Power Generation/Variable Load/Part5

The power grid is constructed by connecting several generating stations together in parallel. This method has helped solve most transmission and distribution problems facing power engineers. Below are the advantages of using a power grid:

• Economical operation:

Sharing of load among stations allows for more efficient stations to work constantly at high load factors and less efficient stations to be used for peak supply only.

• Increased diversity factor:

Different stations have different load curves thus the total maximum demand of the system is decreased, thus effectively increasing the diversity factor of the system.

• Reduces Plant Reserve Capacity:

The stand-by capacity required of individual plants is reduced when they are interconnected in a grid.

• Increased reliability:

If major breakdown occurs on one station, supply is maintained by other stations.

• Exchange of peak loads:

Excess load can be shared from highly stressed plants to plant with lower peak loads ( Identified from load curves ).

• Older plants can still be used:

Older plants which are less efficient can still be used to carry peak loads of short durations.