Multi-Criteria Analysis to Select Renewable Energy Solution for District Heating System

Abstract

The research paper is focused on how to choose the most suitable renewable energy solution using multi-criteria analysis for a district heating system. Making choices is based on indicators – economic, environmental and social. In this case, the study used five indicators: resources costs, totals investments, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, specific weight of renewable energy resources and impact on utilized land. Three situations have been compared – current situation: gas boiler, planned: solar collectors 21 595 m2 + accumulation tank 8000 m3 and alternatives: solar PV panels 5504 m2 – heat pump COP 3 are used in the estimation. The multi-criteria decision-making analysis shows that solar collectors 21 595 m2 + accumulation tank 8000 m3 are considered as the best alternative. The methodology is based on choosing a solution for a district heating company in Latvia.

Keywords

• accumulation tank
• alternatives
• district heating
• multi-criteria analysis
• renewable energy
• solar collectors
• topsis