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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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The load factor is
Always less than unity
Less than or greater than 1
Always greater than 1
Less than zero
Always less than unity
The load factor is the ratio of average load to the maximum demand during a given period. Since the average load cannot exceed the maximum demand, the ratio is always less than unity (1).
The load factor is the ratio of average load to the maximum demand during a given period. Since the average load cannot exceed the maximum demand, the ratio is always less than unity (1).
Load Factor=Maximum DemandAverage Load
Load Factor=Maximum Demand×TEnergy Consumed in Time T
In a power system, the maximum demand refers to the peak power required during a specific period, while the average load is the total energy consumed divided by time. Because the average load accounts for periods of low demand, it is mathematically constrained to be less than or equal to the peak demand. Thus, the ratio Maximum DemandAverage Load never exceeds 1 in a practical power system.
A higher load factor indicates more efficient utilization of generating equipment.
The maximum possible value of the load factor is 1, which occurs if the load remains constant throughout the period.
It is a dimensionless quantity used to assess the efficiency of power plants.
Indicates better utilization of plant capacity
Helps in reducing the overall cost of electricity generation
Low load factor results in high fixed costs per unit of electricity generated
Used by utility companies for tariff structuring
Used in planning and sizing of power plant equipment
The load factor is always between 0 and 1.
Option B, C, and D are incorrect because the average load is fundamentally limited by the installed maximum demand, making values >1 or <0 physically impossible in standard power generation.
A is correct — The load factor is defined as the ratio of average load to maximum demand, which cannot exceed unity in any practical electrical system.
Always remember: Load factor ≤1 and Diversity factor ≥1; these are key metrics in power system economics.