Generic CSP with Fossil Fuel Backup

I am trying to model a generic CSP system with a fossil fuel backup. In the user guide it directs me to the Trough System Costs page. However, when I visit that page it shows that I should be able to input a fossil fuel cost in terms of $/MMBtu. Yet, in SAM I do not see this as an option in the Generic CSP model. I do see it in the Tower and Trough models though.

Is there a way to change this fossil fuel cost in the Generic CSP model? I am hoping to run a sensitivity analysis based on different fossil fuel costs. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Dear Charles,

What version of SAM are you using?

In the current version, SAM 2016.3.14, for the Generic CSP model, the fossil fuel cost is on the System Costs page, under "Operation and Mainteance Costs" at the bottom of the page. The fossil fuel cost is also available as a parametric input variable.

Best regards,
Paul.

Dear Paul,

I am using the current version. I should have been more specific - I am in the Generic CSP LCOE calculator model. I see that the fossil fuel cost is an input in the other Generic CSP models. I had intended on using the simplified LCOE calculator model but I may need to rethink this.

Best regards,
Charlie

Dear Charlie,

Thanks for the clarification. Now your question makes more sense!

As you note, the LCOE Calculator model does not have an input for the fossil fuel cost. You would have to include the fuel cost in the variable operating cost category as a $/kWh cost. One way to work around this would be to run a simulation once to determine the amount of fossil fuel used (SAM reports that value on the Data tab under "Hourly" and on the Time Series tab, and as monthly and annual totals on the Statistics tab), calculate the fuel cost based on that value, and then run a second simulation to calculate the LCOE.

If you are familiar with programming or scripting languages, you could write an LK script to automate that process.

Best regards,
Paul.