Texas-7k 2030 and Python 3.11

This is the stable release including the 2030 version of the Texas-7k grid data and updates of the package for compatibility with Python 3.11.

Texas-7k 2030 and Python 3.11 Prototype

This is the first release including the 2030 version of the Texas-7k grid, which is characterized by roughly 50% renewables penetration as opposed to 20% in the 2020 grid. We have also updated the package for compatibility with Python 3.11 and created the first reference using Zenodo.

Fixing the Texas-7k Grid

This is the first production release that uses a fixed version of the Texas-7k grid; these fixes are documented in the pre-releases for this version. In total, these fixes have produced a grid with much more reasonable load shedding amounts, as well as far fewer instances of extreme bus LMPs.

Other updates include better documentation and more features exposed in the command line interface, including the ability to save and load initial conditions.

Fixing startup costs and initial conditions

This release includes a new set of initial conditions (and the code to parse them); these now include initial generator outputs (previously set to be Pmin). We also updated the startup costs for thermal generators, which had originally been too high. The startup costs now have a fixed $ / MW of Pmax (cold, warm and hot) startup cost for each group of the generators using the following four types of fuel: 'SUB (Subbituminous Coal)', 'LIG (Lignite Coal)', 'NG (Natural Gas)' and 'PC (Petroleum Coke)'. The $/MW of Pmax costs for each group is set based on its largest unit.

ERCOT Texas-7k load forecasts

This release resolves several issues not yet addressed in v0.4.0-a0:

• replacing the NREL load forecasts used for Texas-7k with ERCOT load forecasts, which have much less error and thus lead to less load shedding and other undesirable behaviour during simulations
• setting reserve shortfall costs to zero when calculating locational marginal prices, which helps avoid extreme prices
• fixing bug in Texas-7k minimum generator down times, which had originally been multiplied by minimum up times in the input dataset
• extended compatibility to Python 3.9 and 3.10 and added corresponding tests

first v0.4.0 prototype

This is the first release in preparation for v0.4 of Vatic.

Changes from v0.3.0-a1 so far include:

• adding ability to specify initial on/off states for thermal generators, overriding the often unrealistic default initial conditions included in the grid datasets
• using ERCOT load forecasts instead of NREL load forecasts for the Texas-7k grid (ERCOT has less error and produces more reasonable results)
• setting all Texas-7k renewables to be fully dispatchable (Pmin=0) to match behaviour in the latest Texas-7k release
• fixing issues with missing line capacities for A1-A6 in Texas-7k