Ranking Energy Storage Technologies Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and VIKOR

Abstract Due to increasing global average temperatures, it is imperative to increase investment in renewable energy and energy storage technologies to reduce the negative impact to the environment. As such, improvements associated with renewable energy intermittency and variability is a priority. One solution is through the use of energy storage technologies (ESTs) to improve the reliability and stability of power supplies. ESTs come in various selections, each with its own application and attributes. Since no EST is universally applicable, utilization of MADM methods helps in narrowing selected technologies in a specific application. In this study, a hybrid AHP and VIKOR method is utilized for stationary power applications. AHP is used for determining weights associated with each EST attribute from surveyed experts in academe and industry. The attributes efficiency and cycle life obtained the highest weights of 0.2384 and 0.2322 respectively. VIKOR is used in ranking ESTs based on available data gathered. Supercapacitor is ranked as best alternative due to its cycle efficiency, storage lifetime, power capacity, and power density. Subsequent rankings are flywheel, pumped-hydro, and lithium-ion battery. Technology readiness level and specific application details could be incorporated in further studies to improve ranking. This study demonstrates the potential of hybrid AHP-VIKOR in guiding researchers and decision makers select the appropriate EST given competing performance in different criteria.