Quantum Of Power Import Via Grid Based On Total Operating Cost

The reliability and economics of power plant operation is very important aspect in continuous process plant like oil refinery. The captive power plant operation in parallel with the grid has become very critical operation in continuous processing plant where in reliability and economics, both have become important factors in making decision regarding import of the power from the grid. This paper introduces the concept of optimized power import from the grid on the basis of total operating cost. In this paper, total operating cost 1 i.e. power Plant operating cost plus grid cost (fixed cost + variable cost) is calculated for different configuration at varying input fuel cost and comparison is made with the operating cost 2 i.e. power plant operating cost plus grid cost (fixed cost). Later on, breakeven point is found out through graphs and table to find out the price of the input fuel when both Operating costs become equal and further decision is taken to import power from the grid when operating cost 1 becomes less than operating cost 2 at that particular input fuel cost. In this paper, effect on the DISCOM tariff and IEX basic price have been deliberated with change in the fuel input cost i.e. NG price and also, IEX basic price has been established beyond which import of power from DISCOM becomes cheaper than import of power from Open access.