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How to Calculate ELCC

ELCC is an acronym that stands for effective load carrying capacity. It is used to compare the efficiency of varying power generators and plants. It can be used for traditional plants that generate power on a constant basis or demand, or used for generators with varying output, such as wind power. A benchmark is used for a plant, and the operations of the plant are used to compare how well it works against the chosen benchmark and against other power generation systems.

Things You'll Need

Hourly load requirements
Amount of power output
Generator characteristics -- rated capacity, maintenance schedules and outage rates

Instructions

- 1
  Compile a database that contains hourly load requirements and nameplate data such as amperage and voltage. From this data, determine the total potential capacity by multiplying the amperage by the voltage for each of your units.
- 2
  Calculate the loss of load expectation. This is the amount of capacity that is required to ensure reliability. Typically, the rate desired should be 0.1 days per year, equal to 2.4 hours out of 8,760 hours in a year.
- 3
  Calculate each generator's contribution to adequate capacity. This is typically a function of the unit̵7;s capacity and forced outage rate under current conditions, and should be compared to the required capacity under loss of load expectations.
  
  As a result, ELCC breaks down the contribution of each individual generator (or group of generators) to overall resource adequacy. It is a benchmark to use for evaluation against each generator within a system.

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