Multi-criteria decision-making model for assessing the sustainability index of wind-turbine support systems: application to a new precast concrete alternative

Albert De La Fuente,Antonio Aguado,Oriol Pons,Jaume Armengou

doi:10.3846/13923730.2015.1023347

Abstract

A multi-criteria decision-making system based on the MIVES method is presented as a model for assessing the global sustainability index scores of existing wind-turbine support systems. This model is specifically designed to discriminate between tower systems in order to minimize the subjectivity of the decision and, thus, facilitate the task of deciding which system is best for a given set of boundary conditions (e.g., height, turbine power, soil conditions) and economic, social and environmental requirements. The model’s versatility is proven by assessing the sustainability index of an innovative new precast concrete tower alternative also described in this paper. As a result of this analysis, some points of improvement in the new system have been detected.

Highlights

Wind farms are an environmentally-friendly energy-production solution offering attractive economic returns and growing social acceptance
This paper aims to present a model for assessing the sustainability of wind turbine towers
And beyond the results of the integrated sustainability analysis, it is important to stress the potential of the proposed model for analyzing wind-turbine support alternatives, as well as its versatility for simulating scenarios involving different stakeholder interests

Summary

Introduction

Wind farms are an environmentally-friendly energy-production solution offering attractive economic returns and growing social acceptance. This paper aims to present a model for assessing the sustainability of wind turbine towers (regardless of construction process, materials, height, and turbine size) This assessment will be conducted using a multi-criteria analysis method called the Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (or MIVES from the Spanish), which makes it possible to take into account the three main pillars of sustainability and can be used as a decision-making model by stakeholders. To this end, first, a new precast concrete tower alternative for large wind turbines is presented. A. de la Fuente et al Multi-criteria decision-making model for assessing the sustainability index of wind-turbine

New tower concept for supporting large wind turbines

Sustainability assessment model for wind towers

Case study: precast concrete tripod

Findings

Conclusions