Adding Project capacity in Future Years

[vsaini]

I am using AnswerTimes Software. I am modelling with data periods: 2012, 2017, 2022, 2027, 2032, 2037, 2042 and result periods: 2012, 2017, 2022, 2027, 2032, 2037, 2042. 
Question: Now, I have to model a process whose capacity is to be 100 MW but is will be commissioned in Year 2018. 

Case 1: Presently I am using NCAP_BND (fixed) as 2012- 0.0000; 2017- 0.0100; 2022- 0.0000; 2027- 0.0000 and so on. Futher to start the capacity in 2018 I am using NCAP_Start with 2018 as the value. 
Along with this daily NCAP_AFS, NCAP_COST, NCAP_FOM and NCAP_TLIFE is entered into the model. 

Result: the model the is not picking up the process. 

Case 2: Then I tried to model another way is by removing NCAP_BND and Adding a CAP_BND (Fixed) with values 2012- 0.0000; 2017- 0.0100; 2022- 0.0100; 2027- 0.0100 and so on.

Result: In this case the model picks up the capacity but it coming in period 2022 and in not in 2017.

So i would like to know the right way of modeling this kind of process.

[Antti-L]

If you define NCAP_START=2018, investments into the process will normally be available only in periods T such that M(T)≥2018. In other words, if you define NCAP_START=2018, investments into the process will NOT be available in period 2017, assuming M(2017)=2017.

I would suggest to set NCAP_START=2017, to enable investments already in 2017, because you are expecting that the capacity is coming in period 2017.  Alternatively, you can set G_OFFTHD(T)=1, which will cause investments into the process to be available also in periods T such that (NCAP_START – B(T)) / D(T) < G_OFFTHD(T), and so they would be available in 2017 even if NCAP_START=2018.

[vsaini]

If you define NCAP_START=2018, investments into the process will normally be available only in periods T such that M(T)≥2018. In other words, if you define NCAP_START=2018, investments into the process will NOT be available in period 2017, assuming M(2017)=2017.

I would suggest to set NCAP_START=2017, to enable investments already in 2017, because you are expecting that the capacity is coming in period 2017.  Alternatively, you can set G_OFFTHD(T)=1, which will cause investments into the process to be available also in periods T such that (NCAP_START – B(T)) / D(T) < G_OFFTHD(T), and so they would be available in 2017 even if NCAP_START=2018.

Dear Dr.Antti-L,

Thank you for your reply and my apology for replying late. 
Your reply was really helpful to me. 
Actually the process has to start in year 2018 only, I was confused in where it should be appearing in the results because as per the Model the beginning year is 2015 and ending year is 2019 for the period 2017. 

Looking forward for your reply.
Regards
Vinay

[Antti-L]

If the period starts in 2015 and ends in 2019, how do you suggest TIMES should make the process start in year 2018 only?

As I am sure you know, TIMES assumes that the activity levels are constant within each period, and so you are going to have a constant activity for the process from 2015 to 2019. If you want that the process activity starts accurately in 2018, you would need to redefine your periods.

 

However, if you would be satisfied in 40% of the capacity being available in this period, you can just use NCAP_ILED=3 for the process in this period.

[vsaini]

Dear Dr. Antti. L,


Thank you for your reply. The information you shared is really useful for me.

Regards
Vinay Saini