Multi-criteria assessment of small scale CHP technologies in buildings

Abstract

Lithuania has a strong dependence on foreign energy, mainly Russian oil and gas. The need for replacement of old capacities and closure of Ignalina NPP is an extremely important driving force for transformation, making conventional and new technologies compete for a role in the future energy supply in Lithuania. Lithuania adopted national energy independence strategy in 2012 where construction of new NPP is being considered as the main way to increase energy independence however for Lithuanian population the prices of district heat is the major problem therefore the alternative measures are necessary seeking to solve the problem of energy independence and high district heat prices.One possible development path of energy sector is decentralization of the electricity system. Distributed power generation in small, decentralized units could help to reduce emissions, save grid capacity and provide opportunities for renewable energy. It could be a constituent part of a more sustainable energy future. There are several available technologies for implementation of CHP in buildings. These technologies need to be assessed by taking into account economic, environmental and social criteria. Comparative assessment of these technologies in terms of sustainability and to define the most sustainable one. The multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are the celebrated techniques employed for suchlike assessments and can by applied for this task as provides assessment of technologies based on quantitative, qualitative indicators and also allows to tackle with uncertainties when ranges of values for indicators are available. The aim of the paper is to compare the main small scale CHP technologies for buildings and to rank them according the main criteria of sustainability.