Multiple Criteria Analysis for Energy Storage Selection

Abstract

In view of the current and predictable energy shortage and environmental concerns, the exploitation of re- newable energy sources offers great potential to meet increasing energy demands and to decrease depend- ence on fossil fuels. However, introducing these sources will be more attractive provided they operate in conjunction with energy storage systems (ESS). Furthermore, effective energy storage management is essen- tial to achieve a balance between power quality, efficiency, costs and environmental constraints. This paper presents a method based on the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy multi-rules and multi-sets. By exploit- ing a multiple criteria analysis, the proposed methods evaluate the operation of storage energy systems such as: pumped hydro and compressed air energy storage, H2, flywheel, super-capacitors and lithium-ion storage as well as NaS advanced batteries and VRB flow battery. The main objective of the study is to find the most appropriate ESS consistent with a power quality priority. Several parameters are used for the investigation: efficiency, load management, technical maturity, costs, environmental impact and power quality.