Baseload generation can be ramped up or down, yes. But, can’t be ramped up or down fast enough to meet variations in daily demand. You can’t slow it down fast enough in the evening to follow the drop off as everyone goes to bed. You can’t speed it up fast enough in the morning as everyone wakes up and gets to work.
You have to keep it running at a nearly constant output level.
Generators that can be ramped up and down fast enough to match the demand curve are known as “peaker plants”. Baseload plants are extremely efficient; peakers are much less efficient. Baseload plants use a few, giant steam turbines. Peakers typically use a large number of small, gas turbines, or even reciprocating engines.
Baseload generation can be ramped up or down, yes. But, can’t be ramped up or down fast enough to meet variations in daily demand. You can’t slow it down fast enough in the evening to follow the drop off as everyone goes to bed. You can’t speed it up fast enough in the morning as everyone wakes up and gets to work.
You have to keep it running at a nearly constant output level.
Generators that can be ramped up and down fast enough to match the demand curve are known as “peaker plants”. Baseload plants are extremely efficient; peakers are much less efficient. Baseload plants use a few, giant steam turbines. Peakers typically use a large number of small, gas turbines, or even reciprocating engines.