v1.1.0

This release introduces a couple of key improvements to streamline usage and accessibility:

Added setup.py

You can now install the project in editable mode using:

pip install -e .

This simplifies development and iteration, while enabling more seamless integration with the SNL QuESt platform.

Introduced a lightweight GUI

A lightweight graphical interface has been added to enhance usability and provide a more intuitive way to interact with the tool. Users can specify the input data directory, upload and edit configuration settings directly within the GUI, and easily access outputs through a direct link to the results folder.

More enhancements and refinements coming soon!

v1.0.0

QuESt PCM: A Production Cost Modeling Tool with High-Fidelity Models of Energy Storage Systems

v 1.0.0

Key features of QuESt PCM 1.0.0

• Cost-Optimal Dispatch and Commitment: Supports day-ahead and real-time simulations to determine least-cost generation dispatch while respecting technical and reliability constraints. Current release supports the following:
  • Day-ahead unit commitment, which is a mixed-integer linear programming optimization.
  • Two modes for real-time economic dispatch simulation: mixed-integer version (where fast-acting generators can be scheduled in real-time) and linear programming version (where all commitment variables are fixed from the day-ahead simulation).
• High-Fidelity Energy Storage Modeling: Accurately represents a broad range of energy storage technologies, capturing technology-specific operational constraints, charge/discharge behavior. This release includes three distinct storage models: generic, battery, and pumped hydro storage.
• Market Participation Simulation: Models storage participation in both day-ahead and real-time markets to assess revenue potential and influence on market price signals. Current release supports market participation of battery storage and pumped hydro storage.
• Flexible Scenario Analysis: Enables exploration of multiple operational and market scenarios to evaluate sensitivities under varying conditions. Current release supports: real-time market clearing resolution (between 5 and 60 minutes), adjustment of day-ahead unit commitment and real-time economic dispatch lookahead periods, reserve mode selection, and storage participation levels in reserves.

Known Issues

• Pyomo compatibility: Using Pyomo versions later than 8.9.4 causes an EGRET error when branch contingencies are enabled.
• Lookahead configuration: Specifying lookahead periods for the final day of the simulation will result in an error.
• Real-time dispatch with storage: Running real-time economic dispatch without a lookahead period while modeling energy storage can severely distort bus-level LMPs.