Framework Factsheet

Overview

Last updated	2021-10-28
Open Source
License	ISC license

General Information

Framework Name	Balmorel Model
Acronym	Balmorel
Contact (e-mail)	Hans.Ravn@aeblevangen.dk
Current contact person	Hans Ravn
Website	http://balmorel.com/
Institution(s)	RAM-lose, DTU Danish Technical University, NMBU Norwegian University of Life Sciences, TTU Tallinn University of Technology, EA Energianalyse
Geographical Scope	Regional, National, Local/community
Sectoral Scope	Electricity, Heat/Cooling, Transport, Other specific sectors, Power-to-Gas
General Problem Scope	Exploring, Back casting
Specific Problem Scope	Energy supply, Environmental, Integrated approach, Modular build-up, Energy dispatch, Capacity expansion planning, Unit commitment, Sector-coupling
Inital purpose	EU-driven liberalization of energy markets implied need for international overview, understanding, and communication by analyzing relevant issues for the energy sector for better understanding, communication and decision making
Inital purpose change	-
Research questions	Congestion management in the power market, Regional wind studies, Effect of including gas and hydrogen
Inital Release Date	2001-01-01
Parent Framework	-
Version	BB4 - Balmorel Base Version 4
Source of funding	Project driven, main developers RAM-løse and DTU

Mathematical Description

GUI
Programming Framework	MS Excel / VBA, GAMS
External Solver	CPLEX, Gurobi, Coin-Or CBC
Input Data Format	txt, GAMS data exchange format (gdx)
Auto model generator
data preprocessing
Output Data Format	XLSX, db, GAMS data exchange format (gdx)
data postprocessing	https://github.com/balmorelcommunity/Balmorel_output
plotting functionalities
The analytical approach	Hybrid, Bottom-up with top-down calibration possibilities
Additional software	none
interfaces	Excel, Python
The mathematical approach	Linear Programming
The underlying methodology	Optimization
Objective function type	Minimize Total System Cost, Maximize Social Welfare

Openness

Open Source
License	ISC license
Code availability	-
Data availability	-
Data provided	none
Open to developers
Support	Community, Mail, Courses at DTU
Link to User Documentation	{"{\"{\"{\"{\"{http://balmorel.com/index.php/balmorel-documentation\"\"\"\"","\"\"\"\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X18300038}\"}\"}\"}\"}"}
Installation guide
Link to installation guide	-
Link to code documentation	https://github.com/balmorelcommunity/Balmorel
Skills basic	Basic knowledge of GAMS, Some backgrounds in energy system modelling
Skills advanced	Advanced knowledge of GAMS, Proficient background in energy system modelling

Model Building

Fixed units
Renewable Technology Inclusion	Hydro, Solar, Geothermal, Wind, Biomass
Storage Technology Inclusion	Pumped-hydro energy storage, Battery energy storage
Transport Demand	-
Residential Demand	Heating
Commercial Demand	-
Agricultural demand
Grid model	Transhipment model
Cost Inclusion	Fuel prices, Investment, Fixed Operation & Maintenance, Variable Operation & Maintenance, CO2 cost
New components
Variable time step
Variable rolling
Commonly used time step	Hourly, Yearly, Five-yearly, weekly
Commonly modelled time horizon	medium term (>5-<15), long term (>=15)

References

Reference Studies/Models	https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X18300038?via%3Dihub#tbl3
Citation reference	http://www.esymodels.man.dtu.dk/balmorel/cases
Citation	https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.823693 (v3.02), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2018.01.003 (latest)
Projects using the framework	FutureGas, PEAKapp,Flex4RES
Model usage	DTU, NMBU, TTU, EA Energy Analysis, COWI, HOFOR, Danish Energy Association, Estonian Transmission System Operator Elering, Mexican Energy Minsitery, Eastern African Power Pool (EAPP), Sino-Danish Renewable Energy Development (RED) programme

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