Table of Contents
Introduction
By exporting parameter and lookup table values to Excel, data can be separated from the model structure. In larger projects this separation is common, as model development usually is the responsibility of a different group of experts compared to the gathering of input data.
The Excel file format defines the data structure that must be used for MERLIN-Expo to be able to import values from Excel.
The concept of sub-systems is not realized in the Excel file format. Instead tags and GUIDs are used to link parameters in the model with parameter data.
To export values, click the Export button in the toolbar of the data input screens.
Export window
In the center of the window is a representation of an Excel file, with tabs for each Excel sheet. To the left is a listing of all parameters, lookup tables or options that can be exported. By using the arrow buttons to the right of the list, model parameters can be selected for each Excel sheet.
To the right of the window are fields that allow you to select the name of the Excel file as well as options for what data to export and how it will be formatted.
Setting up the Excel workbook
By clicking the 
button, to the right of the last tab, a new Excel sheet is added. The name of a sheet can be changed by clicking the tab.
Selecting parameters
The list to the left of the window displays all blocks that can be exported. Below the list a field allows you to search for blocks with a specific name. By clicking the more button, more search options are shown.
Use the arrow buttons to move parameters to or from the currently visible sheet.
Export options
Select file
Click the … button to select a name and location for the Excel file. To save the file with a Office 97 format, use the extension .xls. To save the file with a Office 2003-2010 format, use the extension .xlsx.
Select options
The select options define how to link a parameter in the model with the value(s) in Excel. It is most often most convenient to use the ID.
Export options
- Export empty rows - When selected, rows will be added for indices even when no values have been assigned. Select this option when you wish to export a template for somebody else to fill in.
- Export default value for empty rows - If no value has been given, write the default value.
- Export default indices - Write default rows.
- All definitions on first page - Write one large definition section for all parameters on the first sheet, so that subsequent sheets only contain values.
- Open file after export - When selected, the file will be opened in Excel after the export has completed.
- Optimize column widths - Adjust the size of each column to fit its width to its data. For large files, this option can be very time consuming.
Properties
This panel lets you select what properties to export. The first part relates to the definition section and the second to values.
Finalizing the export
Once you have selected a name and location for the Excel file, the Export button will be activated. Click the button to finalize the export and close the window.
See also
