Comprehensive framework on wind energy: A sustainable site selection under uncertainty and reliability, layout optimization and 7E analysis

Abstract

Wind energy is one of the renewable energy sources whose production capacity has significantly increased in recent years due to the rapid technology development. However, the utilization of this energy faces challenges such as site selection, wake phenomenon, windfarm layout, and its cost-effectiveness. In this regard, the present study provides a global framework for evaluating wind energy considering these challenges. This framework consists of three phases, where in the first phase, the most suitable location for windfarm is evaluated from twelve sustainable aspects. Multi-criteria decision-making(Z-MARCOS,Z-ARAS,Z-TOPSIS,Z-EDAS,Z-WSM, and Z-COPRAS) with Z-number theory are employed to select best site under uncertainty and reliability. Then, in the second phase, the wake phenomenon in the windfarm is evaluated and windfarm layout are optimized by conventional and adaptive genetic algorithms. Finally, in the third phase, the performance of the windfarm is assessed using 7E indicators. Iran is considered as a case study. The results showed constructing windfarm in Khorasan is the most suitable, leading to the production of 263GWh/yr with exergy(energy) efficiency of 49(43) % and electricity cost (payback period) of 53 $/MWh (13 years), which is cost-effective. In general, the proposed framework provides a comprehensive evaluation and can serve as a framework for windfarms worldwide.