I have two questions and am relatively new so I am sorry if they have been addressed already.

1.Do power generation facilities draw from the grid to operate their administrative, safety, and distribution systems? (What I am really asking is can power gen facilities operate off of their own power or does it go into the grid and then is accessed from the grid. Do they have the ability to use their own power before it goes into the grid to operate safety/maintenance and distribution systems. If not it would seem that even if the power gen facility can generate power they cannot operate and distribute without the Grid operating.)

2. If the Grid is down but the plant is operational, where does the power go?

Thanks for any information.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 1998

Answers

Mark,

Most large generating stations I am familiar with have two options for station service. The first option is to take service from the transmission grid, the second is to take service from their own generation. Plant operators make this decision, based upon various conditions internal and external to the plant. For instance, if they are undergoing an overhaul, they take service from the grid. If they are generating, they will take service from their own generation.

The amount of power generated is dependent upon the amount of prime mover energy available. This assumes the generator is connected to a load (either its own station service or the transmission network). It's kind of like a car; if it's idling in park, you're not going anywhere. If you put it in drive, you'll move. The farther you push the accelerator, the faster the car moves.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 1998