What is surge margin?

Surge margin refers to the difference between the maximum available capacity of a system and the actual load or demand placed on that system. It is a critical measure in various fields, such as power generation and transportation, as it indicates the ability to handle unexpected increases in demand or disruptions. A higher surge margin implies greater reliability and flexibility in the system's performance. Essentially, it acts as a buffer to ensure that the system can operate efficiently even under varying conditions.