Forecasts Phase

The Forecasts phase applies time-varying data for loads, generators, areas, zones, or injection groups to a Snapshot case. This allows studies to reflect expected system behavior based on forecasted operating conditions. Forecasts are supplied through Time-Varying CSV files and can include both unit-level and aggregate adjustments.

Configuration Options

• Enable — Toggles whether the Forecasts phase runs for the Study or Snapshot.
• Set-up — File or folder of AUX scripts to run before forecasts are applied.
• Clean-up — File or folder of AUX scripts to run after forecasts are applied.
• Troubleshooting Depth — Defines how aggressively Cruncher attempts to solve cases when applying forecast values prevents convergence. Options are Low, Medium, High, or None.
• Forecast File List — Ordered list of Time-Varying CSV files to be applied, with higher-priority files overriding lower-priority ones.

Supported Objects and Fields

• GEN — MW
• LOAD — MW
• AREA — GenMW, LoadMW
• ZONE — GenMW, LoadMW
• INJECTIONGROUP — GenMW, LoadMW, MW

Troubleshooting Depth

• Low — Minimal iterations; stops quickly if case fails to solve.
• Medium — Balanced approach between iteration count and run time.
• High — Many iterations with small adjustments, maximizes chance of convergence.
• None — Disables iterative troubleshooting; case must solve immediately.

Phase Operation

1. Run any Set-up AUX files.
2. Apply forecast values from all listed CSV files, respecting file order and precedence rules.
3. Attempt to solve the case.
4. If unsolved and Troubleshooting Depth is enabled, iteratively adjust forecasted values between known solved states and forecast values until convergence is reached or depth limit is exceeded.
5. Run any Clean-up AUX files.