Evaluation of renewable energy options for cooling applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess renewable energy‐based cooling technologies using multi‐criteria methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology is applied to obtain the ranking of renewable energy options for cooling technology using five different criteria. In total, seven technologies were analyzed, based on the opinions obtained from experts and the extensive literature survey made and the ranking was obtained using AHP method.

Findings

The present findings revealed that the ranking for the renewable energy‐based cooling technologies were in the following order: biomass combustion, biogas, trigeneration, SPV, biomass gasifier, solar thermal storage, and hybrid technology. Only 5 per cent variation in global priority exists among top three options. This variation is considered insignificant due to rapidly varying factors such as technological advancements, government promotional schemes, fuel availability, etc. and hence these three options may be ranked equally.

Research limitations/implications

The research output is helpful in identifying the technology, with promising potential for promoting technology on a wider scale. Additional attributes and sensitivity analysis can be included for further research.

Originality/value

The paper usefully describes the AHP methodology utilized in the present study and the ranking made for the evaluation of renewable energy‐based cooling systems. The outcome of the present study would benefit policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs when choosing the appropriate cooling technology.

Citation

Srinivasa Ramana, A., Chidambaram, L., Kamaraj, G. and Velraj, R. (2012), "Evaluation of renewable energy options for cooling applications", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506221211216544