Load curve and related definitions

SHITIZ KASHYAP S.NO -7 ROLL NO. 04514804909 BRANCH-EEE

Objectives of a Power station:

The power station is constructed, comissioned and operated to supply

required power to consumers with generators running at rated capacity for maximum efficiency.
we saw in lesson one that the fundamental problem in generation,

transmission and distribution of electrical energy is the fact that electrical energy can not be stored. It must be generated, transmitted and distributed as and when needed. This lesson looks at problems associated with variable loads on power stations, and discusses the complexities met in deciding the make, size and capacity of Generators (Generating units) that must be installed in a power plant to successfully meet these varying energy demands on a day to day basis.

Variable load:

The load on a power station varies from time to time due to uncertain

demands of consumers. Energy demand of one consumer at any given time is distinct/differs from the energy demand of another consumer. This results in the total demand on the power station to vary over a given period of time and may necesitate the following: Additional equipment/Generating units to meet demand Increase in production cost to recuperate use of more material/equipment In order to study the pattern and effect of the varying load, station engineers use load curves.

Load curve

A load curve is a graph showing the variation of load on the power station

with respect to time. the following load curves are used in power stations: Daily load curve: -- Load variations captured during the day ( 24Hrs ), recorded either half-hourly or hourly. Monthly load curve: -- Load variations captured during the month at different times of the day pltted aginst No. of days. Yearly load curve: -- Load variations captured during the Year, this is derived from monthly load curves of a particular year.

A load curve is a chart showing the amount of electrical energy customers use over the course of time.

Maximum demand ( MD ): The greatest demand of load on the power station during a given period. The highest peak on the power station load curve.

Demand Factor ( Dem.F ):

Ratio of maximum demand to connected load. this is usually less than 1.

Average load ( MD ):

This is the average of loads occuring on the power station in a given period.

Average load ( MD ):

Daily average load: Average of loads occuring on a power station in 1 day (24Hrs). = total of units{in KWh} 24 hours

Monthly average load:

Average of loads occuring on a power station in 1 month (24Hrs x No. of

days). = total of units{in KWh} 24 hours*days

Yearly average load:

Average of loads occuring on a power station in 1 year (8760Hrs). = total of units{in KWh} 8760 hours

Load factor ( LF ):

The ratio of average load to maximum demand. typical less than 1. This

is the measure of the effective use of the power station. High LF = Low MD = Low plant capacity = Low cost per unit generated.

Diversity factor ( DF ):

The ratio of the sum of all individual maximum demands on the power

station to the Maximum demand on the station. Consumer maximum demands donot occur at the same time thus maximum demand on power station will always be less than the sum of individual demands. High DF = Low MD = Low plant capacity = Low investment capital required.

Plant capacity factor ( PCF ):

The ratio of actual energy produced to the maximum possible energy that

could have been produced on a given period. This indicates the reserve capacity of a plant. From these we can see that:

Information obtained from load curves:

Area under load curve = Units generated Highest point of the curve = MD (Area under curve) (by total hours) = Average load (Area under load curve) (Area of rectangle containing load curve) = LF Helps to select size & number of generating units. Helps to create operating schedule of the power plant.

Load factor ( LF ):

The ratio of average load to maximum demand. typical less than 1. This

is the measure of the effective use of the power station. L.F = Output {in KWh} Capacity installed*8760 hrs High LF = Low MD = Low plant capacity = Low cost per unit generated.

Diversity factor ( DF ):

The ratio of the sum of all individual maximum demands on the power

station to the Maximum demand on the station. Consumer maximum demands donot occur at the same time thus maximum demand on power station will always be less than the sum of individual demands. High DF = Low MD = Low plant capacity = Low investment capital required.