A hierarchical performance evaluation approach for the sustainability of smart grid

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish a hierarchy of critical success factors to develop a framework for evaluating the performance of smart grids from a sustainability perspective. Design/methodology/approach The fuzzy analytical hierarchy process is used in this study to assess and determine the relative weight of economic, operational and environmental criteria. At the same time, the evidential reasoning algorithm is used to determine the belief degree of expert’s opinion, and the expected utility theory for the crisp value of success factors in performance estimation. Findings The finding reveals that success factors associated with the economic criteria receive significantly more attention from the expert group. Sensitivity analysis indicates the ranking of consumer satisfaction remains stable no matter how criteria weights are changed, which verifies the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed model and evaluation results. Originality/value The study presents a solid mathematical framework for collaborative system modeling and systematic analysis. Managers and stakeholders may use the proposed technique as a flexible tool to improve the energy system’s resiliency in a systematic way.