`Input_data` in Spinetoolbox is not picking up the parameters assigned for storage nodes through excel template.

[hbshrestha]

As shown below, in the node_c sheet in FlexTool Excel template, I have assigned values to some parameters for Battery_Storage_node including has_balance, has_storage, storage_binding_method, storage_start_end_method, storage_solve_horizon_method, penalty_up, penalty_down, existing, self_discharge_loss, storage_state_start, and storage_state_end.

However, I don't see these parameter values being picked up in Battery_Storage_node in input_data, although there are values being picked up for nodeA and other nodes.

However, I see the parameters being picked up for connections, which were assigned in the connection_c sheet.

What could be the reason for this and could it impact the results?

[hbshrestha]

In the results, I am getting only net positive value from the Batteries in group_flows_t sheet. This implies that the battery is only discharging. I even set is_DC to yes in connection.
I wonder, if this is something related to the above.

[hbshrestha]

Next, I added Battery as a separate unit as shown below in unit_c sheet:

And I added unit_node_c relationship as shown below:

Basically, Battery_Storage_node is feeding the battery_unit and the battery_unit is discharging to nodeA as shown below:

There are more zero values, however, there are no negative values, which implies that the battery is only discharging but not charging.

[hbshrestha]

I also added battery_charge_unit and battery_discharge_unit separately:

battery_discharge_unit would discharge and have nodeA as output and battery_storage_node as input. battery_charge_unit would have the opposite.

The configuration looks as shown:

However, the connection inflow is still only positive as before:

[ArttuTupala]

You need to set the entity_alternative column to: True in the node_c worksheet
I still think it is quite strange that the parameters aren't passed but it would not work correctly anyway without the entity_alternative.
Also, I think the template should be changed as it implies that not having the entity_alternative coulumn set is fine

[hbshrestha]

Thanks Arttu for the response!

After your response, I set has_balance to yes and set entity_alternative column to yes for all the nodes.
The entity alternative is already set to yes for units and connections.

In this case, I got mostly discharge in the initial hours and then it was zero for all hours for batteries and storage.

Next, I set has_balance for only demand node and storage nodes, but entity_alternative to yes for all nodes.

In this case, I am getting both charging and discharging in the results for batteries, but not for pumped storage.

I am also attaching a sample of the file.

FT_Input_Ref_SingleNode_Sample.xlsx

[ArttuTupala]

Firstly, taking the has_balance out from the "market" nodes is correct as they have to produce flow from nothing.

Secondly, when I ran the importer and the tool using the file you provided without making any modifications, the pump storage had both charging and discharging

[ArttuTupala]

I just pushed a fix for the ramps and inertia, but they do not cause this issue as I tested it also with the old version.
You should check that:

• Tool version is up to date
• The database is purged before import: "Select entity and value items" and "Select scenario items"
• That the excel is the same
• If you are using your own importer in some other "toolbox project" workflow, test it with the basic project workflow

The corresponding parameters in the database for me were:

[hbshrestha]

Thanks for the response, Arttu!
I updated the FlexTool, purged input_data, results, and example blocks after each run. I removed has_balance from commodity nodes, and set entity alternative to True for all entities.
My design view is as follows:

Now, I am also getting charging and discharging cycles from the pumped storage plants.