, in electrical engineering, is the amount of current being drawn by all the components (appliances, motors, machines, etc.).Load is further categorised as base load and peak load depending upon the nature of the electrical components connected. As you may be familiar, all electrical appliances at your home do not run at all times.There are several appliances which keep running at all the times, no matter what. The refrigerator, for example, has to be plugged in at all the times. Another such example are the heating, ventilation and cooling systems in the house ().
is the minimum level of electricity demand required over a period of 24 hours. It is needed to provide power to components that keep running at all times (also referred as).is the time of high demand. These peaking demands are often for only shorter durations. In mathematical terms, peak demand could be understood as the difference between the base demand and the highest demand.Now going back to the examples of: microwave oven, toaster and television are examples of peak demand, whereas refrigerator and HVAC systems are examples of base demand.Now on a broader perspective, it could be assumed that the electrical grid is a big household. Under normal circumstances, the power required by the electrical grid is fairly constant during various period of the day.This, which is required at all times, is called the base loading. But during a special event, like the final match of World Cup, the demand will be more, as a lot of people will watch TV. This short, high demand period is considered to be a peak loading.Base Load and Peak LoadPower plants are also categorised as base load and peak load power plants.Plants that are running continuously over extended periods of time are said to be base load power plant.The power from these plants is used to cater the base demand of the grid. A power plant may run as a base load power plant due to various factors (long starting time requirement, fuel requirements, etc.).Examples of base load power plants are:To cater the demand peaks, peak load power plants are used. They are started up whenever there is a spike in demand and stopped when the demand recedes.Examples of gas load power plants are:
Companies that have seasonal demand or non-storable commodities can benefit from this strategy of electricity, transport, security, etc.
A company can apply peak load pricing by charging more during the peak season and lowering prices during low demand. It helps ensure that the supply is adequate in terms of demand.
The primary benefit behind the Peak Load Pricing strategy is to maximize profit. Also, it helps sustain the demand without increasing the infrastructure by shifting or avoiding consumption with higher prices.
Peak Load Pricing depends on the correct predictions by the managers. If these estimates are incorrect, it can render the entire exercise wasteful.
Electricity demand is often higher during the summer season. The companies can charge higher per unit to earn more and entice people to conduct their electricity-heavy exercises during the night. It allows for an adequate supply and increased profit for the company and customers.
Comments
0