30,232 research outputs found
A framework for the selection of the right nuclear power plant
Civil nuclear reactors are used for the production of electrical energy. In the nuclear industry vendors propose several nuclear reactor designs with a size from 35â45âMWe up to 1600â1700âMWe. The choice of the right design is a multidimensional problem since a utility has to include not only financial factors as levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and internal rate of return (IRR), but also the so called âexternal factorsâ like the required spinning reserve, the impact on local industry and the social acceptability. Therefore it is necessary to balance advantages and disadvantages of each design during the entire life cycle of the plant, usually 40â60 years. In the scientific literature there are several techniques for solving this multidimensional problem. Unfortunately it does not seem possible to apply these methodologies as they are, since the problem is too complex and it is difficult to provide consistent and trustworthy expert judgments. This paper fills the gap, proposing a two-step framework to choosing the best nuclear reactor at the pre-feasibility study phase. The paper shows in detail how to use the methodology, comparing the choice of a small-medium reactor (SMR) with a large reactor (LR), characterised, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (2006), by an electrical output respectively lower and higher than 700âMWe
Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Analytic Hierarchical Process With Prioritization, Consistency Checking, and Inconsistency Repairing
Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), as one of the most important methods to tackle multiple
criteria decision-making problems, has achieved much success over the past several decades. Given that
linguistic expressions are much closer than numerical values or single linguistic terms to a human way of
thinking and cognition, this paper investigates the AHP with comparative linguistic expressions. After providing
the snapshot of classical AHP and its fuzzy extensions, we propose the framework of hesitant
fuzzy linguistic AHP, which shows how to yield a decision for qualitative decision-making problems with
complex linguistic expressions. First, the comparative linguistic expressions over criteria or alternatives
are transformed into hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements and then the hesitant fuzzy linguistic preference
relations (HFLPRs) are constructed. Considering that HFLPRs may be inconsistent, we conduct consistency
checking and improving processes after obtaining priorities from the HFLPRs based on a linear programming
method. Regarding the consistency-improving process, we develop a new way to establish a perfectly
consistent HFLPR. The procedure of the hesitant fuzzy linguistic AHP is given in stepwise. Finally,
a numerical example concerning the used-car management in a lemon market is given to illustrate the
ef ciency of the proposed hesitant fuzzy linguistic AHP method.This work was supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant 71771156, in part by the 2019 Sichuan
Planning Project of Social Science under Grant SC18A007, in part by the 2019 Soft Science Project of Sichuan Science and Technology
Department under Grant 2019JDR0141, and in part by the Project of Innovation at Sichuan University under Grant 2018hhs-43
A methodology for the selection of new technologies in the aviation industry
The purpose of this report is to present a technology selection methodology to
quantify both tangible and intangible benefits of certain technology
alternatives within a fuzzy environment. Specifically, it describes an
application of the theory of fuzzy sets to hierarchical structural analysis and
economic evaluations for utilisation in the industry. The report proposes a
complete methodology to accurately select new technologies. A computer based
prototype model has been developed to handle the more complex fuzzy
calculations. Decision-makers are only required to express their opinions on
comparative importance of various factors in linguistic terms rather than exact
numerical values. These linguistic variable scales, such as âvery highâ, âhighâ,
âmediumâ, âlowâ and âvery lowâ, are then converted into fuzzy numbers, since it
becomes more meaningful to quantify a subjective measurement into a range rather
than in an exact value. By aggregating the hierarchy, the preferential weight of
each alternative technology is found, which is called fuzzy appropriate index.
The fuzzy appropriate indices of different technologies are then ranked and
preferential ranking orders of technologies are found. From the economic
evaluation perspective, a fuzzy cash flow analysis is employed. This deals
quantitatively with imprecision or uncertainties, as the cash flows are modelled
as triangular fuzzy numbers which represent âthe most likely possible valueâ,
âthe most pessimistic valueâ and âthe most optimistic valueâ. By using this
methodology, the ambiguities involved in the assessment data can be effectively
represented and processed to assure a more convincing and effective decision-
making process when selecting new technologies in which to invest. The prototype
model was validated with a case study within the aviation industry that ensured
it was properly configured to meet the
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