evolving into hubs for much larger, interconnected networks of cloud-based services - potentially servicing hundreds of thousands of global users around the clock - managing cooling loads in isolation is not enough. Customers are now looking beyond cooling at holistic thermal management solutions. [ + ]

Bass Electrical Engineering, part of the ARA Group, has been carrying out electrical maintenance and electrical projects at Tooheys Lidcombe site for several years. When Tooheys recently decided to upgrade its brewery, with an aim to improve economic efficiency and competitiveness, the group engaged Bass Electrical to carry out electrical work for the project. [ + ]

Security is at the forefront of many executives’ minds, and to compound the issues the industry is undergoing a transformation - or what the industry pundits term as convergence. This article discusses the challenges presented by the convergence of physical security and IT and the benefits of a holistic approach. [ + ]

Monash University has improved its overall sustainability through a mixture of energy-efficiency initiatives, behavioural change and renewable energy installations. [ + ]

Australia's largest grid-connected solar power system with Enphase microinverters has been installed at the Glenlyn Aged Care Facility in Glenroy, Victoria. The project was carried out by EnviroGroup in conjunction with Yingli Solar. [ + ]

130 Stirling Street is one of the first buildings in Perth to attain a 5.5 star rating under the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) without using GreenPower. [ + ]

This article examines how plant operators can win their battle against an invisible enemy which has the potential to cause equipment failures that negatively impact on business. [ + ]

Building a low-cost solar cell that is both highly efficient and simple to construct has thus far proved elusive. However, a research team from Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, has made a major leap forward. [ + ]

The production of multicrystalline-silicon (c-Si) solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is set to dominate PV manufacturing during 2014, with p-type multi c-Si technology accounting for 62% of all modules produced, according to the latest NPD Solarbuzz PV Equipment Quarterly report. [ + ]

The 2013 NECA Market Monitor released in September clearly shows that although industry charge-out rates have gone up by 7% since the 2011 survey - the cost of doing business has risen by around 25% over the past year alone. So the average electrical contractor is considerably worse off today than they were two years ago. [ + ]

Major changes to requirements regarding building envelope, lighting, mechanical and the energy cost budget are contained in the newly published energy standard from ASHRAE and IES. [ + ]

Harbour City Ferries has significantly improved safety of its staff, vessels and other users of Sydney Harbour with installation of FLIR M320L thermal imaging cameras across its entire fleet. [ + ]

Doltone House, Hyde Park, one of Sydney's most iconic venues, has undergone a major refurbishment that is expected to lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency. [ + ]