A decision support system for sustainable energy supply combining multi-objective and multi-attribute analysis: An Australian case study

  • Authors:

  • Alessandro Mattiussi;Michele Rosano;Patrizia Simeoni

  • Affiliations:

  • Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Gestionale e Meccanica, University of Udine, via Delle Scienze 208, Udine, Italy;Sustainable Engineering Group, Curtin University, Sarich Road, Bentley, Perth Western Australia, Australia;Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica, Gestionale e Meccanica, University of Udine, via Delle Scienze 208, Udine, Italy

  • Venue:
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Year:
  • 2014

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Abstract

A framework for an energy supply decision support system (DSS) for sustainable plant design and production is presented in this paper, utilising an innovative use of multi-objective and multi-attribute decision-making (MODM, MADM) modelling together with impact assessment (IA) of the emission outputs. The mathematical model has been applied within an eco-industrial park (EIP) setting and includes three steps. First, an assessment of the total EIP emissions' inventory and impacts is conducted; the second step, focusing on the sustainability benefits of combined heating and power (CHP) plants and photovoltaic technologies, developed a multi-objective mathematical model including both economic and environmental objectives in a Pareto-frontier optimisation analysis. Four different scenarios involving combinations of CHP plants (internal combustion engine, gas turbine, micro-turbines and fuel cells) and two types of PV plant (monocrystalline and polycrystalline) were evaluated. The third step utilises a MADM methodology - the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) - for selecting the best alternative among the Pareto-frontier efficient solutions. This model has been applied to a case study of an EIP located in Perth (Kwinana Industrial Area-KIA), Western Australia.