Load curve is useful in deciding the

A. Operating schedule of generating units.

B.  Sizes of generating units.

C.  Total installed capacity of the plant.

D. All of the above.

Answer: D. All of the above.

Explanation: 

Load duration curve: When the load elements of a load curve are arranged in the order of descending magnitudes thus obtained is a load duration curve.

From the load curve, the following information can be obtained:

1) The variation of load on the power system during different hours of the day

2) Number of units generated

3) The highest point in the curve indicates the maximum demand on the power station

4) The area of the curve divided by time gives the average load on the power station

By observing the above information, it helps in deciding:

1. The total installed capacity of the plant

2. The size of the generating units

3. The operating schedule of the generating units