Question

If the peak load on a power plant having a capacity of 100 MW is 70 MW during a given week and the energy produced is 58, 80,000 kWh, the capacity factor for the plant for the week will be ___________________

(a) 35%

(b) 50%

(c) 70%

(d) 65%

The question was posed to me at a job interview.

The above asked question is from Hydropower in division Hydro Electric Power of Irrigation Engineering

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) 35%

Explanation: Capacity factor = Average load/ Plant capacity

Average load = Energy produced / Time (in hours) = 58,80,000 / 7 x 24 = 35000 kW

C.F = 35 MW / 100 MW = 0.35 (or 35%).