Multiple criteria decision-making for determining the optimal wind farm site under uncertainty

Optimal wind turbine location plays a major role in power generation and turbine life cycle. Advances have been made in the subject of multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM), resulting in new methods for improving and analysing the decision of wind farm location while considering various uncertainty resources. Sources of uncertainty, such as wind availability, demand variability, and the costs of maintenance and wind turbines on wind farm allocation, can reduce energy and operations costs. In this research, a novel robust MCDM model for wind farm allocation has been developed. A case study involving mathematical simulation for three wind farm locations in Saudi Arabia has been employed to demonstrate the developed research and tools. The research contributions proposed the developed robust MCDM approach using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and robust design (RD) could empower wind farm designers to have a better grasp of the weaknesses and strengths of their decision on wind farm allocation. Also, the paper advances a new approach that is practical and flexible for decision-makers. In addition, the research gives a valuable guideline for selecting the optimal site for a wind farm in other countries.