Correct Answer - Option 3 : Average load to the maximum load
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 for 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.
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The 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.
- The higher the load factor of the power station, the lesser will be the cost per unit generated, is because a 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.
