Additional Scenario Features

After running an initial optimization scenario as a starting point, it is common for users to want to refine the scenario parameters and compare these refined results. Keystone Designer offers a few features that will help you quickly add further constraints and objectives for new simulation runs. 

Copying a Scenario with a Different Energy Use Profile

The option to copy a scenario can be found in the menu to the right of each scenario in the project's list.

When copying a scenario, in addition to specifying the new scenario name, the dialog now displays an Energy Use Profile dropdown filled with all valid EUPs. After clicking Copy, a new scenario will be processed with the selected energy use profile and will be ready for any additional modifications you want to make.

Use Alternative Tariffs for the Projected Dispatch

If you find that your client will be on a different tariff than their baseline after the addition of renewable resources or storage capacity, you can define an alternate tariff for a specific scenario. 

The Alternate Tariff setting is located in the Advanced section of the Scenario Editor. Once the scenario is successfully processed, Keystone Designer will calculate the baseline utility costs based on the tariff associated with the energy use profile and calculate the projected utility costs based on the selected tariff in the Scenario Editor.

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For example, if a customer has TOU-GS-2 rate with Southern California Edison in their energy use profile, but with the addition of a large PV array, the energy usage should fall significantly for the long-term and therefore qualify them for the TOU-GS-1 tariff.

Comparing Results

Once you have explored all possible options, you can compare the scenarios to help select the top choices you would like to present to your customer or external teams for feedback.

Clicking Compare above the list of scenarios on the project page opens a dialog that shows high-level metrics for all processed scenarios in that project.

This view can be customized so that you can select the scenarios or metrics that are the most important in your selection process.

• To filter the scenario rows, use the Filter button.
• To change which columns are visible, use the Columns button.
• To export the scenario comparison to an Excel template, click Export.