Optimal site selection for parabolic trough concentrating solar power plant using extended PROMETHEE method: A case in China

The Parabolic Trough Concentrating Solar Power Plant (PT-CSPP) is one of the most promising technologies for electricity generation to tackle the sharp growth in energy requirements and the finite quantities of fossil fuel in the near future. Site selection remarkably decides the whole life cycle of PT-CSPP projects considering the influences on sustainable environment and society. In consideration of the information inadequacies, the interaction problem and various properties of evaluation attributes existing in decision process, this study builds an integrated framework for PT-CSPP site selection decision applying Fuzzy PROMETHEE II approach combined with a triangular intuitionistic fuzzy generalized ordered weighted averaging (TIFGOWA) operator. Firstly, the triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TIENs) are introduced to reflect indefinite knowledge. Secondly, the TIFGOWA operator is adopted to solve the interaction problem involved in different evaluation on alternative ratings and criteria weights of decision makers. Thirdly, fuzzy PROMETHEE II method is presented to rank the alternatives by determining preference functions and setting parameters for each criterion. Finally, a case of China with sensitive analysis and comparative analysis would be performed to certificate the feasibility of the suggested framework. The acquired result illustrates the PT-CSPP alternative situated in Qinghai Golmud would be the optimal location. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.