An analytical hierarchy process based decision support system for the selection of biogas up-gradation technologies

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2022-09, Vol.302, p.134741-134741, Article 134741
• Main Authors: Yadav, Priyanka, Yadav, Sudeep, Singh, Dhananjay, Kapoor, Rimika Madan, Giri, Balendu Shekher
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion; Analytic Hierarchy Process; Analytical hierarchy process; Biofuels; Biogas upgradation; Multi-criteria decision making; Technology
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134741

Recent developments in biogas upgradation have opened new horizons for its utilisation because upgradation technologies are fully developed and commercially available. However, the implementation of biogas upgrading technologies is not at the scale required to harness the full potential of biogas. Therefore, it is requisite to adopt a multicriteria decision-making methodology (MCDM) to select the most appropriate biogas up-gradation technology as each technology has its own set of benefits and downside. In this multifaceted scenario, the analytical hierarchy Process (AHP), one of the most preferred MCDM methods in rational decision-making, is applied in this study to select the most appropriate biogas upgrading technology. The broader recognition of AHP is its provision for converting multifaceted problems into a simple hierarchy. The research results reveal that biogas up-gradation technologies based on water scrubbing and membrane separation rank first and second among the alternatives. This research will show a direction to researchers and the MCDM community involved in biogas upgradation technologies on a broader scale. [Display omitted] •Biogas can be converted into bio-methane by various upgradation technologies.•An analytical hierarchy process is employed for ranking upgradation technologies.•Twelve sub-criteria under the dimension of four criteria are identified.•Process economics and initial cost ranked first in criteria and sub-criteria.•Water scrubbing ranked first amongst other upgradation alternatives.