Combined Operation of Hydro Electric and Steam Power Plant
- Interconnection of these type of generating plants enable the water and fuel resources to be used economically. At the times , when its raining and rivers and lakes are full of flood water, hydro-electric plants can be operated at their maximum capacity so that coal and other fuel required for the steam plant can be saved by running it at low load. The same water flowing to spillways which is not useful for the plant can be reduced.
- Also in the summer or dry season, the quantity of available water gets reduced. So steam stations can run as base-load plant while hydro plant can be kept reserved for peak-load purposes. Such type of operation results in more energy output and greater peak-load capacity available for the power system, than if both types of plants operate at system load factor. Hence, by proper selection of installed capacities for two types, a very efficient arrangement can be worked out.