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Title: Power plant performance analysis and guidelines study. Summary report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5578395

The objectives and intent of this study were to: identify power plant performance indices, and data sources; tabulate the historical performance of power plants on a national and California basis; assess the impact of plant design and construction procedures, site and regulatory factors, contract procedures, plant operation and maintenance factors and other factors which affect power plant reliability and efficiency; determine issues which must be addressed by utilities in proposing the most cost-effective levels of reliability and efficiency in power plants; and recommend guidelines and follow-up procedures that might be implemented by the Commission to assess and bring about improvements in the performance of new plants. As a result of this study a two part guideline was developed to ensure that the most cost-effective levels or ranges of reliability and efficiency will be obtained by new plants to be sited in California. The first part addresses the utilities establishment of the most cost-effective levels or ranges of reliability and efficiency for new plants within the existing utility electric generation and supply system. The second part is to be used to insure that specific actions will be taken by the utility to achieve the established reliability and efficiency levels or ranges in the most cost-effective manner. Four indices of power plant performance were recommended for use by the utilities and Commission in assessing the reliability and efficiency proposed for the generating facility(ies). These indices are: Capacity Factor; Equivalent Availability; Operating Availability; and Heat Rate. (LCL)

Research Organization:
System Development Corp., Santa Monica, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FC01-77RA08137
OSTI ID:
5578395
Report Number(s):
DOE/RA/08137-T1(Summ.)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English