IECM 12.0 beta User Manual > Using the IECM > Setting Parameters > Parameter Screens > Uncertainty Editor >

Batch Processing

The User-defined distribution can be used for batch processing. In this case, each "sample" corresponds to one scenario. Results are organized the same way, so sample 1 is the result for the first scenario, sample 2 for the second scenario, etc. We recommend that you use nominal values when doing batch processing.

To illustrate how this works, let's consider a very simple example with only two scenarios:

1.A 500MW PC plant in Arizona.

2.A 650MW PC plant in Ohio.

The plants are configured identically aside from the stated differences; the exact configuration is not important for this example.

This example involves two parameters: the Gross Plant Size and the Plant Location. To start, create a new plant with the desired configuration.

The basic procedure for each parameter is:

1.Locate the parameter in the IECM Interface.

2.Determine what values the parameter should have. Check the units to see if any conversions are necessary, or, if the parameter is a menu, open the uncertainty editor to see which numeric values correspond to the values you want. If you are doing anything more complicated than this example, you'll want to set up a spreadsheet with the values in a column so that you can easily copy and paste them.

3.If you have not done so already, open the uncertainty editor .

4.Make sure Use Nominal Values is checked.

5.Set the sample size to match the number of scenarios. (Only necessary for the first parameter.)

6.Choose the User-defined distribution .

7.Enter the values .

8.Click Ok in the upper right corner to save the "uncertainty".

Starting with the first parameter, the Gross Plant Size:

1.This parameter is the first parameter, Gross Electrical Output, on the SET PARAMETERS: Base Plant: Base Plant Performance screen.

2.The values we want are (1) 500MW and (2) 650 MW . This parameter's units are MWg, so no conversion is necessary.

3.There are 2 scenarios, so we need to set the sample size to 2 .

The second parameter, the Plant Location , is a little more complicated:

1.This parameter can be found in two locations; however, CONFIGURE SESSION: Plant Location shows the complete list of regions and states, not just the selected region, so it will be easier to determine the values we need there.

2.The plants are located in (1) Arizona, abbreviated AZ, and (2) Ohio, abbreviated OH.

3.Looking at the list on the Plant Location screen, we see that the values we need are (1) US Southwest Region and (2) US Midwest Region.

4.Opening the uncertainty editor, we see that the corresponding numerical values are (1) 6 and (2) 1. These are the values that will need to be entered in the user-defined distribution for this parameter.

To view results, right-click the result and select Copy this Result as Text. Then go to a spreadsheet and paste the result so that you can look at it. (Ctrl-V should work.) There will be some statistics, which are pretty much meaningless in this case, followed by the list of "sample" values, listed in order. The first value is the result for scenario 1, the second for scenario 2 , etc. You may also want to view the results in the View or Graph Samples screen in the Uncertainty Analysis Tool.

Note:

The IECM's graphs are not meaningful here, since we aren't using real uncertainty. You'll need to use the tables to get the values in a meaningful form.