Reference no: EM132391496

Given a thermal power plant having two (2) units (generators). The fuel input in MBtu per hour for each unit is given by

Where 

H_i=fuel input to unit i in MBtu per hour (millions of Btu per hour)

P_i=unit output i in megawatts (MW)

Assume

a)      Cost of fuel is $1.5/MBtu

b)      Both units are offline at the start

c)      The load starts at 50 MW and increases to 200 MW

The most economical schedule to supply this varying load will require committing one unit first, followed by commitment of the second unit when the load reaches a higher level.

Determine which unit to commit first and at what load the remaining unit should be committed.  Assume no “start-up” cost for either unit.