GENERATING PEAKING UNIT OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS

The operation of peaking generating units can be characterized by the frequency and duration of their operating and nonoperating states and the transitions between these states. The operating and nonoperating states of peaking generating units can vary significantly depending upon their dynamic interactive role within a power system configuration and the numerous constraints limiting their continuous operation. Based on the Canadian Electrical Association's and Alberta Power Limited's data collection systems, which define various mutually exclusive available and nonavailable states, this paper will present the results of a statistical analysis of the states of continuous operation of several peaking generating units over a period of nine years. The significance of these operational patterns and their statistical characteristics and the implications for assessing the reliability of peaking generating units will be discussed and referenced in detail. Eased on a historical analysis of generator unit outage statistics, answers to many questions posed by utility personnel will be addressed and discussed in some detail (e.g., does the starting probability of transisting from a reserve shut down state to a fully operating state-vary considerably between generating units and does the duration of operation and reserve shut down states vary significantly between seasons?). Answers to these questions can have a significant impact on generation capacity planning and operating studies. This paper will focus on state transitions between reserve shut down states and operating states and generator starting characteristics.