Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach for DC Microgrid Bus Selection

Foued Charaabi; Mehdi Dali; Jamel Belhadj

doi:10.2478/pead-2025-0010

Abstract

The increasing variety of DC microgrid configurations has created a challenge for engineers in selecting the optimal design. To address this, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) provides a systematic approach. In this study, six distinct DC microgrid configurations are defined as potential alternatives: unipolar, bipolar, multi-terminal topology, multi-bus topology, ring topology and AC microgrid. MCDA allows for the establishment of relevant evaluation criteria specific to each configuration, such as protection schemes, fault resilience and overall system cost. By systematically analysing the MCDA results using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique, the most suitable DC microgrid design can be identified, which inherently determines the optimal type of distribution bus. AHP assigns weights to each evaluation criterion based on its relative importance. This study concludes with a comprehensive sensitivity analysis and an investigation of optimisation techniques. This assessment integrates perspectives from both expert judgements and relevant scientific publications.

References

Al Dawsari, S., Anayi, F. and Packianather, M. (2024). Techno-Economic Analysis of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems for Cost Reduction and Reliability Improvement Using Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm. Energy, 313, p. 133653. doi: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133653
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Beyza, J. and Yusta, J. M. (2021). Integrated Risk Assessment for Robustness Evaluation and Resilience Optimisation of Power Systems After Cascading Failures. Energies, 14(7), p. 2028. doi: 10.3390/en14072028
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Böhringer, C., Cuntz, A., Harhoff, D. and Asane-Otoo, E. (2017). The Impact of the German Feed-in Tariff Scheme on Innovation: Evidence Based on Patent Filings in Renewable Energy Technologies. Energy Economics, 67, pp. 545–553. doi: 10.1016/j.eneco.2017.09.001
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bouchekara, H. R., Sha’aban, Y. A., Shahriar, M. S., Abdullah, S. M. and Ramli, M. A. (2023). Sizing of Hybrid PV/Battery/Wind/Diesel Microgrid System Using an Improved Decomposition Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Considering Uncertainties and Battery Degradation. Sustainability, 15(14), p. 11073. doi: 10.3390/su151411073
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cabana-Jiménez, K., Candelo-Becerra, J. E. and Sousa Santos, V. (2022). Comprehensive Analysis of Microgrids Configurations and Topologies. Sustainability, 14(3), p. 1056. doi: 10.3390/su14031056
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chandra, A., Singh, G. K. and Pant, V. (2020). Protection Techniques for DC Microgrid—A Review. Electric Power Systems Research, 187, p. 106439. doi: 10.1016/j.epsr.2020.106439
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chang, F., Cui, X., Wang, M. and Su, W. (2021). Potential-Based Large-Signal Stability Analysis in DC Power Grids with Multiple Constant Power Loads. IEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy, 9, pp. 16–28. doi: 10.1109/OAJPE.2021.3132860
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dali, M., Charaabi, F. and Belhadj, J. (2022, October). Short-circuit fault analysis and protection of standalone AC and DC microgrids. In: 2022 IEEE International Conference on Electrical Sciences and Technologies in Maghreb (CISTEM). IEEE, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées et de Technologie Tunisia. (INSAT), Vol. 4, pp. 1–6.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Eskander, M. M. and Silva, C. A. (2023). Techno-Economic and Environmental Comparative Analysis for DC Microgrids in Households: Portuguese and French Household Case Study. Applied Energy, 349, p. 121495. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121495
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Feng, W., Jin, M., Liu, X., Bao, Y., Marnay, C., Yao, C. and Yu, J. (2018). A Review of Microgrid Development in the United States—A Decade of Progress on Policies, Demonstrations, Controls, and Software Tools. Applied Energy, 228, pp. 1656–1668. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.06.096
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gerber, D. L., Nordman, B., Brown, R. and Poon, J. (2023). Cost Analysis of Distributed Storage in AC and DC Microgrids. Applied Energy, 344, p. 121218. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121218
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jena, K., Panigrahi, C. K. and Gupta, K. K. (2021). A New 13-Level Switched-Capacitor Inverter with Reduced Device Count. Power Electronics and Drives, 6, pp. 26–41. doi: 10.2478/pead-2021-0005
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kiptoo, M. K., Adewuyi, O. B., Furukakoi, M., Mandal, P. and Senjyu, T. (2023). Integrated Multi-Criteria Planning for Resilient Renewable Energy-Based Microgrid Considering Advanced Demand Response and Uncertainty. Energies, 16(19), p. 6838. doi: 10.3390/en16196838
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kumar, A. A. and Prabha, N. A. (2022). A Comprehensive Review of DC Microgrid in Market Segments and Control Technique. Heliyon, 8, p. e11694. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11694
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Meddeb, A., Sahbeni, N., Jmii, H., and Chebbi, S. (2018, March). Impact of distributed generation on the protection system in Tunisian distribution network. In: 2018 15th International Multi-Conference on Systems, Signals & Devices (SSD). IEEE, Yasmine Hammamet, Tunisia, pp. 514–520.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mohamed, A., Refaat, S. S. and Abu-Rub, H. (2019). A Review on Big Data Management and Decision-Making in Smart Grid. Power Electronics and Drives, 4(39), pp. 1–13. doi: 10.2478/pead-2019-0011
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Parvaneh, F. and Hammad, A. (2024). Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) to Select the Most Sustainable Power-Generating Technology. Sustainability, 16(8), p. 3287. doi: 10.3390/su16083287
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Punitha, S., Subramaniam, N. P. and Vimal Raj, P. A. D. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Microgrid Challenges in Architectures, Mitigation Approaches, and Future Directions. Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology, 11(1), p. 60. doi: 10.1186/s43067-024-00188-4
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Rocchetta, R., Zio, E. and Patelli, E. (2018). A Power-Flow Emulator Approach for Resilience Assessment of Repairable Power Grids Subject to Weather-Induced Failures and Data Deficiency. Applied Energy, 210, pp. 339–350. doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.10.126
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Saaty, T. L. (2008). Decision Making with the Analytic Hierarchy Process. International Journal of Services Sciences, 1(1), pp. 83–98. doi: 10.1504/IJSSCI.2008.017590
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Saaty, T. L. and Vargas, L. G. (2012). Models, Methods, Concepts & Applications of the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Springer Science & Business Media, New York.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Siksnelyte, I., Zavadskas, E. K., Streimikiene, D. and Sharma, D. (2018). An Overview of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods in Dealing with Sustainable Energy Development Issues. Energies, 11(10), p. 2754. doi: 10.3390/en11102754
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang, F., Tian, J., Ling, J., Chen, Z. and Xu, Z. (2025). A Multi-Stage Resilience Analysis Framework of Critical Infrastructure Systems Based on Component Importance Measures. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 256, p. 110720. doi: 10.1016/j.ress.2024.110720
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang, H., Yan, S., Ju, D., Ma, N., Fang, J., Wang, S., Li, H., Zhang, T., Xie, Y. and Wang, J. (2023). Short-Term Photovoltaic Power Forecasting Based on A Feature Rise-Dimensional Two-Layer Ensemble Learning Model. Sustainability, 15(21), p. 15594. doi: 10.3390/su152115594
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yildiz, O. A., Cebi, S. and Yildiz, O. (2025). Multicriteria Decision Support for Sustainable Energy Planning: An Evaluation of Alternative Scenarios for the Solar Power Plant Site Selection. Environment, Development and Sustainability, pp. 1–35. doi: 10.1007/s10668-024-05943-1.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yodo, N. and Wang, P. (2016). Engineering Resilience Quantification and System Design Implications: A Literature Survey. Journal of Mechanical Design, 138(11), p. 111408. doi: 10.1115/1.4034223
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Approach for DC Microgrid Bus Selection

Abstract

Paradigm

My account