PlantPredict includes the ability to add expanded time series data to a prediction.

What is Expanded Time Series?

Expanded time series allows you to add conditions in different increments of time, as defined by the weather file in the prediction. For example, in order to generate a more accurate prediction, you can specify a different inverter setpoint, inverter derate, module surface temperature and tracking angle for each hour, minute or other user defined input throughout a given span of time (as long as it has compatible weather data)

Note:

Currently. cloning a time series is not supported. The prediction itself can be cloned, but the time series data will not be cloned with it

Adding Time Series Data to a Prediction

Implementing expanded time series in a prediction can be done after creating a prediction under the “environmental conditions” section as shown below:

 

Next, it is necessary to download the template that corresponds with the weather file:

Selecting either of the above download links will provide you a template that has the same number of data points as the weather file in the project (Note: a weather file MUST be uploaded before time series data can be added)

Completing the Time Series Data Sheet

The template downloaded is in .csv format and outlined below:

TSD Name (Required):

This field refers to the name for each of the points and is required (i.e. it is the name for the InverterSetPoint that will appear in PlantPredict after upload)

InverterSetPoint:

The InverterSetPoint column refers to the set point for the inverter for each timestamp corresponding with the inverter section of “PV Blocks and Arrays” of Power Plant Builder

InverterDerate:

The InverterDerate field refers to the inverter derate for each timestamp corresponding with the inverter section of “PV Blocks and Arrays” of Power Plant Builder

LGIALimit:

The LGIALimit field refers to the LGIA Limit for each timestamp corresponding with the Power Plant Output Field in “System Details” of Power Plant Builder

ModuleSurfaceTemperature:

The ModuleSurfaceTemperature field refers to the Surface Temperature of the module for each timestamp corresponding with the Surface Temperature Field, measured in degrees Celsius in the “Losses” tab of the DC field section in Power Plant Builder

TrackingAngle:

The TrackingAngle field refers to the tracking angle of a module for each timestamp corresponding with the “Tracker” option under the Mounting tab in the DC field section of “Power Plant Builder”

A simple example of acceptable data for a Time Series upload can be seen below (NOTE: the example does not show ALL rows, there must be data for each row in the time series template)

Additional data can be added at the end of the sheet and uploaded for multiple points:

These additional rows are not necessary but can provide multiple data points for adding time series data to your prediction.

Finally, it is not necessary to utilize all columns in the excel spreadsheet. Any columns absent of data will simply be excluded from the upload:

Once all desired points have been filled in appropriately, the time series data must be uploaded and included in the prediction

Uploading Time Series Data

with the completed .csv you can return to the previous screen where the Time Series template was downloaded to upload the data to the prediction:

If the .csv was filled out correctly, when the upload completes you will see a screen that resembles the following:

an unsuccessful upload will result in the following screen and the spreadsheet will need to be reevaluated:

If the weather data is changed after the time series data is uploaded, the data will not be removed but may be incompatible:

In the event that the weather data does not share the same number of points as the time series data, it will appear as the following:

Including Time Series Data in a Prediction

Now that you have successfully uploaded the time series data, it is necessary to include it in your prediction.Each setting can be found in the Power Plant Builder in their respective sections mentioned when creating the .csv and highlighted below. For this example we will use the inverter set point:

Step 1:

Navigate to the appropriate data selection screen in the Power Plant Builder and check the “Add Time Series Data” checkbox

Step 2:

Choose which Time Series Data you are uploading (in this example, Set Point Time Series or Design Derate Time Series will be shown) and click “Select data from time series library”

NOTE: A value must still be included in the “Set point KW” and “Design Derate” fields

Step 3:

The following screen will be displayed to select the appropriate data

A successful inclusion of time series data will appear as the following:

Step 4:

Add additional time series data to the prediction as needed

 

Inverter Derate:

Power Plant Limit:

Adding LGIA Limit data is a two-step process that first involves returning to the project overview screen:

And entering the System Details section, turning the “Power Plant Output Limit” ON and selecting the data:

NOTE: A value must still be provided for the “Power Plant Output Limit” field

Module Temperature:

Tilt Tracker Angle:

Once all desire data is uploaded, the project can be completed and run normally to include time series driven results!