Multi-criteria Selection of Distributed Mini Generation Systems Using Rice Husk

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-criteria methodology to support decision making for management and selection of distributed mini generation sources (GD) using rice husk. Considering the potential of residual biomass, the developed model is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to evaluate the main technological arrangements of generation against the technical, economical, social-environmental aspects. Considering the possibility of energy transformation of rice husk, the following alternatives for distributed mini generation are considered: steam turbine, gas turbine, micro turbine, fuel cells, alternative combustion engine and Stirling engine. Regarding the evaluation aspects, it is defined energy efficiency, environmental impacts, social impacts, lifespan, access to technology, generation capacity, installation cost & operation and maintenance costs. Finally, the alternatives to use rice husk with these sources are classified according scenarios turned to social-environmental and economical purposes.