capacity factor
Definitions
The ratio of the actual electrical energy produced by a power plant over a period of time to the maximum possible energy that could have been produced if the plant operated at full capacity continuously.
A measure of the utilization of a power plant's output capability, expressed as a percentage or decimal.
Examples
The wind farm achieved a high capacity factor due to the consistent coastal breezes throughout the month.
Engineers are working to improve the capacity factor of the nuclear power plant by reducing the time required for scheduled maintenance.
Synonyms
utilization rate load factor operational efficiency output ratio