Final answer:
True, the utilization of equipment is commonly expressed as a percentage of its design capacity, known as the capacity factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, equipment utilization is normally expressed as a percentage of design capacity, often referred to as the capacity factor. The capacity factor is defined as the ratio of actual performance over time to the peak possible performance, or in other words, the actual output divided by the maximum possible output.
This is a critical measure in assessing the efficiency and performance of various installations, such as power plants and manufacturing facilities. For example, a large tidal power facility like Rance in France, with a rated capacity of 240 MW that produces an average of 57 MW, has a capacity factor of about 24%.
This is due to operational constraints such as limited generation times due to tidal schedules and varied tidal heights that impact potential energy production. Understanding the capacity factor provides insights into the typical usage level of equipment compared to its full potential capabilities.