Power generation is mostly done by means of rotating synchronous generator to obtain electric power alternating current three-phase. Used rotating mechanical power derived from an electric generator engine driving an electric generator or so-called prime movers (primover). Engine driving an electric generator that is widely used is diesel engines, steam turbines, water turbines, and gas turbines.
Engine driving a generator to convert primary energy into mechanical power driving the generator. The process of converting primary energy into mechanical energy raises waste byproducts and noise that needs to be controlled so as not to cause environmental problems. From an economic point techniques, the component cost is the largest electric power supply generation cost, in particular fuel costs. Therefore, a variety of techniques to reduce the cost of fuel continues to grow, both in terms of generating units individually and in terms of the operation of electric power systems in an integrated manner.
The process of power generation is the process of converting primary energy (fuel or hydropower potential) into mechanical energy as the driving electric generators and electric generator further generates electricity. For the construction of power station, consider the need (demand) the average daily load, which is great considering the power generated on the day. Figure I.2 shows the diagram of an example of the daily electricity load. Average daily load is the area diagram divided 24-hour daily load and the load factor is the ratio between the average load and the maximum load during the period.
Electrical load center is always changing at every moment and electric power used is also influenced by the weather, rainy or summer season (summer) or dry, and the work in the industry or company. Natural electrical load center span of 1 (one) year is the sum of the average daily load multiplied by 365 days.
To achieve the cost per kilowatt-hour as low as possible, should be attempted:
a) The maximum load factor, meaning that the load flow diagrams as flat as possible.
b) Long usage of – magnitude, meaning the load during these years should be as little as possible the change.
From Figure I.2 appears that the highest electrical load (peak) occurred at around 8-12 am for the summer (summer) of 11.5 GW and 15 gigawatts for the rainy season (winter) occur between the hours of 16:00 to 20:00 To determine the load average is the highest oversize load (tapered) divided by two (division roughly).
Taking into account the daily load diagrams and descriptions of the nature of electricity consumption, the electricity can be economical for Development center. To determine the kinds of mechanical energy is also considered a power center of daily load diagram.
For example:
a) In order to cope with an average load should be from hydro power plants, due to low daily operating costs, but the first time the construction of capital high (expensive).
b) In order to better cope with peak loads of thermo power plants, especially with diesel motor drive. In consideration of the peak load lasts relatively short (a minute), and in general the center of power is relatively cheap compared to hydro power plants despite its daily operating costs are more expensive. c) To mitigate the burden on average not only by the central electric
hydro power, sometimes assisted by thermo power plants in this steam power plants (power plant).