Asteam generation system at a biomass fueled power plant uses an electrostatic precipitator (esp) to clean its gaseous effluents. the power plant has consistently made use of the same type of esp over past several years. the installed cost of a new esp has been relatively constant at $80,000. records of operation and maintenance expenses indicate the following averag expenses per year as a function of the age of the esp the mvs of the esp are also reasonably well known as a function of age.
col1 year 1 2 3 4 5
col2 o& m expense s30,000 $30,000 s35,000 $40,000 s45,000
col3 market value 60,000 50,000 40.000 25,000 12,500
determine the best time to replace the esp if the marr is l 5% per year.