How to import timeseries solar irradiance data - what units are required?

General
1

I wrote a simple script to model solar irradiance on the lunar surface at the equator. The output is a CSV file with two columns, time (hours of simulation) and capacity factor (unitless value between 0 and 1).

Is this suitable for import?
If yes, how can I import?
If no, what units/format are required?

2

Hi @smeloney,

The data you are describing is well-suited to be imported and used in SAInt. Great work!

To bring this data into SAInt and use it in a scenario you will need to:

  • import your Profile(s) using the excel import template
  • define the Event(s) you need to link those to PV objects

Please see the sections in the documentation for importing profiles as it will be much more efficient for you to use this method to bring the time-series data into your Scenario(s). From what you have described, you will only need to do a small amount of formatting to align your data with the template format. Also, if you check the ENET39 dataset, you should find a folder called “Import Files”. This will have examples of how all the data in the ENET39 would look in Excel import template format, and should serve as a great example in addition to the documentation.

You could also import events in a similar way, but as a new user you might have better luck defining your events using the GUI.

It sounds like you have an interesting project in the works! Happy modeling :slight_smile:

1 Like
3

Hi Will,

As discussed, I do not have access to Excel or other microsoft products, but I can create xlsx files in google drive from csv files. Please note also, in the directory User > Documents > encoord > SAInt-v3, the DataImport (and all other folders save for Settings and Visulaization in this location for that matter) is empty.

I will attach my load and solar capacity factor csv’s here for convenience. Please note my peak demand is around 1500kW.

Lunar Load Profile

Lunar Solar CF Profile

4

Hi @smeloney,

Thanks for sharing some additional information. There are options to import Profiles from .txt format, but there are also options for creating excel files from tools outside of Microsoft Office (e.g., Visual Studio Code, Google Drive, etc.).

If you want to avoid Microsoft products altogether I would recommend the .txt import format. If it is suitable for you to create the import files in .xlsx format, I would recommend that.

5

Hey @smeloney

My apologies for some of the oversights when setting up the machine you are borrowing from us!

re empty folders: This was totally my bad, I should have installed SAInt on your local account instead of doing a system-wide install. These folders should have contents. I am happy to send those along to you if you are interested!

re Microsoft Office support on borrowed machines: I’m glad you found the Google Drive workaround. Another option that others have used in the past is Office Libre.

1 Like