What is captive power?
Captive power is a facility for generating electricity. Usually, this facility is used and managed by an industrial energy user. Hence, it is a localized source of energy. The electrical consultant for industrial projects has an essential role in designing a captive power plant. They may operate in grid parallel mode or island mode (i.e independent of the Discom)
Growth and development result in a need for good quality power from a reliable source. Additionally, the distribution company’s power is not reliable. Power cuts are more the norm. It is therefore essential to install a reliable power supply for the success of any project.
Where is the captive power plant used?
Generally, captive power plants are used by industries that are power intensive and need a quality supply of electricity. However, these days even non-power intensive units are also installing solar power systems. Usually, such plants are installed at large industries, large offices, data centres, etc.
A few benefits of captive power are as follows:
- It minimizes energy losses due to transmission from centralized distribution
- It brings about self-reliance and security of power supply
- There is high fuel efficiency
- Additionally, there is better environmental performance.
Besides, an electrical design consultant has to have experience in designing and implementing captive power plants for industrial projects.
Types of fuel used
Typically, in captive power the fuels used are:
- Diesel
- Furnace Oil
- Coal
- Lignite
- Biomass
- Solar
What are the deliverables of an electrical design consultant?
A few of the deliverables of an electrical design consultant for industrial projects while designing captive power are, namely:
- Captive power plant design
- Back up power plant design
- Power command control system
- AMF & ATS Systems
- Capital cost considerations
- Operating cost calculations
- Payback period calculations
- Energy cost calculations
- Cost of ownership calculations
- Erection key diagrams
- Control Room Layout
- Auto changeover systems
- Automatic mains failure systems
To summarize, an electrical consultant for industrial projects has to design the captive power based on the client’s requirements.
