Structure of the core database
Critical to the operation of the model is an
ability to construct an input table for any unit operation. To do this, it is necessary to
know the code numbers for the other unit operations to which it is linked. Figure 7 shows
how the core data-base has been arranged.
Initially the unit operations in the core will be
used extensively until the user has built up a set of operations specific to his own
needs. Within the core, the unit operations are grouped approximately by operation type as
shown in Figure 7. With practice, the most frequently used code numbers will soon be
memorised but there is no need initially to attempt to learn them: a complete alphabetic
list of the operations is supplied in the operating manual as well as search program to
scan the data-base.
The sector labelled ‘Functions’
contains a number of operations which allow the format of the data to be manipulated. For
example, feedstocks can be converted to fuels.
Figure 7. The structure of the core database.
Fuel producing industry data are available for all of the OECD
countries and for some non-OECD countries. Data for countries other than those all ready
contained in the data-base can usually be supplied at no further cost. The United States
and Canada are further analysed by region; the USA is divided into 9 regions and Canada is
sub-divided into 5 regions, corresponding to the Electric Reliability Council Regions. For
both of these countries there is also a national average. All of these data have been
obtained from industrial operators in either Europe or North America, but can be readily
adapted for use anywhere in the world.
Top of page Next
page
| 