How to Install

Clone the repository to the desired file directory on your computer.

How to Run

To run the entire model, follow these steps:

conda env create -f environment.yaml             
conda activate hcad_env               
python analysis_batch_run.py
python postprocessing_combine_result_csv_files.py
python plot_scenario_vs_time.py

Run cost scenarios

The file analysis_batch_run.py can run various scenarios for cost (low, mid, high) and year (2025-2050). These scenarios primarily affect fuel cell module and inverter cost.

Process results

Results are stored in the Results folder. The sub-folder Results for plotting contains high level total overnight cost results. The sub-folder titled Excel sheets contains excel sheets with detailed plant designs and a detailed cost breakdown.

Plot scenarios

After running analysis_batch_run.py, run postprocessing_combine_results_csv_files.py. One can then run plot_scenario_vs_time.py to plot total overnight cost for three different scenarios over the time horizon of interest.

Calculate Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

lcoe_calculation.py allows the user to calculate and plot plant LCOE versus natural gas combustion turbines. Inputs for this calculation can be found within the file. Note that running the LCOE calculation requires ProFAST.

Inputs

Various input data can be found in the folder titled input_data.

• The subfolder system_gemoetry contains a file titled config.toml that has various gemoeetric parameters, including component dimensions. While some of these may be manipulated, we cannot gaurantee that any revised input will enable functional calculation throughout the rest of the model or lead to practical results.
• The subfolder raw contains various .csv files that contain component cost data, tasks required for each subsystem, and labor hours for each task. These inputs can be more easily manipulated while ensuring functionality throughout the rest of the model.