Multi-criteria Assessment Approach Research Articles

A systems approach for management of microgrids considering multiple energy carriers, stochastic loads, forecasting and demand side response

Multi-vector microgrids that utilise several forms of energy storage are becoming popular in smart grid topologies due to their ability to cope with problems induced in the power network from the usage of distributed generation. While these microgrids appear to be pivotal in future energy systems, they impose several problems in the design and operation of the network mainly due to their complexity and the different properties that each energy subsystem has. In this work, we propose a novel, generic and systematic way of modelling the assets in a microgrid including the energy management method that is used to control the operation of these assets under multiple stochastic loads. This gives a unique tool that allows the testing/derivation of multiple energy management methods including demand side response and the usage of forecasting tools to optimise the performance of the system. A thorough study of the proposed method, using data from a real hybrid energy system (built in Greece), proves that the performance and efficiency of the system can be significantly improved while at the same time the requirement for external power supply or the consumption of fossil fuels can be reduced. The main concept is based on a state space modelling approach that transforms the power network into a hybrid dynamical system and the implemented energy management method into the evolution operator. The model integrates structural, temporal and logical features of smart grid systems in order to identify and construct multiple different energy management strategies EMS which can then be compared with respect to their ability to best serve the considered demands. Other than coping with several energy carriers, the model inherently accounts for forecasting, handles multiple random loads with time dependant importance and supports the use of demand side response strategies. Conclusions drawn from numerical case studies are used to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method. In this work we clearly show that by using 20 different energy management methods and analysing their performance through a multi-criteria assessment approach we obtain non-trivial energy management approaches to support the operation of a multi-vector smart-grid considering variable external demands.

Multi-Criteria Assessment of Machining Processes for Turbine Disc Slotting

Many different process chains are possible to manufacture profiled grooves in turbine discs. Broaching with high speed steel tools is still state of the art today but as a consequence of the rising demand for aero engines, the disc manufacturers are striving for alternative high performance processes to increase both flexibility and productivity in the manufacturing of these safety critical features. Broaching machines are oftentimes at a bottleneck in the production of rotating turbine discs. Several other machining processes have been discussed in the context of slotting, such as broaching with carbide tools, milling, water jet machining, W-EDM and grinding. Within this paper a multi-criteria assessment approach is presented dealing with slotting processes. The assessment comprehends economical, ecological, flexibility and productivity criteria, and is based on data gathered with an aero engine OEM. The technological aspects such as tool life and productivities are based on real machining tests that have been carried out within the project HoFePro. The assessment is conducted for multiple profile shapes that represent different sizes and geometrical complexities of profiled grooves. The manufacturing processes within the assessment include broaching with HSS and carbide, milling with ceramics and carbide (side and end) as well as profile milling with carbide tools. The underlying workpiece material is a nickel-based alloy.

Co-construction of an assessment method of the environmental sustainability for cattle farms involved in a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese value chain, Cantal PDO

In France, numerous Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese value chains have revised their specifications to address environmental protection, particularly at the farm level. In this stage, it is nevertheless impossible to state whether the proposed modifications may ensure the sustainability of environmental protection as no environmental sustainability diagnostic has been conducted. The aim of this study is to construct an assessment method for the Cantal PDO farms.A multi-criteria assessment approach was implemented in the following 5 steps: definition of the framework of the study, determination of the principles and criteria, definition of the indicators, aggregation of all elements of the assessment, and finally, test of the assessment method on farms. Focus groups meetings were organised for the first four steps. The panel discussions were based on data obtained from both the literature and surveys of stakeholders operating in the value chain and within the territory.The obtained assessment method comprises 4 principles characterised by 33 indicators. The most important principle (45%), management of grassland resources, is a key economic and environmental point of the studied farms. It reflects the necessary intensive use of grass by the animals in the PDO farms. Few existing methods addressed this principle that required the design of several new indicators. The second principle, impact of agricultural practices (25%), is often included in environmental sustainability assessment methods The adopted indicators are, thus, drawn from existing methods and adapted to the context of the farms studied. The management of the farm buildings and the landscape principle (18%) is often considered in social sustainability. Its role in environmental sustainability can be explained by its strong link with the image of PDO products. Primarily drawn from the literature, the used indicators have been extended to make the assessment method as objective as possible. Finally, the management of local, energy and water resources principle has the lowest weighting (12%). This can be explained by the limited number of indicators.This assessment method was constructed for the Cantal PDO farms by considering their environment and particularities. In consequence, the stakeholders have taken ownership of it. It could be used by other ruminant systems based on grassland. The development of numerous indicators enhanced the pool of existing indicators. This assessment method was sensitive and allowed for the discrimination between farms.

Regional efforts to mitigate climate change in China: a multi-criteria assessment approach

The task of mitigating climate change is usually allocated through administrative regions in China. In order to put pressure on regions that perform poorly in mitigating climate changes and highlight regions with best-practice climate policies, this study explored a method to assess regional efforts on climate change mitigation at the sub-national level. A climate change mitigation index (CCMI) was developed with 15 objective indicators, which were divided into four categories, namely, emissions, efficiency, non-fossil energy, and climate policy. The indicators’ current level and recent development were measured for the first three categories. The index was applied to assess China’s provincial performance in climate protection based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. Empirical results show that the middle Yangtze River area and southern coastal area perform better than other areas in mitigating climate change. The average performance of the northwest area in China is the worst. In addition, climate change mitigation performance has a negative linear correlation with energy self-sufficiency ratio but does not have a significant linear correlation with social development level. Therefore, regional resource endowments had better be paid much more attention in terms of mitigating climate change because regions with good resource endowments in China tend to perform poorly.

Application of a multicriteria decision-making approach for rice land suitability analysis in Turkey

The main objective of this study was to implement a spatial model with a multicriteria assessment approach for rice (Oryza sativa L.) land suitability by using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The land mapping units resulting from the overlay of the selected theme layers had unique land quality information on which land suitability was based. The selected theme layers of rice include topographic factor (slope), soil physical factors (soil depth, soil texture, drainage, stoniness, hydraulic conductivity), and soil chemical factors (pH, electrical conductivity, CaCO3, soil fertility). These theme layers were collected from existing information. Spatial information of soil physical and soil chemical factors were formulated using a soil map database. Each land characteristic was also considered as a thematic layer in the GIS. In addition, each land quality layer associated with attributed data was digitally encoded in a GIS database. After combining these layers, a resultant map was produced. A land suitability rating model applied to the resultant polygonal layer provided the suitability classes for rice cultivation. Results showed that 79% of the study area was highly or moderately suitable for rice cultivation, whereas 21% of the area was unsuitable for rice cultivation due to soil and topographic conditions. The model was also validated with field studies. According to statistical analysis, there was a significant positive relationship between land suitability classes and grain yields. Grain yield was significantly affected by land suitability class at the level of P < 0.001. As for LSD0.05 test results, the highest yield values of the 12 rice species studied were 7899 ha kg–1 (cv. Halil Bey), 7605 ha kg–1 (cv. Osmancik-97), and 7510 ha kg–1 (cv. Duragan) in the 'highly suitable' class, whereas the lowest yield values were found to be 4764 ha kg–1 (cv. Aromatik), 4403 ha kg–1 (cv. Koral), and 4320 ha kg–1 (cv. Gonen) in the 'marginally suitable' class. This study also confirms the ability of GIS to integrate spatial and attributed data and offer a quick and reliable method of land suitability assessment with high accuracy.

Facilities intelligence and evaluation: A multi-criteria assessment approach

This paper presents a novel method for evaluating facilities in regard to their designed intelligence. Facilities intelligence is defined as the designed capacity of a facility to acquire and process data and information to perform its adaptability to lifecycle circumstance changes in terms of people's requirements of wellbeing and energy efficiency. This definition is then formulated to quantify the Index of Facilities Intelligence, the level of facilities intelligence, and the reliability of facilities evaluation. STEEP (social, technical, economic, environmental, and political) criteria and their sub-criteria are used to set up an ANP (analytic network process) model, and ANP result such as synthesized priority weights is then used to calculate those parameters related to facilities intelligence. An experimental case study is given to prove the effectiveness of applying the proposed method to evaluate the intelligence of facilities in practice.