Application of DEMATEL-TOPSIS Method to Analyze Operational Efficiency of Hydropower Plants

Abstract

The ever-growing demand for luxury has increased the stress on conventional energy sources and encourages scientists and engineers to look for alternatives. Hydropower is by far the most inexpensive but reliable source of energy which is deemed to have the capacity to substitute for conventional energy sources. The worldwide contribution of hydropower plants (HPP) in supplying the demand for electricity is 1106 TWh. The problem with hydropower lies with the fact that its efficiency depends on multiple factors which are a function of climatic, hydraulic and socio-economic parameters. All these parameters again depend upon hydraulic loss imposed due to time in use, change in energy requirements, locational interference and quality of the machine installed. As there are multiple parameters having different levels of influence on the performance efficiency of HPP. Thus some factors are overrated and some others remain under rated which results in erroneous decision-making. The present study proposes a new hybrid model based on Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) with Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The priorities are determined by hybrid method namely DEMATEL- TOPSIS. According to the results, efficiency of generator is most significant for efficiency of HPP.