Load curves
The curve showing the variation of load on the power station with respect to time
- The curve drawn between the variations of load on the power station with reference to time is known as load curve.
- There are three types, Daily load curve, Monthly load curve, Yearly load curve .
Types of Load Curve:
Daily load curve–Load variations during the whole day
Monthly load curve–Load curve obtained from the daily load curve
Yearly load curve-Load curve obtained from the monthly load curve
Daily load curve
Ø The curve drawn between the variations of load with reference to various time period of day is known as daily load curve.
Monthly load curve
Ø It is obtained from daily load curve.
Ø Average value of the power at a month for a different time periods are calculated and plotted in the graph which is known as monthly load curve.
Yearly load curve
Ø It is obtained from monthly load curve which is used to find annual load factor.
Base Load:
The unvarying load which occurs almost the whole day on the station
Peak Load:
The various peak demands so load of the station
Load duration curve:
When the elements of a load curve are arranged in the order of descending magnitudes.
The load duration curve gives the data in a more presentable form
Ø The area under the load duration curve is equal to that of the corresponding load curve
Ø The load duration curve can be extended to include any period of time