An Introduction to Power Plant Load Shedding and Cogeneration
This online engineering PDH course provides an introduction to the technical, design and operating requirements for load shedding and cogeneration at electric generating plants.
When a power plant or an individual power generating unit experiences a gradual increase in load, or a sudden but mild overload, the unit governors will sense the resulting speed change and increase the power input to the generator. The additional load is handled by using the spinning reserve; that is, the unused capacity of the generator. However, if all generators are operating at maximum capacity, the spinning reserve is zero and the governors may not be able to relieve the overload.
When severe overloads occur, or when large sudden load increases are experienced, the first effect is a slowing down of the generator. If the overload is large enough or if the governor cannot accommodate the sudden load increase, then speed and frequency will continue to drop until the plant or generating unit is tripped to prevent equipment damage, and the load is lost. Cogeneration is the simultaneous generation of electricity (or mechanical energy) and steam (or other thermal energy such as hot air or hot water) from the same fuel (or energy) source.
This 2 PDH online course is intended for electrical and mechanical engineers and other design and construction professionals seeking an introduction to load shedding and cogeneration at electric power generating stations.
This PE continuing education course is intended to provide you with the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Learning about the requirements for load reduction
- Understanding the risks of turbine blade fatigue
- Calculating load reduction before plant frequency deteriorates to an unacceptable level
- Understanding the importance of a load shedding plan sufficient to relieve plant overloads
- Learning how underfrequency relays are applied to shed load
- Learning about cogeneration cycles
- Knowing the principles of parallel operation of a cogeneration plant with an electric utility
In this professional engineering CEU course, you need to review the course document titled, "An Introduction to Power Plant Load Shedding and Cogeneration".
Upon successful completion of the quiz, print your Certificate of Completion instantly. (Note: if you are paying by check or money order, you will be able to print it after we receive your payment.) For your convenience, we will also email it to you. Please note that you can log in to your account at any time to access and print your Certificate of Completion.