Choosing the right rating of power plant
Choosing the right rating of power plant
(OP)
When the natural resources permit to build a Power plant with a total generation capacity of 800 MW. What factors determine the rating of the power plant, when I have to choose between 2 x 400 MW and 1 x 800 MW ?






RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
Having 2 400 MW units would under some conditions allow one unit to remain operational while the other was down for whatever reason. Your plant might still be capable of 400 MW, which is generally considerably better than 0 MW.
Your boss will still be jumping up and down over the outage, but perhaps not as high.
RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
It sounds like it is hydro. One large turbine will probably have different efficiency curves than two smaller units. Based on the expected daily and seasonal stream flow data you could analyze which combination will provide more MWH over the life of the plant. Compare that with the capital cost estimates and factor in the concerns about reliability and security to get some answers (or more questions.)
RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
RE: Choosing the right rating of power plant
Well, for one, your power sales agreements. As pointed out, if you lose one big unit (and that is easy enough to do with a coal fired unit) you lose all your ability to sell power and meet the requirements of your contract. Same for when you are down for maintenance.
Another is your local grid and the importance of this unit on the grid. If this is the principal unit on the grid (or you are islanded) I'd recommend the two unit approach.
There is so much we don't know about your real needs that it is hard to hazard a guess.
rmw