First release of the CatCost Data Tools!
This release contains Python scripts to read CatCost estimates and libraries (materials, equipment, and/or spent catalyst) from Excel spreadsheet versions of CatCost (v1.0.0-v1.1.0) and write to JSON files that can be imported into the web app. This allows users to enjoy the advantages of each of the CatCost versions—transparency and customizability of calculation methods in Excel, and advanced visualizations including sensitivity analysis in the web app—without having to enter the same estimate twice.
Using the Scripts
There are three ways to use the scripts:
- 1) Download an executable for your platform (below). You do not need to have Python on your machine for this option. Running the program launches a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows you to select a CatCost spreadsheet file and save an estimate, materials library, equipment library, or spent catalyst library JSON file.
- Get the source code (clone/fork this repository or download a tarball below) and
Version 1.1.0
CatCost uses unified versioning (the version numbers for the web app, Excel spreadsheet, and data tools are incremented together); therefore, this first release of the data tools is v1.1.0 to coincide with the v1.1.0 major update to the web app and spreadsheet.
Executable Compatibility
The executables have been tested on and should work with Windows 10 and Mac OS 10.11 and later.
- For Windows, you may need to accept a prompt saying "We can't verify who created this file" or similar.
- For Mac OS, you may need to use the right-click + Open method and/or change your settings to allow applications not downloaded from the App Store.
- For Macs using Apple Silicon (e.g., M1 chip), the application is expected to work, but please let us know if you have issues.
Problems?
If you have trouble with the release, create an issue, fork the repo and create a pull request if you know how to fix it, or contact the developers at catcost@nrel.gov.
Acknowledgements
Big thanks to our lead developers Matt Jankousky and Andy Young, as well as the other contributors listed in the AUTHORS file.