Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Statement 1: A single large generating unit requires periodic maintenance, which may lead to a complete shutdown of power supply.

Statement 2: In a multi-unit system, maintenance can be scheduled without completely interrupting power generation.

Explanation:

Power Generation Systems: Single Large Generating Unit vs Multi-Unit System

Definition: The operation and maintenance of power generation systems depend significantly on the configuration of the generating units. A single large generating unit and a multi-unit system are two different approaches to power generation, each with its own advantages and challenges.

Statement 1: "A single large generating unit requires periodic maintenance, which may lead to a complete shutdown of power supply."

Statement 2: "In a multi-unit system, maintenance can be scheduled without completely interrupting power generation."

The correct answer is:

Option 4: Both Statement 1 and Statement 2

Let us analyze each statement in detail:

Explanation of Statement 1:

In a power generation system with a single large generating unit, the entirety of the power supply is dependent on one unit. Such a system has the following characteristics:

• Dependency on a Single Unit: If the single generating unit requires maintenance or faces a technical issue, the entire power generation system may need to be shut down.
• Periodic Maintenance: All power generating units, including large ones, require periodic maintenance to ensure efficient operation and to prevent unexpected failures.
• Complete Shutdown Risk: Since there is no redundancy in a single-unit system, maintenance or unexpected downtimes may lead to a total interruption of the power supply. This is a significant drawback, particularly for critical infrastructure and industries that rely on an uninterrupted power supply.

Thus, Statement 1 is correct as it highlights the limitation of relying on a single large generating unit.

Explanation of Statement 2:

A multi-unit power generation system consists of multiple smaller generating units operating in parallel. This configuration offers several benefits:

• Redundancy: Since multiple units contribute to the total power generation, the system can continue to operate even if one unit is shut down for maintenance or experiences a failure. This ensures a continuous power supply.
• Scheduled Maintenance: Maintenance activities can be planned in such a way that they are performed on individual units sequentially, without requiring a complete system shutdown. This minimizes disruptions to power generation.
• Flexibility in Operation: Multi-unit systems allow for better load management. Units can be brought online or taken offline depending on the demand, optimizing fuel consumption and operational efficiency.

Therefore, Statement 2 is also correct as it accurately describes the advantages of a multi-unit system in terms of maintenance and uninterrupted power generation.

Conclusion:

Both statements accurately represent the characteristics of single large generating units and multi-unit systems. Hence, the correct answer is Option 4: Both Statement 1 and Statement 2.

Important Information:

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate why the other options are incorrect:

Option 1: Only Statement 1

This option is incorrect because it ignores the accuracy of Statement 2. While Statement 1 is correct, it does not provide a complete understanding of the topic as Statement 2 is also valid and relevant.

Option 2: Only Statement 2

This option is incorrect because it dismisses the validity of Statement 1. Statement 1 correctly describes the challenges associated with single large generating units, which is a critical aspect of the discussion.

Option 3: Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2

This option is incorrect because both statements are correct. Statement 1 accurately highlights the limitations of single-unit systems, while Statement 2 effectively explains the advantages of multi-unit systems.

Conclusion:

The distinction between single large generating units and multi-unit systems is crucial in power generation. Single-unit systems are simpler in design but face significant challenges in terms of reliability and maintenance. On the other hand, multi-unit systems offer greater flexibility, redundancy, and reliability, making them more suitable for applications requiring uninterrupted power supply.