A system and method for remotely inputting power plant data into a database
and for calculating reserve times for which power plants can supply power
to consumer equipment. The system includes a data input module for
receiving power data from a remote user and for inputting power plant data
into a database. In a preferred embodiment, the system is an integral part
of a comprehensive site planning facility and interfaces with a permanent
site facility database and a temporary relational database. Both databases
store data relating to sites, power plants associated with sites and
component data related to power plants. The data input module permits
users to add, modify and remove power plant data associated with sites
which are stored in the temporary relational database. The data input
module also permits users to edit consumer equipment load values
associated with power plants, regardless of whether data for associated
sites are maintained in the site facility planning database or the
temporary relational database. A calculation module retrieves data from
the database and calculates reserve times for which power plants can
supply power to consumer equipment. As a precautionary measure, the
calculation module preferably employs correction factors which exaggerate
consumer equipment loads and underestimate power plant reserve time. Users
interface with the system via a web browser interface thus permitting
users to access the system from any computer running a browser and
connected to a company-wide intranet or the like. In an alternative
embodiment, the system implemented is a stand-alone system in which only
the temporary relational database is employed.