Power System nowadays is one of the most complex system. There are a number of generating stations that generate power equal to load at that particular time. However, if need arises, the system can generate more power.
This ability of power system to generate power over and above the current demand is expressed as reserve capacity. Accordingly two important terms Hot and Cold Reserve Capacity comes into picture.
Cold Reserve Capacity:
Cold reserve in a power system is that reserve capacity which is available for service but normally not ready for immediate loading. A Cold reserve is ensured by special reserve units with small start-up and spin-up time. Period of the cold reserve start-up is varies from 2 to 24 hours and more. Units with small start-up time usually have a power-on reserve. For example, we have an idle generator that can be taken into service if demand increases.
Hot Reserve Capacity:
Hot Reserve in a power system is that reserve capacity which can be made available quickly. For example, we have a hydroelectric generator of rating say 100 MVA but currently supplies only 70 MVA. In this case we have 30 MVA hot reserve than can be loaded immediately by simply opening the valve to the hydro turbine.
Spinning Reserve Capacity:
Spinning Reserve of active capacity is capacity reserve located at operating units and units with the start-up time of up to 5 minutes. Thus, a fast-start reserve is also a Spinning Reserve.
very clear and good article easy to understand. Thank you
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