Availability factor

Availability factor is the fraction of a stated period during which a generating unit or system is capable of operating, whether or not it produces power.

Availability: Availability is the ability of a system or component to perform its required function when needed. Availability factor expresses this capability as a fraction of elapsed time.
Reliability engineering: Reliability engineering applies quantitative methods to ensure systems perform their required functions over time. Its failure and repair models help explain a unit’s expected availability.
Electric power system: An electric power system comprises generation, transmission, distribution, and associated control equipment. System-level availability aggregates the capability of many interconnected components.
Utilization factor: Utilization factor compares actual output with the maximum output possible during the hours a unit operates. It concerns output while operating, rather than capability across the whole period.
Generating unit: A generating unit is an assembly of equipment that converts energy into electrical power. Its operating capability is commonly measured over a reporting period.
Forced outage: A forced outage is an unplanned removal of equipment from service because it cannot operate as required. It creates unavailable time that lowers availability factor.
Power plant: A power plant is a facility that converts primary energy into electrical power. Plant availability summarizes whether its generating equipment can operate.
Equivalent availability factor: Equivalent availability factor adjusts availability calculations for deratings that reduce a unit’s maximum output. It extends a simple available-or-unavailable measure to partial-capacity limitations.
Operating time: Operating time is the duration during which equipment performs or is ready to perform its intended function. The counted intervals determine the numerator of an availability factor.
Planned maintenance: Planned maintenance is scheduled work performed to inspect, service, or repair equipment. Its treatment in the reporting period affects measured availability.

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