Multi-criteria analysis for the selection of space heating systems in an industrial building

Decisions on space heating of industrial buildings involve several conflicting objectives and solutions prospected by economic optimization (e.g. life cycle cost minimization) models may be far from the real preferences of decision makers. To overcome this limit, multi-criteria decision analysis which has hardly been used at single building level, especially in industrial contexts, could be a helpful methodology. This paper presents the application of a well-known multi-criteria approach, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to the selection of space heating systems for an industrial building. We discuss the technologies available for industrial heating, criteria elicited from the decision maker and the ranking of alternatives identified with our AHP model. As very little is reported in literature about industrial energy system choices, our study, although focused on an individual case, may shed some light on decision making in this sector. To this end, we also compare our results with evidence on residential heating systems choices derived from literature. Investment costs are the most important criterion for industry, whereas qualitative attributes and operational costs are most important for homes. Qualitative attributes also significantly affect industrial heating system choices and, as the AHP is particularly effective in handling these aspects, we suggest it could be used for tactical energy planning models.     

A model for improving energy efficiency in industrial motor system using multicriteria analysis

In the last years, several policies have been proposed by governments and global institutions in order to improve the efficient use of energy in industries worldwide. However, projects in industrial motor systems require new approach, mainly in decision making area, considering the organizational barriers for energy efficiency. Despite the wide application, multicriteria methods remain unexplored in industrial motor systems until now. This paper proposes a multicriteria model using the PROMETHEE II method, with the aim of ranking alternatives for induction motors replacement. A comparative analysis of the model, applied to a Brazilian industry, has shown that multicriteria analysis presents better performance on energy saving as well as return on investments than single criterion. The paper strongly recommends the dissemination of multicriteria decision aiding as a policy to support the decision makers in industries and to improve energy efficiency in electric motor systems.     

A multi-criteria methodology for energy planning and developing renewable energy sources at a regional level: A case study Thassos,Greece

Rational energy planning under the pressure of environmental and economic problems is imperative to humanity. An evaluational framework is proposed in order to support energy planning for promoting the use of renewable energy sources. A multi-criteria decision analysis is adopted, detailing exploitation of renewable energy sources (including Wind, Solar, Biomass, Geothermal, and small Hydro) for power and heat generation. The aim of this paper is the analysis and development of a multilevel decision-making structure, utilizing multiple criteria for energy planning and exploitation of Renewable Energy Sources of at the regional level. The proposed evaluation framework focuses on the use of a multi-criteria approach as a tool for supporting energy planning in the area of concern, based on a pool of qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria. The final aim of this study is to discover the optimal amount of each Renewable Energy Source that can be produced in the region and to contribute to an optimal energy mix. In this paper, a case study for the island of Thassos, Greece is analyzed. The results prove that Renewable Energy Sources exploitation at a regional level can satisfy increasing power demands through environmental-friendly energy systems that combine wind power, biomass and PV systems.     

Fuzzy TOPSIS method for ranking renewable energy supply systems in Turkey

Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques are gaining popularity in energy supply systems. The aim of this paper is to develop the multi-criteria decision support framework for ranking renewable energy supply systems in Turkey. Given the selection of renewable energy supply systems involves many conflicting criteria, multi criteria decision methods (Fuzzy TOPSIS) were employed for the analysis. The Interval Shannon's Entropy methodology was used to determine weight values of the criteria. In this study, α = 0.1, 0.5 and 0.9 values based sensitivity analysis were performed. Three α-cutting levels were identical to the sequence of alternatives. According to result, the first criterion in preference ranking of renewable energy sources in Turkey is the Amount of Energy Produced, followed by the ranking systems Land use, Operation and maintenance cost, Installed capacity, Efficiency, Payback period, Investment cost, Job creation, and Value of CO₂ emission. Thus the multi-criteria analysis showed that the Hydro Power Station is determined to be the most renewable energy supply system in Turkey. Additionally, the Geothermal Power Station, Regulator and Wind Power Station are determined to be the second, third and fourth, respectively. The government of Turkey should invest, in order of priority, in these systems. The government should also evaluate the projects, which are related to these renewable energy resources.     

A multi-criteria decision approach to sorting actions for promoting energy efficiency

This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision approach for sorting energy-efficiency initiatives, promoted by electric utilities, with or without public funds authorized by a regulator, or promoted by an independent energy agency, overcoming the limitations and drawbacks of cost–benefit analysis. The proposed approach is based on the ELECTRE-TRI multi-criteria method and allows the consideration of different kinds of impacts, although avoiding difficult measurements and unit conversions. The decision is based on all the significant effects of the initiative, both positive and negative, including ancillary effects often forgotten in cost–benefit analysis. The ELECTRE-TRI, as most multi-criteria methods, provides to the decision maker the ability of controlling the relevance each impact can have on the final decision in a transparent way. The decision support process encompasses a robustness analysis, which, together with a good documentation of the parameters supplied into the model, should support sound decisions. The models were tested with a set of real-world initiatives and compared with possible decisions based on cost–benefit analysis.     

Mathematical analysis of fuel cell strategic technologies development solutions in the automotive industry by the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision making method

The mathematical techniques of decision making are among the most valuable outcomes of this research activity, which is generally referred to as realization in the operations, operational research or quantitative methods of decision making. Over time, with the increase in the complexity and the variety of decision making problems, the methods of decision making become more varied and will have more capability of problem solving. Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is a collection of methodologies to compare, select, or rank multiple alternatives that involve incommensurate attributes. Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is a multiple criteria method to identify solution from finite set of points.Due to the increase in environmental problems, including various forms of air contamination and to the decrease of fossil sources of energy in the world, there is an increasingly pressing need for a clean method of generating energy. In this paper, we seek to review the guidelines resulting in the strategic technologies of fuel cells as converters in the automotive industry and consider the capabilities and attractions of strategic technology and try to find the development solutions of fuel cell strategic technologies by technical-economical appropriate fields of attention and investment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to rank the attractiveness and importance of the stack of fuel cells as a sub-system, as well as determine the amount of knowledge, specialized manpower and equipment needed in two industrial and laboratory scales and from among multi-criteria decision making methods, TOPSIS approach has been dealt with. In order to selecting required information in the evaluation stages of method by asking professional experts views, questionnaire method for data gathering was chosen. The results of this paper include ranked essential solutions for the development of technologies for fuel cells as the power systems for vehicles for allocating attention and investment in the sub-system of stacks of fuel cells by using the multi-criteria decision making selected method (TOPSIS).     

Multi-criteria evaluation of cooking energy alternatives for promoting parabolic solar cooker in India

The policy formulation for cooking energy substitution by renewables is addressed in multi-criteria context. A survey is conducted to know the perceptions of different decision making groups on present dissemination of various cooking energy alternatives in India. Nine cooking energy alternatives are evaluated on 30 different criteria comprising of technical, economic, environmental/social, behavioral and commercial issues. Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE), a multi-criteria decision making method of outranking nature is used to rank the alternatives. It is found that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stove is the most preferred device, followed by kerosene stove, solar box cooker and parabolic solar cooker (PSC) in that order. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out for identifying potential areas for improvement for PSC. On the basis of results, strategies for promoting wide spread use of PSC are formulated.     

Prioritizing sustainable electricity production technologies: MCDM approach

Economic, technological, social, and political developments stressed the need for shifts in energy-mix. Therefore it is important to provide a rationale for sustainable decision making in energy policy. The aim of this paper is to develop the multi-criteria decision support framework for choosing the most sustainable electricity production technologies. Given selection of sustainable energy sources involves many conflicting criteria, multi-criteria decision methods MULTIMOORA and TOPSIS were employed for the analysis. The indicator system covering different approaches of sustainability was established. The analysis proved that the future energy policy should be oriented towards the sustainable energy technologies, namely water and solar thermal ones. It is the proposed multi-criteria assessment framework that can constitute a basis for further sub-regional optimization of sustainable energy policy.     

Technology selection for sustainable hydrogen production: A multi-criteria assessment framework under uncertainties based on the combined weights and interval best-worst projection method

Hydrogen has emerged as one of the most promising players in the future energy system for a better life due to multiple advantages, it is important to identify the most sustainable technology for producing hydrogen among several alternatives. This study aims to propose a novel multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework for prioritizing hydrogen production technologies under data uncertainties by combining the methods of interval best-worst method (IBWM), interval entropy technique (IET), and interval best-worst projection (IBWP). In the framework, the IBWM and the IET methods were integrated to offer a comprehensive weighting result by capturing both the uncertain subjective judgments and uncertain objective information regarding the importance of multiple criteria; the IBWP approach was introduced to offer a rigorous ranking result by aggregating both the absolute performance and relative balance of the alternatives regarding the multi-criteria system in uncertain conditions. An illustrative case considering five hydrogen production technologies was studied to verify the feasibility of the proposed framework, while results comparisons and sensitivity analysis were implemented to indicate the necessities and advantages of the developed MCDM methods.     

Grid-connected versus stand-alone energy systems for decentralized power—A review of literature

The decentralized power is characterised by generation of power nearer to the demand centers, focusing mainly on meeting local energy needs. A decentralized power system can function either in the presence of grid, where it can feed the surplus power generated to the grid, or as an independent/stand-alone isolated system exclusively meeting the local demands of remote locations. Further, decentralized power is also classified on the basis of type of energy resources used—non-renewable and renewable. These classifications along with a plethora of technological alternatives have made the whole prioritization process of decentralized power quite complicated for decision making. There is abundant literature, which has discussed various approaches that have been used to support decision making under such complex situations. We envisage that summarizing such literature and coming out with a review paper would greatly help the policy/decision makers and researchers in arriving at effective solutions. With such a felt need 102 articles were reviewed and features of several technological alternatives available for decentralized power, the studies on modeling and analysis of economic, environmental and technological feasibilities of both grid-connected (GC) and stand-alone (SA) systems as decentralized power options are presented.     

A regional decision support system for onsite renewable hydrogen production from solar and wind energy sources

Hydrogen technologies driven by renewable energy sources (RES) represent an attractive energy solution to ensure environmental sustainability. In this paper, a decision support system for the hydrogen exploitation is presented, focusing on some specific planning aspects. In particular, the planning aspects regard the selection of locations with high hydrogen production mainly based on the use of solar and wind energy sources. Four modules were considered namely, the evaluation of the wind and solar potentials, the analysis of the hydrogen potential, the development of a regional decision support module and a last module that regards the modelling of a hybrid onsite hydrogen production system. The overall approach was applied to a specific case study in Liguria region, in the north of Italy.     

Sustainability assessment of hydrogen energy systems

This paper gives an overview of the potential on multi-criteria assessment of hydrogen systems. With respective selection of the criteria comprising performance, environment, market and social indicators the assessment procedure is adapted for the assessment of the selected options of the hydrogen energy systems and their comparison with new and renewable energy systems.The single parameter assessment for each indicator is demonstrated as the traditional approach in the evaluation of the option under consideration which reflects a biased result depending on the selected indicator. In order to apply the multi-criteria approach to the hydrogen systems, it was necessary to use the multi-criteria procedure based on the sustainability index rating composed of linear aggregative functions of all indicators with respective weighting function.The example under consideration are hydrogen fuel cell systems with three options including natural gas turbine, photovoltaic and wind energy systems representing different renewable power plant option. These options are evaluated with the multi-criteria method comprising the following indicators: performance indicator, market indicator, environment indicator and social indicator. The indicators are composed of a number of sub-indicators agglomerated in respective indicators. The evaluation of options under consideration was performed under constraint expressing non-numeric relation among the indicators. The group comprises cases when priority is given to a single indicator and other indicators have the same value.     

Community-scale renewable energy systems planning under uncertainty—An interval chance-constrained programming approach

In this study, an inexact community-scale energy model (ICS-EM) has been developed for planning renewable energy management (REM) systems under uncertainty. This method is based on an integration of the existing interval linear programming (ILP), chance-constrained programming (CCP) and mixed integer linear programming (MILP) techniques. ICS-EM allows uncertainties presented as both probability distributions and interval values to be incorporated within a general optimization framework. It can also facilitate capacity-expansion planning for energy-production facilities within a multi-period and multi-option context. Complexities in energy management systems can be systematically reflected, thus applicability of the modeling process can be highly enhanced. The developed method has then been applied to a case of long-term renewable energy management planning for three communities. Useful solutions for the planning of energy management systems have been generated. Interval solutions associated with different risk levels of constraint violation have been obtained. They can be used for generating decision alternatives and thus help decision makers identify desired policies under various economic and system-reliability constraints. The generated solutions can also provide desired energy resource/service allocation and capacity-expansion plans with a minimized system cost, a maximized system reliability and a maximized energy security. Tradeoffs between system costs and constraint-violation risks can also be tackled. Higher costs will increase system stability, while a desire for lower system costs will run into a risk of potential instability of the management system. They are helpful for supporting (a) adjustment or justification of allocation patterns of energy resources and services, (b) formulation of local policies regarding energy consumption, economic development and energy structure, and (c) analysis of interactions among economic cost, system reliability and energy-supply security.     

An analytical method for the measurement of energy system sustainability in urban areas

Assessing the sustainability of urban energy systems and forecasting their development are important topics that have been the focus of recent research. In this paper, an approach for the measurement the sustainability of an urban energy system is introduced. The approach is based on prediction of the future energy needs within the consuming sectors of a city by specification of energy system development scenarios and validation of the scenarios by a multi-criteria decision method. Prediction of energy needs for the area of the city using the simulation model, model for analysis of the energy demands (MAED) is done. Finish the last level of aggregation, using the method of multi-criteria analysis, is getting the General Index of Sustainability (GIS), which shows a measure of the validity or viability, or quality of the investigated scenarios. In this way, the mathematical and graphical made a synthesis of all the indicators that are relevant to sustainable development. The accuracy in determining the mean of the GIS is checked by calculating the standard deviation. Also, a measure of reliability of the preference when watching a few consecutive scenarios was performed. The defined scenarios take into account the utilization of different energy sources, the exploitation of existing energy plants and infrastructure, and the building of new plants. The sustainability criteria are described by a unique set of economic, social and ecological indicators. The new approach was used to forecast the development of sustainable energy system in Belgrade, Serbia.     

A new hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria decision methodology model for prioritizing the alternatives of the hydrogen bus development: A case study from Romania

The aim of this study is to present an integrated multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model for the selection method of hydrogen bus development by considering five main and twenty sub-criteria. The model utilizes Best-Worst Method (BWM) and MARCOS (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to COpromise Solution) approaches for prioritizing the alternatives of the appropriate hydrogen solution for public transport with buses. A case study in Romania verifies the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model. A comparative analysis with some existing methods are presented to verify the superiority of the proposed model. This study analyzes two technical solutions for hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure of fleet, and four electricity supply solutions for obtaining hydrogen by electrolysis. That means a total number of 8 alternatives. The results show that co-generated electricity from a municipality cogeneration power plant (Alternative 2) is the best alternative among eight alternatives.     

Multi-criteria decision aid to assess concentrated solar thermal technologies

There are now several concentrated solar thermal technologies (CSP), such as parabolic troughs and central receivers using various heat transfer media, that have reached the phase of initial commercial deployment for large-scale power production. Information about cost, performance and impact on the environment of the systems being analyzed is currently affected by uncertainty. In many cases, traditional evaluation methods such as cost-benefit analysis and the main economic and financial indicators (LEC, NPV, ROI, IRR,- etc.) are unable to deal with all the components involved in a valid energy project. Multi-criteria methods provide a flexible tool that is able to handle and bring together a wide range of variables appraised in different ways and thus offer useful assistance to the decision maker in mapping out the problem. This paper sets out the application of a multi-criteria method to make a preliminary assessment of CSP technologies. As this work demonstrates, multi-criteria analysis can provide a technical-scientific decision making support tool that is able to justify its choices clearly and consistently, especially in the renewable energy sector.     

A multicriteria approach to evaluate wind energy plants on an Italian island

The decision-making process regarding the choice of alternative energy is multidimensional, made up of a number of aspects at different levels—economic, technical, environmental, and social. In this respect multicriteria analysis appears to be the most appropriate tool to understand all the different perspectives involved and to support those concerned with the decision making process by creating a set of relationships between the various alternatives. The main aim of this paper is to make a preliminary assessment regarding the feasibility of installing some wind energy turbines in a site on the island of Salina (Aeolian islands—Italy). Thus, a multicriteria method will be applied in order to support the selection and evaluation of one or more of the solutions proposed. Having analysed the local environmental conditions and its energy profile, four wind turbine configurations were postulated as options. These options were then appraised by comparison against a family of criteria and calculations were performed using a multicriteria algorithm to rank the solutions, from the best to worst. The option at the top of the ranking refers to the installation of a plant of 150 kW and this emerged as the right compromise between the costs of realization, local energy requirements and the need to conserve the area and the environment especially in view of the high/medium-bracket tourism business on the island. The sensitivity analysis performed subsequently backed up the findings. As this work demonstrates, multicriteria analysis can provide a valid tool to aid decision making for achieving targets relating to more sustainable green energy.     

Is small beautiful? A multicriteria assessment of small-scale energy technology applications in local governments

In its 2003 White Paper the UK government set ambitious renewable energy targets. Local governments and households have an increasing role in the overall energy system as consumers, suppliers of smaller-scale applications and citizens discussing energy projects. In this paper, we consider if small-scale or large-scale approaches to renewable energy provision can achieve energy targets in the most socially, economically and environmentally (SEE) effective way. We take a local case study of renewable energy provision in the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees in Yorkshire, UK, and apply a multi-criteria decision analysis methodology to compare the small-scale schemes implemented in Kirklees with large-scale alternatives. The results indicate that small-scale schemes are the most SEE effective, despite large-scale schemes being more financially viable. The selection of the criteria on which the alternatives are assessed and the assigned weights for each criterion are of crucial importance. It is thus very important to include the relevant stakeholders to elicit this information.     

Decision mechanism between fuel cell types: A case study for small aircraft

Research has focused on green energy alternatives that can be used instead of fossil fuels to reduce aviation-related emissions and achieve zero-emission targets. One of the most promising alternatives is hydrogen-based fuel cells. Determining the fuel cell type closest to the hydrogen side solution to the airplane emission problem will help guide the researchers working on this issue. Multi-criteria decision-making methods were used for the first time in applying fuel cells to aircraft. The study will pioneer the use of MCDM methods in determining the usability of fuel cells in other areas and vehicles. This study proposes a decision mechanism to evaluate the most suitable fuel cell type integrated into a normal class small aircraft hybrid powertrain. Accordingly, the decision problem was transformed into a hierarchical structure by determining five fuel cell alternatives and twelve criteria in consultation with expert decision-makers. The decision problem has been solved with the Analytic Hierarchy Process, one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods in accordance with its structure. The results showed that PEM fuel cells are best suited for integration into hybrid aircraft, with in power-related criteria such as Specific power, Power density, and Power capacity. Also, our results cast a new light on the properties of fuel cells to be considered for use in aircraft.     

Integrated energy balance analysis of a stand‐alone wind power system for various typical Aegean Sea regions

The wind power industry is nowadays a mature energy production sector disposing to market commercial wind converters from 50 W up to 5 MW. In the present work the possibility of using stand‐alone electricity production systems based on a small wind turbine in order to meet the electricity requirements of remote consumers is analysed for selected Aegean Sea regions possessing representative wind potential types. The proposed configuration results from an extensive long‐term meteorological data analysis on a no‐load rejection condition basis during the entire time period examined. Accordingly, an integrated energy balance analysis is carried out for the whole time period investigated, including also the system battery depth‐of‐discharge distribution versus time. Finally, the predicted optimum system configuration is compared to other existing technoeconomic alternatives on a simplified total production cost basis. The results support the viability of similar solutions, especially for areas of high or medium wind potential. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.