Accurate location planning for a wind-powered hydrogen refueling station: Fuzzy VIKOR method

Abstract

This study seeks to enhance the site selection procedure for decision-makers to select the most effective wind-powered hydrogen refueling station via the aid of Fuzzy Multi-criteria Decision-making (FMCDM) approaches. To accomplish the purpose of the study, technical, economic, environmental, geographical, and social aspects constitute the influential criteria for prioritizing the eight aptest cities of Iran. Then, the Fuzzy Multi-criteria Optimization and Compromise Solution (FVIKOR) is employed to ascertain which alternative should be chosen as the most efficient one with respect to the criteria. In addition to several non-fuzzy MCDM techniques, the Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS) and a novel integrated method are applied for validation. Moreover, an FMCDM approach coupling FTOPSIS and FVIKOR has been introduced for the prioritization of different alternatives while many conflicting criteria exist. The simulation results of fuzzy and non-fuzzy approaches suggest that Manjil is the best option for the purpose of study. The numerical findings also imply utilizing a 100-kW turbine in Manjil generates 548,376 kWh of electricity, resulting in the prevention of 109,675 kg of CO2 emissions and in the production of 8876 kg of hydrogen annually.