Correct Answer - Option 4 : Load factor
Concept:
Load factor: The ratio of average load to the maximum demand during a given period is known as the load factor.
Load factor = average load/maximum demand
If the plant is in the operation of T hours
\(Load\;factor = \frac{{Avearge\;load\; \times\; T}}{{Maximum\;demand \;\times\; T}}\)
\(= \frac{{Units\;generated\;in\;T\;hours}}{{Maximum\;demand \;\times\; T}}\)
- The load factor may be daily load factor, monthly or annually if the period considered is a day or month or year
- Load factor is always less than 1 because the average load is smaller than the maximum demand
- It plays a key role in determining the overall cost per unit generated
- Higher the load factor of the power station, lesser will be the cost per unit generated, it is because higher load factor means lesser maximum demand
- The station capacity is so selected that it must meet the maximum demand
- Now, lower maximum demand means a lower capacity of the plant which reduces the cost of the plant
