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Preparing Time Series for Simulation (resolution, time range)

Preparing Time Series for Simulation (resolution, time range)

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Time-Dependent Simulations

A simulation becomes time-dependent as soon as time series are stored in the input data. In general, energy prices as well as heat, electricity, and cooling demands occur as time series. All results that are directly or indirectly dependent on the time series are also calculated as time series. For the simulation, a simulation time grid is first determined on the basis of the input time series. The simulation is then carried out for the points in time defined in the grid. To avoid problems, the input time series should have common properties that are described below.

Simulation Period and Synchronization

Ideally, the input time series should cover the same period and have the same time grid. The time series are then called synchronous. If the time series are not synchronous, the simulation is carried out for the period in which the individual time series overlap (common intersection).

This can lead to parts of the data of individual input time series being ignored. In this case, a corresponding warning appears in the simulator.

To avoid this, all input time series should be synchronized with ETA before simulation.

Even if the input time series are synchronous, it can be useful to change the time grid of the time series before the simulation. It is recommended not to use more than 8760 time steps per simulation. This corresponds to one year in hourly intervals. If you have higher-resolution data (e.g., every minute) these should be reduced beforehand.

Same Time Zone

Make sure that the input time series for a simulation have the same time zone. Otherwise, one of the time zones is automatically selected for this simulation and applied to all time series. A warning in the simulator window informs about it.

Individual data values may be ignored or supplemented by the automatic time shift. To avoid unwanted changes, adjust the time zones yourself before the simulation.

To adjust the time zone of individual time series, in ETA, select

Methods → Change time series properties → Change time zone.

Abstract oder Concrete

In order for the simulation to be carried out, all input time series must be either all concrete or all abstract. Concrete time series have a start date, so that all times correspond to an absolute date (e.g., 07.02.2018,13:31 o’ clock). Abstract time series, on the other hand, do not have a start date, so that the points in time can only be interpreted relatively (e.g., day 1, hour 10).

To assign a start date to individual time series or to ignore a start date, in ETA, select

Methods → Change time series properties → Make concrete/Make abstract.

Removing Empty Data Points

Individual input time series can contain empty data points. These should be removed or supplemented before simulation, otherwise results that depend on these data cannot be calculated completely.

To filter empty data points and then delete or replace them with a default value, in ETA, select

Methods → Filter time series → Filter values.

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