Standards of performance of generating plant, based on five years´ operating data

The paper is a review of the performance of a group of generating stations over a 5-year period, with comments upon coal qualities, thermal efficiency, analysis of the different classes of breakdown with deductions as to probable operating life between breakdowns, plant availability and the effects of loading. The plant under review is divided into three groups, pre-1930, 1930¿1937 and 1938¿1942. From the results, curves for maximum probable availability are deduced. The suggestion is made that ¿operating efficiency¿ should be calculated on a uniform basis and included in station records. The need for an overall standard by which the performance of generating stations can be judged is discussed, and the term ¿standard merit,¿ based upon operating efficiency and plant availability, is suggested.