In fact, for brown coal fired plants I have visited this is 10%.For a 300 MW
the auxilliary circuits need 30 MW.It's impossible to have a generator that
size;there is a special transformer supplied from the 150 kV grid for
startup.So, without 150 kV grid -no startup.The generator itself supplies
the 400 kV grid (21kV/400 kV transformer).There was a hydro plant however,
that could be started with the 150 kV grid dead, by only a diesel generator
(here is where your idea comes) to open the valves for water.It has 3 125 MW
units;so is capable of supplying many brown coal plants at once.

--
Tzortzakakis Dimitriïs
major in electrical engineering, freelance electrician
FH von Iraklion-Kreta, freiberuflicher Elektriker
dimtzort AT otenet DOT gr
Ï "Ignoramus29457" Ýãñáøå óôï ìÞíõìá
...
I am confused about something. Even if a power plant requires external
power to start (say, fuel pumps should be operating for some time
before water heats up and boils), it would require a lot less power
than it produces. Probably many many times less. If so, then a power
plant can buy a generator of adequate size, say 1000 kW. It should
cost a relatively minuscule amount compared to the cost of the power
plant itself.

This is completely analogous to having an electric starter on an
engine. A small, cheap piece that can get stuff moving before the main
power plant starts up in a self sustained mode.

So, just what is the problem?Have them buy adequate generators and
that's all.

Any clarification will be appreciated.

i