Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.

2 Department of Mathematics, School of Mathematics, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran.

Abstract

The energy of processes is mainly supplied by fossil fuels. Short life of fossil energy sources and increasing environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels and increasing demand have made researchers introduce new solutions for supply of energy. Energy production in a photovoltaic solar power plant is cost-effective due to being clean and renewable. The power generation of these plants is affected by their site due to climate conditions, effective radiation periods, and the rate of solar radiation absorption. Therefore, finding the optimal location to establish a solar power plant is important. Identifying effective location criteria and the importance of these criteria is effective in choosing the optimal location.In this research, in the first phase, the effective criteria in locating a photovoltaic solar power plant were investigated based on the Delphi method. Then, in the second phase, based on the criteria identified in the first phase, fuzzy hierarchy method was used to compare the criteria with each other and determine the importance of each of them. The results of the study showed that the rate of solar radiation and average temperature were the most important criteria in locating photovoltaic solar power plant. Moreover, the criteria of slope, distance to main roads, distance to power lines, and land use were of highest importance in locating a photovoltaic solar power plant.

Keywords

Main Subjects

1.     Smets, A., Jäger, K., Isabella, O., van Swaaij, R. and Zeman, M., Solar energy: The physics and engineering of photovoltaic conversion technologies and systems, UIT Cambridge Ltd., Cambridge, (2016). (https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Energy-Engineering-Photovoltaic-Technologies/dp/1906860327).
2.     Dehghani, E., Jabalameli, M.S. and Jabbarzadeh, A., "Robust design and optimization of solar photovoltaic supply chain in an uncertain environment", Energy, Vol. 142, (2018), 139-156. (In Farsi). (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.10.004).
3.     Uyan, M., "GIS-based solar farms site selection using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in Karapinar region, Konya/Turkey", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 28, (2013), 11-17. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.07.042).
4.     Boxwell, M., The solar electricity handbook-2017 Edition: A simple, practical guide to solar energy–designing and installing solar photovoltaic systems. Greenstream Publishing, (2017). (https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Electricity-Handbook-installing-photovoltaic/dp/1907670653).
5.     Merrouni, A.A., Mezrhab, A. and Mezrhab, A., "PV sites suitability analysis in the eastern region of Morocco", Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, Vol. 18, (2016), 6-15. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2016.09.006).
6.     Carrion, J.A., Espin Estrella, A., Aznar Dols, F. and Ramos Ridao, A., "The electricity production capacity of photovoltaic power plants and the selection of solar energy sites in Andalusia (Spain)", Renewable Energy, Vol. 33, (2008), 545-552. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2007.05.041).
7.     Janke, J.R., "Multicriteria GIS modeling of wind and solar farms in Colorado", Renewable Energy, Vol. 35, (2010), 2228-2234. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2010.03.014).
8.     Charabi, Y. and Gastli, A., "PV site suitability analysis, using GIS based spatial fuzzy multi-criteria evaluation", Renewable Energy, Vol. 36, (2011), 2554-2561. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2010.10.037).
9.     Sanchez-Lozano, J.M., Teruel-Solano, J., Soto-Elvira, P.L., Garcia-Cascales, M.S. and Socorro, M., "Geographical information systems and multi-criteria decision making methods for the evaluation of solar farms locations: Case study in south-eastern Spain", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 24, (2013), 544-556. (https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622016500218).
10.   Aydin, N.Y., Kentel, E. and Sebnem Duzgun, H., "GIS-based site selection methodology for hybrid renewable energy systems: A case study from western Turkey", Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 70, (2013), 90-106. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2013.02.004).
11.   Effat, H.A., "Selection of potential sites for solar energy farms in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt using SRTM and multicriteria analysis", Cloud Publications, International Journal of Advanced Remote Sensing and GIS, Vol. 2, (2013), 205-220. (technical.cloud journals.com/index.php/IJARSG/article/view/Tech-125).
12.   Sanchez-Lozano, J.M., Henggeler Antunes, C., Garcia-Cascales, M.S. and Dias, L.C., "GIS-based photovoltaic solar farms site selection using ELECTRE-TRI: Evaluating the case for Torre Pacheco, Murcia, southeast of Spain",Renewable Energy, Vol. 66, (2014), 478-494. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2013.12.038).
13.   Watson, J.J. and Hudson, M.D., "Regional scale wind farm and solar farm suitability assessment using GIS-assisted multi-criteria evaluation", Landscape and Urban Planning, Vol. 138, (2015), 20-31. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.02.001).
14.   Sanchez-Lozano, J.M., Garcia-Cascales, M.S. and Lamata, M.T., "Evaluation of suitable locations for the installation of solar thermoelectric power plants", Computers & Industrial Engineering, Vol. 87, (2015), 343-355. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2015.05.028).
15.   Mentis, D., Welsch, M., Fuso Nerini, F., Broad, O., Howells, M., Bazilian, M. and Rogner., H., "A GIS-based approach for electrification planning—A case study on Nigeria", Energy for Sustainable Development, Vol. 29, (2015), 142-150. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2015.09.007).
16.   Gherboudj, I. and Ghedira, H., "Assessment of solar energy potential over the United Arab Emirates using remote sensing and weather forecast data", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 55, (2016), 1210-1224. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.03.099).
17.   Sanchez-Lozano, J.M., Garcia-Cascales, M.S. and Lamata, M.T., "Comparative TOPSIS-ELECTRE TRI methods for optimal sites for photovoltaic solar farms: Case study in Spain", Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 127, (2016), 387-398. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.005).
18.   Anwarzai, M.A. and Nagasaka, K., "Utility-scale implementable potential of wind and solar energies for Afghanistan using GIS multi-criteria decision analysis", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 71, (2017), 150-160. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.048).
19.   Sindhu, S., Nehra, V. and Luthra, S., "Investigation of feasibility study of solar farms deployment using hybrid AHP-TOPSIS analysis: Case study of India", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 73, (2017), 496-511. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.135).
20.   Liu, J., Xu, F. and Lin, S., "Site selection of photovoltaic power plants in a value chain based on grey cumulative prospect theory for sustainability: A case study in northwest China", Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 148, (2017), 386-397. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.02.012).
21.   Aly, A., Jensen, S.S. and Pedersen, A.B., "Solar power potential of Tanzania: Identifying CSP and PV hot spots through a GIS multicriteria decision making analysis", Renewable Energy, Vol. 113, (2017), 159-175. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2017.05.077).
22.   Sabo, M.L., Mariun, N., Hizam, H., Mohd Radzi, M.A. and Zakaria, A., "Spatial matching of large-scale grid-connected photovoltaic power generation with utility demand in Peninsular Malaysia", Apllied Energy, Vol. 191, (2017), 663-688. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.01.087).
23.   Garni, H.Z.A. and Awasthi, A., "Solar PV power plant site selection using a GIS-AHP based approach with application in Saudi Arabia", Applied Energy, Vol. 206, (2017), 1225-1240. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.10.024).
24.   Tavana, M., Arteaga, F.J.S., Mohammadi, S. and Alimohammadi, M., "A fuzzy multi-criteria spatial deision support system for solar farm location planning", Energy Strategy Reviews, Vol. 18, (2017), 93-105. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2017.09.003).
25.   Saracoglu, B.O., Ohunakin, O.S., Adelekan, D.S., Gill, J., Atiba, O.E., Okokpujie, I.P. and Atayero, A.A., "A framework for selecting the location of very large photovoltaic solar power plants on a global/supergrid",Energy Reports, Vol. 4, (2018), 586-602. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2018.09.002).
26.   Yushchenko, A., Bono, A., Chatenoux, B., Patel, M.K. and Ray, N., "GIS-based assessment of photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) generation potential in West Africa", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 81, (2018), 2088-2103. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.06.021).
27.   Dehghani, E., Jabalameli, M.S., Pishvaee, M.S. and Jabarzadeh, A., "Integrating information of the efficient and anti-efficient frontiers in DEA analysis to assess location of solar plants: A case study in Iran", Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Vol. 11, No. 1, (2018), 163-179. (In Farsi). (www.jise.ir/article_50883.html).
28.   Doorga, J.R.S., Rughooputh, S.D.D.V. and Boojhawon, R., "Multi-criteria GIS-based modelling technique for identifying potential solar farm sites: A case study in Mauritius", Renewable Energy, Vol. 133, (2019), 1201-1219. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.08.105).
29.   Majumdar, D. and Pasqualetti, M.J., "Analysis of land availability for utility-scale power plants and assessment of solar photovoltaic development in the state of Arizona, USA", Renewable Energy, Vol. 134, (2019), 1213-1231. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.08.064).
30.   Altuzarra, A., Gargallo, P., Moreno-Jiménez, J.M. and Salvador, M., "Influence, relevance and discordance of criteria in AHP-Global Bayesian prioritization", International Journal of Information Technology & Decision Making, Vol. 12, No. 04, (2013), 837-861. (https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0219622013500314).
31.   Merrouni, A.A., Elalaoui, F.E., Mezrhab, A., Mezrhab, A. and Ghennioui, A., "Large scale PV sites selection by combining GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process, Case study: Eastern Morocco", Renewable Energy, Vol. 119, (2018), 863-873. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2017.10.044).
32.   Habibi. A., Sarfarazi, R. and Izadyar, S., "Delphi technique theoretical framework in qualitative research", The International Journal Of Engineering And Science (IJES), Vol. 3, No. 4, (2014), 8-13. (In Farsi). (https://doi.org/v3-i4/Version-4/B03404008013).
33.   Beck, P. and Hofmann, E., "Multiple criteria decision making in supply chain management: Currently available methods and possibilities for future research", Die Unternehmung, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, Vol. 66, No. 2, (2012), 182-217. (https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/publications/211721).
34.   Triantaphyllou, E., Multi-criteria decision making methods: A comparative study, Springer, Boston, (2000), 5-21. (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-3157-6).
35.   Chang, D.Y., "Applications of the extent analysis method on fuzzy AHP", European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 95, No. 3, (1996), 649-655. (https://doi.org/10.1016/0377-2217(95)00300-2).
36.   Dawal, S.Z.M., Yusoff, N., Nguyen, H.T. and Aoyama, H., "Multi-attribute decision-making for CNC machine tool selection in FMC based on the integration of the improved consistent fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS", ASEAN Engineering Journal Part A, Vol. 3, No. 2, (2013), 15-31. (http://www.aseanengineering.net/aej/issue/2013-v3-2/15-31%20MULTI-ATTRIBUTE%20DECISION-MAKING%20FOR%20CNC%20MACHINE%20TOOL%20SELECTION%20IN%20....pdf).
37.   Hatami-Marbini, A., Tavana, M., Emrouznejad, A. and Saati, S., "Efficiency measurement in fuzzy additive data envelopment analysis", Industrial and Systems Engineering, Vol. 10, (2017), 1-20. (In Farsi). (https://doi.org/10.1504/IJISE.2012.044041).
38.   Skalna, I., Rębiasz, B., Gaweł, B., Basiura, B., Duda, J., Opiła, J. and Pełech-Pilichowski, T., Advances in fuzzy decision making, Springer, Vol. 333, (2015), 1-162. (https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783319264929).
39.   Dawson, L. and Schlyter, P., "Less is more: Strategic scale site suitability for concentrated solar thermal power in western Australia", Energy Policy, Vol. 47, (2012), 91-101. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2012.04.025).
40.   Borgogno Mondino, E., Fabrizio, E. and Chiabrando, R., "Site selection of large ground-mounted photovoltaic plants: A GIS decision support system and an application to Italy", International Journal of Green Energy, Vol. 12, No. 5, (2015), 515-525. (https://doi.org/10.1080/15435075.2013.858047).
41.   Lee, A., Kang, H.Y., Lin, C.Y. and Shen, K.C., "An integrated decision-making model for the location of a PV solar plant", Sustainability, Vol. 7, No. 10, (2015), 13522-13541. (https://doi.org/10.3390/su71013522).
42.   Wang, Q., M'Ikiugu, M. and Kinoshita, I., "A GIS-based approach in support of spatial planning for renewable energy: A case study of Fukushima, Japan", Sustainability, Vol. 6, No. 4, (2014), 2087-2117. (https://doi.org/10.3390/su6042087).
43.   Massimo, A., Dell'Isola, M., Frattolillo, A. and Ficco, G., "Development of a Geographical Information System (GIS) for the integration of solar energy in the energy planning of a wide area", Sustainability, Vol. 6, No. 9, (2014), 5730-5744. (https://doi.org/10.3390/su6095730).
44.   Yunna, W. and Geng, S., "Multi-criteria decision making on selection of solar–wind hybrid power station location: A case of China", Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 81, (2014), 527-533. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2014.02.056).
45.   Olufemi, A., Omitaomu, K., Brandon, R., Blevins, C., Gary, T., Stanton, W., Hadley, J., Harrison, J., Budhendra, L. and Amy, N., "Adapting a GIS based multicriteria decision analysis approach for evaluating new power generating sites", Applied Energy, Vol. 96, (2012), 292-301. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2011.11.087).