Power Plant PLF: Can 109-110% be Achieved?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a power plant achieving a Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 109-110%. Participants explore various technologies including gas, coal, and nuclear power plants, and the implications of PLF calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of a PLF exceeding 100%, stating that it implies output greater than maximum capacity, which they consider impossible.
  • Another participant suggests that the definition of "maximum load" could allow for a PLF greater than 100% if based on design specifications rather than actual maximum output.
  • A third participant introduces the idea that PLF may not be a strict physical limit, noting that factors such as ambient temperature and power factor could influence the calculations and potential for exceeding 100% under certain conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition and implications of PLF, with no consensus reached on whether a PLF of 109-110% is achievable.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on definitions of maximum load and the impact of environmental conditions on PLF calculations. There are unresolved aspects regarding the interpretation of design specifications versus actual operational limits.

altehexe
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Is it possible for a power plant to attain a PLF of about 109 - 110%? Gas, coal, nuclear any plant technology, anywhere in the world?
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Plant Load Factor
 
As I understand it, PLF is calculated as the ratio of the actual power output to the maximum power output, integrated over some period of time. In that case, a PLF means that it's putting out more than the maximum, which is by definition impossible.
 
It depends on what you mean by "maximum load"? The plant will have been sold with a design maximum load and will probably be able to excede that value, so if you take the design maximum as the maximum load yes you might be able to get a PLF of greater then 100%
 
PLF is the design power-plant electrical Plant Load Factor, which may allow for worst-case summer loads where the ambient temperature is high and cooling is less efficient (~60% of Btu's go to waste heat), and the heating in HV transmission lines (and the associated sag in the catenaries) is less. So perhaps on a cold winter's night, it may be permissible. 100% PLF is not a physical limit. It may depend on power factor (volt-amps/watts).
Bob S.
 
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