Directory and Databases Initializer
Overview
This page discusses the Directory Initializer in Scenario Studio which is similar to Defaults.csv and DefInit.bat. This will discuss the different directories and databases used and initialized here.
What It Is
The Directory Initializer is essentially the GUI counterpart of editing Defaults.csv and running DefInit.bat. This directly overwrites the Defaults.csv saved in C:\IENERGY. This offers users another way to initialize directory and databases before running scenarios.
When to Use It
The initializer should be used when updating working folder, changing specific directory path for one or more folders, and/or updating the the SysWESM database to be used by iPool.
A Defaults.csv from before iPool Suite has no DirSub line. If you run the Directory Initializer over such a file as it is, iPool Suite crashes. Add the DirSub line first (see Migrating to iPool Suite).
Important Fields
Directory Initializer
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| iPool Path | Path to the iPool.exe, the processing engine |
| DirDB | Path to system, bid, flow, and scenario database files |
| DirDem | Path to historical and forecasted demand data |
| DirGen | Path to historical and forecasted generation data |
| DirEvt | Path to event configuration files |
| DirBid | Path to Historical, Typical, Custom, and Dynamic bid files |
| DirSub | Bid submission folder: the folder where Bid Manager writes the bid files it makes. Set it to the same folder as DirBid. If DirSub is missing, DirBid is used instead. |
| DirPrc | Path to market price data |
| DirLim | Path to limits data |
| DirCon | Path to contract data files |
| DirTem | Path to weather input data |
| DirPMod | Path to tariffs data |
| DirDMod | Path to demand model data |
| DirHst | Path to downloaded RTDOE, RTDOR, RTD, and related WESM files (Historical market data) |
| DirYBid | Path to downloaded RTDOE or energy bids data |
| DirScen | Path where scenario files are saved |
| DirRpt | Path to the report output folder |
| DirRes | Path to the results output folder |
| VOLL | Value of Lost Load (e.g., 32,000 ₱/MWh) |
| VOLG | Value of Lost Generation (e.g., -40 ₱/MWh) |
Working Folder
Entering a root path in Working Folder auto-fills 13 directory fields: DirScen, DirDB, DirDem, DirGen, DirEvt, DirBid, DirSub, DirPrc, DirLim, DirCon, DirTem, DirPMod, and DirDMod. The four fields DirRpt, DirRes, DirHst, and DirYBid are not auto-filled and require manual entry. You can adjust individual fields after auto-fill as needed.
Database Initializer
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| System DB | Stores core market objects such as sites, units, links, and system configuration |
| Time Periods DB | Defines market calendars, dispatch intervals, weekdays, holidays, and simulation timing |
| Bid DB | Stores bidding information used during dispatch simulations |
| FLow DB | Contains transmission network and power flow information |
| Scenario DB | Stores user-created simulation scenarios |
Default Settings
Additional simulation parameters set via Defaults.csv (editable through Upload Defaults.csv in the Directory Initializer).
Weather Classification Thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| dHot | 35°C | Hot weather threshold. |
| dWarm | 30°C | Warm weather threshold. |
| dCool | 25°C | Cool weather threshold. |
| dCold | 15°C | Cold weather threshold. |
Dispatch Resolution & Demand Options
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5mnDisp | 1 | Dispatch resolution (1 = 5-minute, 0 = hourly WESM / half-hour AEMO). |
| ExcPS | 0 | Excludes pump storage and demand units from regional demand when enabled. |
Solar & Wind Conversion Settings
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PoEH | 0.3 | Percent of Exceedance (High) elbow point. |
| PoEL | 0.6 | Percent of Exceedance (Low) elbow point. |
Calibration Factors
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| xFr | 0.93 | Reserve pricing calibration factor. |
| xRu | 0.35 | Upward reserve calibration factor. |
| xRd | 0.34 | Downward reserve calibration factor. |
| xDr | 0.8 | Demand response calibration factor. |
Market Settings
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| bSMP | 0 or 1 | Enables System Marginal Pricing when set to 1. |
Maintenance Control
| Parameter | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| iDyNoMaint | 100 | Start day of year to restrict maintenance scheduling. |
| jDyNoMaint | 300 | End day of year to restrict maintenance scheduling. |