Advantage of Interconnected Power System is

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Option D: All of above

Explanation & Concepts:
An interconnected power system, or grid, involves linking multiple generating stations through a transmission network. This configuration enhances system reliability, optimizes the use of diverse generation sources, and significantly improves economic efficiency through shared reserve capacity.

Working Principle: Interconnection allows for the pooling of generating capacities and load demands. By sharing the load, the peak demand is diversified, requiring less total installed capacity (reserve margin). It also enables the economic dispatch of power, where plants with the lowest marginal operating costs are loaded first, reducing the overall cost per unit generated.

Key Formulas: $Diversity Factor = \frac{\sum Max Demands}{Group Max Demand}$; $Cost_{total} = \sum C_{generation} + \sum C_{transmission}$

Key Points: Increased diversity factor implies that the sum of individual maximum demands is greater than the collective peak demand.; Interconnection allows older, less efficient units to be used as peaking plants rather than base load, optimizing total system efficiency.; Provides redundancy; if one station fails, others can supply the load.; Reduces the required 'spinning reserve' capacity for each individual utility.

Advantages: Improved reliability of supply; Optimized generation planning; Reduction in capital cost due to lower reserve requirements; Efficient use of varying generation sources (hydro, thermal, nuclear)

Disadvantages: Increased complexity in control and stability management; Risk of cascading outages or faults spreading across the grid; Higher short-circuit levels requiring robust switchgear

Applications: Regional and National Power Grids; Synchronized AC Transmission Systems; Cross-border energy trading

Additional Info: Diversity factor effectively reduces the capacity required to be installed, thus lowering the capital cost.. Option A is considered an advantage because interconnection allows older, lower-efficiency units to run only during peak hours instead of being decommissioned prematurely.

Answer: D is correct — An interconnected power system provides economic, operational, and reliability benefits by aggregating generation and load across a wide area.

Exam Tip: Always remember that the 'Diversity Factor' is typically greater than 1; higher values indicate better utilization of the system equipment.

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Option A: Use of old plants

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Option B: Increase diversity factor

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Option C: Reduced capital and operating cost

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