Multiple Criteria Performance Assessment for Decentralized Energy Systems: A Case Study

Abstract

Multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods have become increasingly popular in the performance assessment and decision making of renewable energy systems due to the multi-dimensionality and complexity of its technical, environmental, economic and social impacts. The aim of this paper is to develop a preliminary performance assessment model for the feasibility analysis of constructing different multi-vector decentralized renewable energy systems in an industrial park. Four micro-grid energy systems are identified as alternative solutions in terms of the local environmental conditions and energy profile of the industrial park, and these alternatives are evaluated against a set of performance criteria. The evidential reasoning approach with the implementation of Intelligent Decision System (IDS) is then applied to aggregate assessment information in order to obtain the overall ranking of alternative solutions. sensitivity and trade-off analysis is conducted to validate the robustness of the decision making process.