Identification of sustainable expansion alternatives for heterogeneous grid topologies
International Journal of Energy Sector Management
ISSN: 1750-6220
Article publication date: 19 September 2017
Issue publication date: 20 March 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to introduce a newly developed multi-criteria analysis for the comparison of two grid expansion alternatives, conventional and voltage-regulated distribution transformer. The case study comprises environmental, economic, technical and social aspects.
Design/methodology/approach
The newly developed method decision condition Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (DC-PROMETHEE) combines scenario planning with the multi-attribute decision-making method PROMETHEE. DC-PROMETHEE supports the decision-maker to evaluate the total potential of an alternative considering a large number of decision conditions. The calculated performance indicator supports the decision-maker to select the best alternative.
Findings
The voltage-regulated distribution transformer shows a high overall potential in the present case study. This leads to the recommendation to the investigated distribution system operator to include the voltage-regulated distribution transformers as a grid expansion measure.
Practical implications
The DC-PROMETHEE can be applied to other distribution system operators by considering their individual grid topology and preferences. Other fields of application are infrastructure investments in the service area, in which expansion alternatives are evaluated in a large number of decision conditions. Examples include telecommunication, gas supply, water supply, sewage and rail networks.
Originality/value
This paper develops the DC-PROMETHEE approach. The DC-PROMETHEE enables the multi-criteria evaluation of a few alternatives in a large number of decision conditions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study is embedded in the E-Home Energy project 2020. Thanks to the Energy Research Center of Lower Saxony (EFZN) and the German DSO, Avacon AG, for the good working environment and the promotion of the project. Special thanks are directed to Mr Michael Mohrmann and Mr Gerrit Schlömer who performed the grid calculations.
Citation
Lühn, T., Schmidtmann, G. and Geldermann, J. (2018), "Identification of sustainable expansion alternatives for heterogeneous grid topologies", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 44-66. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJESM-08-2015-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited