honeybee_energy.generator.loadcenter module

Definitions for central parameters used in electric generator simulation.

class honeybee_energy.generator.loadcenter.ElectricLoadCenter(inverter_efficiency=0.96, inverter_dc_to_ac_size_ratio=1.1)[source]

Bases: object

Parameters used to specify the properties of the model’s electric loads center.

Parameters:

  • inverter_efficiency – A number between 0 and 1 for the load centers’s inverter nominal rated DC-to-AC conversion efficiency. An inverter converts DC power, such as that output by photovoltaic panels, to AC power, such as that distributed by the electrical grid and is available from standard electrical outlets. Inverter efficiency is defined as the inverter’s rated AC power output divided by its rated DC power output. (Default: 0.96).

  • inverter_dc_to_ac_size_ratio – A positive number (typically greater than 1) for the ratio of the inverter’s DC rated size to its AC rated size. Typically, inverters are not sized to convert the full DC output under standard test conditions (STC) as such conditions rarely occur in reality and therefore unnecessarily add to the size/cost of the inverter. For a system with a high DC to AC size ratio, during times when the DC power output exceeds the inverter’s rated DC input size, the inverter limits the array’s power output by increasing the DC operating voltage, which moves the arrays operating point down its current-voltage (I-V) curve. The default value of 1.1 is reasonable for most systems. A typical range is 1.1 to 1.25, although some large-scale systems have ratios of as high as 1.5. The optimal value depends on the system’s location, array orientation, and module cost. (Default: 1.1).

Properties:

  • inverter_efficiency

  • inverter_dc_to_ac_size_ratio

ToString()[source]

Overwrite .NET ToString.

duplicate()[source]

Get a copy of this object.

classmethod from_dict(data)[source]

Create a ElectricLoadCenter object from a dictionary.

Parameters:

data – A ElectricLoadCenter dictionary following the format below.

{
"type": "ElectricLoadCenter"
"inverter_efficiency": 0.95, # rated inverter efficiency
"inverter_dc_to_ac_size_ratio": 1.2 # ratio between inverter DC and AC size
}
lock()
to_dict()[source]

ElectricLoadCenter dictionary representation.

to_idf(generator_objects)[source]

IDF string representation of the electric loads center.

Note that this method only outputs the ElectricLoadCenter:Generators list, the ElectricLoadCenter:Inverter object and the ElectricLoadCenter:Distribution specification. However, to write the full set of generation objects into an IDF, the individual generators must also be written.

Parameters:

generator_objects – A list of honeybee objects representing electrical generators that are included in the system. For example, this can be a list of Shade objects with PVProperties assigned to them.

Returns:

A tuple with three elements

  • generators: Text string representation of the ElectricLoadCenter: Generators list.

  • inverter: Text string representation of the ElectricLoadCenter: Inverter list.

  • distribution: Text string representation of the ElectricLoadCenter: Distribution specification.
ElectricLoadCenter:Generators,

Backup Generators, !- Name Cat Diesel, !- Generator 1 Name Generator:InternalCombustionEngine, !- Generator 1 Object Type 50000, !- Generator 1 Rated Electric Power Output ON PEAK GENERATOR SCHEDULE, !- Generator 1 Availability Schedule Name , !- Generator 1 Rated Thermal to Electrical Power Ratio Solar Turbine, !- Generator 2 Name Generator:CombustionTurbine, !- Generator 2 Object Type 30000, !- Generator 2 Rated Electric Power Output OFF PEAK GENERATOR SCHEDULE, !- Generator 2 Availability Schedule Name , !- Generator 2 Rated Thermal to Electrical Power Ratio Capstone C65, !- Generator 3 Name Generator:Microturbine, !- Generator 3 Object Type 65000, !- Generator 3 Rated Electric Power Output MID PEAK GENERATOR SCHEDULE, !- Generator 3 Availability Schedule Name ; !- Generator 3 Rated Thermal to Electrical Power Ratio

unlock()
property inverter_dc_to_ac_size_ratio

Get or set a number for the nominal rated efficiency of the inverter.

property inverter_efficiency

Get or set a number for the nominal rated efficiency of the inverter.

property properties

Get the properties of the ElectricLoadCenter.