36 Technical considerations

Figure 3.3 Load and load-duration curves

a Load curve
b Duration curves for power (P) and power losses (Pi)

The load factor F is defined as the ratio of the average power divided by the
maximum demand, and can be expressed as W/PmaxT. The loss load factor is
defined as the ratio of the average power loss divided by the losses at the time of
peak load, expressed by (Wi/PimaxT). The load factor can be determined by
integrating the duration curve for P, and the loss load factor by integrating the
Pi(t) curve. The quadratic relationship between Pi and P is shown in Figure 3.3b.
Where only the load factor F is available, various formulas have been
developed to obtain a quick approximation of loss load factor (LLF), generally
based on the expression LLF = aF + (1 — a)F'2. Two examples are given below:

Loss load factor ~ 0-1F + 0-&F2 (3.13)

2
- 0 - 3 F + 0-7F (3.14)

3.3.4 Heating effect

The energy from electrical power loss is converted to other energy forms, almost
entirely heat. This heat energy thus tends to increase the temperature of the
associated electrical component. High temperatures can result in premature
ageing of insulation, while excessive temperature can result in conductors or
insulation melting, with dangerous situations possibly occurring. The heating
characteristic of a component depends on its material and construction, and
there may be considerable temperature differentials throughout any item of
equipment. In a large multimaterial piece of equipment the speed of heating and
cooling differs in the various components. The transformer, with different
winding, core and tank metals, plus conductor insulation and insulating oil, is a
good example of this.