Some of the key features of the SOAPP-CT
Technology Module software include:
- context-sensitive topic and technology navigation buttons on the
left side of the screen and a chapter button bar across the screen
that allow the user to jump to most related information in one or two
mouse clicks (since users are primarily interested in evaluating
alternatives, they need to quickly toggle between comparable
information on alternate technologies and between different types of
comparative information for the same technology(s))
- equipment sizing and performance; capital, operating, maintenance,
and fuel costs; and installation schedules are calculated based on
major design criteria selected by the user-all other design
information required for calculations are selected automatically based
on industry "good practice" appropriate to the user's
selections
- calculations are derived from equipment-specific information
contributed to the SOAPP project by over 70 manufacturers and reviewed
by these manufacturers and 16 electric utility companies (content
preparers and reviewers are documented in a series of About... screens
in each module)
- when launched from the SOAPP-CT WorkStation, the SOAPP-CT Technology
Modules use the economic parameters, site and fuel information, and
key plant design criteria from a user-selected plant design that has
been created in the SOAPP-CT WorkStation as the basis for all
calculations
- separate hypertext links to definitions and to equations are
provided for most calculated information; equation documentation
includes definitions of all variables, including key assumptions, and
hypertext links to equations for all dependent variables
- information is summarized visually wherever possible
- information is structured hierarchically in each chapter and
section, beginning at an overview or summary level and proceeding in
increasing detail to the most detailed information
- the user interface is designed to be intuitive for
"computerphobes" and infrequent users without getting in the
way of frequent or "power" users
- information that will become out-dated is stored in data bases and
dynamic link libraries structured for easy updating
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