The Application of Statistical Reliability Data in the Selection of a Utility Power Supply Scheme for an Industrial Plant

A detailed analysis was made to determine the most economical electrical utility supply configuration to serve a new polyester manufacturing facility. The basis used for the analysis centered around: a) IEEE survey reliability data and IEEE statistical reliability techniques, b) historical outage cost data from the three existing manufacturing facilities, and c) an estimated power restoration curve developed by the facilities maintenance department. Explicit definitions were developed to define what power outages meant for the various types of loads to be served. The minimum total yearly cost, made up of yearly facilities´ cost plus yearly outage cost was used to identify the most economical configuration.