A System Operator has three generators online with 1200 MWs capacity and loads at 500 MWs. What is the max load they can restore without risking re-collapse?

A System Operator has three generators online with 1200 MWs capacity and loads at 500 MWs. What is the max load they can restore without risking re-collapse?

• A. 25 MWs
• B. 80 MWs
• C. 35 MWs
• D. 60 MWs

Answer: (D)

In this scenario, the System Operator has three generators capable of producing a total of 1200 MW, while the current load stands at 500 MW. To determine the maximum load that can be restored without risking re-collapse, it is essential to consider the operating reserve available. The operational reserve is typically defined as the difference between the total generating capacity and the current load. In this case, the available capacity can be calculated as follows: Total Generating Capacity: 1200 MW Current Load: 500 MW Available Capacity (Operational Reserve) = Total Capacity - Current Load Available Capacity = 1200 MW - 500 MW = 700 MW However, the question focuses on ensuring stability and avoiding re-collapse upon restoring load. Typically, a portion of the total capacity must be set aside as operational reserve to manage unforeseen fluctuations in demand or generator performance. To maintain system reliability during load restoration, a familiar rule of thumb is to allow for a margin which could be around 5-15% of the total capacity for safety. A common practice is to assume that a certain percentage of the installed capacity should remain as reserve. If we look specifically at the option provided, the answer of 60 MW makes sense within these boundaries

In this scenario, the System Operator has three generators capable of producing a total of 1200 MW, while the current load stands at 500 MW. To determine the maximum load that can be restored without risking re-collapse, it is essential to consider the operating reserve available.

The operational reserve is typically defined as the difference between the total generating capacity and the current load. In this case, the available capacity can be calculated as follows:

Total Generating Capacity: 1200 MW

Current Load: 500 MW

Available Capacity (Operational Reserve) = Total Capacity - Current Load

Available Capacity = 1200 MW - 500 MW = 700 MW

However, the question focuses on ensuring stability and avoiding re-collapse upon restoring load. Typically, a portion of the total capacity must be set aside as operational reserve to manage unforeseen fluctuations in demand or generator performance.

To maintain system reliability during load restoration, a familiar rule of thumb is to allow for a margin which could be around 5-15% of the total capacity for safety. A common practice is to assume that a certain percentage of the installed capacity should remain as reserve.

If we look specifically at the option provided, the answer of 60 MW makes sense within these boundaries