Fuzzy Mcdm: An Approach for Selecting Micro Turbine Technology in a Micro Hydropower Project in Cameroon

Abstract

Micro-hydropower plants are a highly favorable alternatives to solving the electrification problems in rural areas where we have the potential and also to satisfy the electricity demand of the populations in several developing countries such as Cameroon. Given the challenges related to the accessibility and selection of micro-hydraulic turbine technologies, the potential of micro hydropower available in Cameroon remains almost untapped. Our study proposes a methodology using fuzzy MCDM methods for the selection of a micro-hydraulic turbine technology for a micro-hydropower project study in Cameroon. The development of a transparent and objective decision-making process, taking into consideration the technical, economic, environmental criteria, as well as uncertainties and subjective preferences of stakeholders using fuzzy MCDM methods, namely fuzzy AHP, TOPSIS fuzzy and fuzzy VIKOR, allowed us to evaluate several hydraulic micro-turbine technologies. It emerges from this study that PAT technology is the best option for the project, with a proximity coefficient of 0.554652 and a VIKOR index of 0.422592 obtained respectively by the F-TOPSIS and F-VIKOR methods, followed by the Pelton turbine with a proximity coefficient of 0.391916 and a VIKOR index of 0.558388. The results showed that the fuzzy MCDM approach offers a powerful decision support tool in the context of micro-hydropower projects, making it possible to identify the most appropriate technologies and to maximize socio-economic and environmental benefits. This approach could also be applicable in other developing countries with the potential of pico and micro hydroelectricity to improve rural electrification.