A combined graph theory and analytic hierarchy process approach for multicriteria evaluation of hydrogen energy systems

Hydrogen is a renewable energy source and has the potential to mitigate the green house gas effect and to meet the increasing global electricity demand. In the present study, a multicriteria methodology is developed by combining graph theory and analytic hierarchy process methods for the evaluation and selection of hydrogen energy systems. The hydrogen energy system alternatives are assessed with respect to economic, environmental, performance and social criteria by computing the hydrogen energy system preference index. A detailed procedure for determination of hydrogen energy system preference index is suggested. Two examples relating to hydrogen production processes and hydrogen energy technologies are cited in order to demonstrate and validate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed methodology. In each example, a list of all possible choices from the best to the worst alternatives is obtained taking into account different evaluation criteria.