Multi-criteria approach in solar urban water supply systems

Abstract

An innovative method for sizing solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping systems in urban water supply systems (UWSSs) is presented. The methodology is based on various critical period approaches (the critical period method). A multi-criteria analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of the critical period duration on the system characteristics. It was found that the critical period length is a design variable that significantly affects the economic, environmental and social aspects of the solution, with a lengthening of the critical period resulting in improvement of the overall sustainability of the solution. The results obtained indicate that a solar PV system is a promising solution to the energy sustainability of UWSSs. This form of energy supply does not emit greenhouse gases and furthermore the ‘social cost’ of carbon dioxide estimates decrease. The concept of a stand-alone PV energy system is a particularly promising sustainable energy solution.