Selection of storage energy technologies in a power quality scenario — the AHP and the fuzzy logic

In response to the escalating energy crisis and related pollution problems verified worldwide, it is essential to assume new energy technologies that use renewable energy sources in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. However, widespread implementation of these sources will be more attractive only if they operate together with energy storage technologies. Besides, a successful storage energy selection is essential to deal with some mismatches among costs, efficiency and power quality constrains. This paper presents a methodology taking as basis the AHP (analytic hierarchy process) and fuzzy logic. By exploiting a multi-criteria decision making, this methodology evaluates the operation of storage energy systems such as: pumped hydro storage (PHS), compressed air energy storage (CAES), H₂ storage, flywheel and super-capacitors. The main objective of the study is to develop a multicriteria analysis to find the most appropriate storage energy system concerning a power quality scenario. For this, the criteria in analysis are: efficiency, load management, technical maturity, costs, lifecycle and power quality. Considerations and results described in this paper are part of the Research & Development Program undertaken by the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil.