Types of power plants: Lecture 02

1. On the basis of fuel used

(i) Steam power plant
(ii) Diesel power Plant
(iii) Nuclear power plant
(iv) Hydro electric power plant
(v) Gas turbine power plant

2. On the basis of nature of load

(i) Base load power plant
(ii) Peak load power plant

3. On the basis of location

(i) Central power plant
(ii) Isolated power plant

4. On the basis of service rendered

(i) Stationary
(ii) Locomotive
Load Curve:
Load curve or chronological curve is the graphical representation of load (in kW or
MW) in proper time sequence and the time in hours. It shows the variation of load on the
power station. When the load curve is plotted for 24 hours a day, then it is called daily
load curve. If the one year is considered then, it is called annual load curve.
Utility of Load Curve

The following are the utility of the load curve.

1. Load curve decides the installed capacity of a power station.
2. It is helpful in choosing the most economical sizes of the various generating units.
3. The load curve estimates the generating cost.
4. It decides the operating schedules of the power station, i.e., the sequence in which the different
generating units should run.
Ideal Load Curve and Realized Load Curve

The ideal load curve is flat, but practically it is far from flat. For a flat load curve, the
load factor will be higher. Higher load factor means the more uniform load pattern with
fewer variations in load.
Load Duration Curve

The load duration curve is defined as the curve between the load and time in which the ordinates
representing the load, plotted in the order of decreasing magnitude, i.e., with the greatest load at the left,
lesser loads towards the rights and the lowest loads at the time extreme right. The load duration curve is
shown in the figure below.

This curve represents the same data as that of the load curve. The load duration curve is constructed by selecting the
maximum peak points and connecting them by a curve.The load duration curve plotting for 24 hours of a day is called
the daily load duration curve. Similarly, the load duration curve plotted for a year is called the annual load curve.
Terms and Definition:

(i) Connected load: It is the sum of ratings in Kilowatts (kW) of equipment

installed in the consumer's premises.

(ii) Maximum Demand: It is the maximum load which a consumer uses at

any time.

(iii) Demand factor: It is defines as the ratio of maximum demand to

connected load.
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Types of Load:

The various types of loads on the power system are:

Domestic load: Domestic load consists of lights, fans, refrigerators, heaters, television, small motors
for pumping water etc.
Commercial load: Commercial load consists of lighting for shops, fans and electric appliances used in
restaurants etc. This class of load occurs for more hours during the day as compared to the domestic
load. The commercial load has seasonal variations due to the extensive use of air-conditioners and
space heaters.
Industrial load: Industrial load consists of load demand by industries. The magnitude of industrial
load depends upon the type of industry. Thus small scale industry requires load up to 25 kW, medium
scale industry between 25kW and 100 kW and large-scale industry requires load above 500 kW.
Industrial loads are generally not weather dependent.
Municipal load: Municipal load consists of street lighting, power required for water supply and drainage purposes.
Street lighting load is practically constant throughout the hours of the night. For water supply, water is pumped to
overhead tanks by pumps driven by electric motors.
Pumping is carried out during the off-peak period, usually occurring during the night. This helps to improve the
load factor of the power system.

Irrigation load: This type of load is the electric power needed for pumps driven by motors to supply water to
fields. Generally this type of load is supplied for 12 hours during night.

Traction load: This type of load includes tram cars, trolley buses, railways etc. This class of load has wide variation.
During the morning hour, it reaches peak value because people have to go to their work place. After morning
hours, the load starts decreasing and again rises during evening since the people start coming to their home.