Goal Programming-Based Two-Tier Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Wind Turbine Selection

Wind energy has emerged as a potential replacement of conventional fuel sources. One key factor that contributes to efficient harnessing of wind energy depends heavily on the turbine type. However, the task of selecting an appropriate, site-specific turbine is a complex one. It is due to the fact that several decision criteria, which are also mutually conflicting, are involved in the decision process. Important criteria energy output, cut-in speed of wind, rated speed of wind, hub height, turbine's power rating, and energy output. Therefore, a desired decision is the one that gives the best trade-off between the selection criteria. With the inherent complexities encompassing the decision-making process, this study develops a two-tier multi-criteria decision strategy for turbine selection founded on the concepts of fuzzy goal programming. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is assessed through its application to a potential site located in Dhulom, Saudi Arabia. Results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in finding the most suitable turbine for the said site, from a pool of 20 turbines with different capacities and vendors.