Balancing Power Availability With Energy Efficiency

There are various ways to achieve a target level of power availability in a network power system. Each method comes with its inherent costs and benefits, pros and cons. Decisions on which method to pursue may result from previous practice, perceived cost effectiveness, vendor relationships, operational efficiencies and so on. Often the real cost of the alternatives is not known, or one of the parameters has changed, affecting all downstream decisions. Unit costs for standby generator kW capacity, total owning and operating costs per amp of DC plant, part load characteristics of rectifiers, are among issues that need to be better understood. This understanding should lead to a heightened sense of the "big picture", leading to better decisions on planning and design of power system infrastructure. Large amounts of capital and expense dollars are dedicated to installation and maintenance of network power plants, and it is incumbent on stakeholders to spend the money wisely