Demand Factor Solar Power Plant With Data Sheet
Uploaded by
Ricardo C. VicenteDemand Factor Solar Power Plant With Data Sheet
Uploaded by
Ricardo C. VicenteDemand Factor of a Solar Power
Plant
Understanding Demand Factor with
Examples
Introduction
What is Demand Factor?
The demand factor is the ratio of the actual
maximum demand of a system or equipment to
its total connected load.
Formula:
Demand Factor = Maximum Demand / Total
Connected Load
Two Types of Demand Factor
• 1. Demand Factor (Maximum Demand / Connected Load)
• - Compares peak power usage to the total installed capacity.
• - Helps in power system design and grid planning.
• - Identifies if the system is oversized or undersized.
• 2. Demand Factor (Average Load / Maximum Load)
• - Measures power demand stability (steady vs. fluctuating).
• - Used for energy management and load balancing.
• - Helps assess efficiency and storage needs.
Understanding Demand Factor in Solar
Power Plants
• Factors Affecting Demand in Solar Plants:
• - Sunlight & Weather: Affects energy generation.
• - Time of Day: Solar peaks midday, demand peaks evening.
• - Energy Storage & Grid: Batteries store excess energy.
• - Economy & Regulations: Incentives, prices, and policies
matter.
• - Consumer Usage: Homes, businesses use power
differently.
• - Technology Improvements: Smart grids and storage help.
Demand Factor & Load Factor Example
Equipment Connected Load Max Demand (kW) Average Load (kW)
(kW)
Lighting 50 40 25
HVAC 100 80 50
Motors 80 60 35
Computers 30 25 15
Elevators 70 50 20
Miscellaneous 40 30 18
Total 370 285 163
How Average Load is Calculated
• • Average Load = Total Energy Consumed
(kWh) / Time Period (hours)
• • Energy Consumed = Connected Load × Duty
Cycle × Time (24 hrs)
• Example:
• Lighting: (50 × 0.50 × 24) / 24 = 25 kW
• HVAC: (100 × 0.50 × 24) / 24 = 50 kW
Final Computed Table
Equipment Connected Max Duty Cycle Energy Calculated
Load (kW) Demand (%) (kWh) Avg Load
(kW) (kW)
Lighting 50 40 50% 600 25
HVAC 100 80 50% 1200 50
Motors 80 60 45% 864 35
Computers 30 25 50% 360 15
Elevators 70 50 30% 504 20
Miscellaneo 40 30 45% 432 18
us
Total 370 285 - 3960 163
Calculation Results
• • Demand Factor = 285 kW / 370 kW = 0.77
(77%)
• • Load Factor = 163 kW / 285 kW = 0.57 (57%)
• • A Demand Factor of 77% means not all loads
operate at full capacity.
• • A Load Factor of 57% indicates fluctuating
power usage over time.
Real-World Example: Solar Power Plant
• Example: 500 kW Solar Power Plant
• Installed Capacity: 500 kW
• Maximum Demand Recorded: 350 kW
• Total Energy Produced: 5,000 kWh/day
• Total Hours: 24
• Demand Factor (Max/Connected Load): 350 / 500 = 0.7 (70%)
• Demand Factor (Avg Load/Max Load): 208.3 / 350 = 0.595 (59.5%)
• Insights:
• • 70% demand factor shows peak load does not fully use capacity.
• • 59.5% demand factor indicates load balancing needs.
Improving Demand Factor in Solar Power
Plants
• 1. Energy Storage Solutions
• • Store extra solar power in batteries.
• 2. Demand-Side Management
• • Smart grids and AI optimize energy use.
• 3. Hybrid Power Systems
• • Combine solar with wind, hydro, or thermal.
• 4. Advanced Forecasting
• • Use weather predictions to balance energy production.
Load Management in Solar Power Plants
• • Peak Load Shifting: Store excess solar energy
in batteries.
• • Demand Response: Adjust energy use based
on real-time demand.
• • Smart Grids & AI Optimization: AI predicts
and distributes power efficiently.
• • Load Prioritization: Essential loads (e.g.,
hospitals) get power first.
• • Hybrid Energy Support: Combine solar with
wind or hydro for stability.
Challenges in Demand Factor for Solar
• 1. Intermittent Power Generation: Solar
depends on sunlight.
• 2. Energy Storage Limitations: Batteries are
expensive.
• 3. Grid Integration Issues: Managing
fluctuating power is difficult.
• 4. High Initial Costs: Solar plants require large
investments.
• 5. Seasonal & Weather Variations: Cloudy days
affect energy availability.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
• 1. Optimizing Demand Factor Boosts
Efficiency.
• 2. Energy Storage & Smart Grids are Essential.
• 3. AI & Hybrid Systems Improve Reliability.
• Better demand management leads to more
efficient solar power.
Q&A
• Open for questions and discussions.
