Title: Location selection factors of small hydropower plant investments powered by SAW, grey WPM and fuzzy DEMATEL based on human natural language perception

Authors: Burak Omer Saracoglu

Addresses: Orhantepe Mahallesi, Tekel Caddesi, Geziyolu Sokak, 34865 Dragos, Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract: Small hydropower plants (SHPP) are site-specific. Hence, attractiveness of investments is related to sites. Satisfactory SHPP locations can be selected with appropriate SHPP location selection factors. In this study, 1st generation Original Anatolian Honeybees' investment decision support methodology, location selection factors module is followed for finding, defining, identifying and selecting relevant criteria for investment screening stage. Information retrieval process in knowledge gathering and acquisition stage is very detailed. Eligible factors are selected by Simple Additive Weighting approach. Awarded factors are evaluated by Weighted Product approach outfitted by grey theory. This approach can deal with incomplete information. These factors are structured by fuzzy theory supported Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method. This approach can handle complexity well. Findings can easily be used in multi criteria and objective research and practical studies. This study is only based on human perception. Future works will cover computerised (e.g., machine learning) methods integrated applications.

Keywords: DEMATEL; fuzzy logic; simple additive weighting; SAW; small hydropower; weighted product; location selection; hydropower plant investments; natural language perception; small hydro; investment screening; grey system theory; hydropower plant location.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2017.080867

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2017 Vol.8 No.1, pp.1 - 23

Received: 02 Jul 2015
Accepted: 20 Jul 2016
Published online: 09 Dec 2016 *

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