Multicriterial model for selecting a charcoal kiln

Abstract

Finding renewable sources of energy is a burgeoning field of research and an important political challenge. Charcoal is the foremost important material to substitute coal. Up until now, not many studies have been conducted to assist decision-makers to select the proper kiln to produce charcoal. Herein, we present multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to select a proper charcoal kiln by taking into consideration the industry’s know-how and needs. To solve this problem with the influence of the decision-maker, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was chosen to evaluate the criteria’s weight. Furthermore, to allow the decision-maker to analyze both, quantitative and qualitative criteria, the best alternative was chosen by using the Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. Finally, the proposed method allows the decision maker to play a crucial role in the process. Combined with the AHP, the fuzzy TOPSIS method made it possible to list the most suitable alternative within the considered industry conditions. Conclusively, the method generates different results for each case and each decision maker, showing itself to be a successful tool for the charcoal industry selects the best kiln, thus boosting the production of renewable energy.