1 AIT Asian Institute of Technology

Application of improved evaluation techniques : a case study of energy supply to the domestic sector of Nepal

AuthorAdhikari, Kedar Bahadur
Call NumberAIT Thesis no.IE-91-2
Subject(s)Power resources--Nepal
NoteA Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology
PublisherAsian Institute of Technology
AbstractThe purpose of this study is to apply various techniques, especially the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to energy technology/plant selection in landlocked country Nepal, where the traditional source of energy, the fuelwood, is proving insufficient to serve the domestic needs of the people. A model is developed which combines various factors as per the levels and which considers the participatory action of the top, body - the national planning body - down to the level of the individual users. National goal-oriented factors such as foreign exchange, revenues, employment are some of the macro-level factors assigned under the national planners whereas elements like traditional norms and convenience are placed under the users level. Besides, the briquetting plant technology is evaluated using the AHP as well as the technology model developed by Sharif and Sundararajan. Data were collected from number of experts belonging to national bodies like National Planning Commission and its affiliated bodies, Research organizations, Industrially related bodies, energy organizations, and the academicians, through a structured questionnaire via individual interview coupled at times with team discussion. To bring in more effectiveness, maintaining the simplicity, arithmetic mean (average) is employed to form a consensus from group opinions on the importance ratio of criteria and factors. The findings are presented which includes both the relative importance (weights) and ranking of each alternative. The opinions of the experts reflect the necessity of introduction and widespread use of the hydro power plants in urban areas while biogas plants be used in the rural areas of Nepal as viable replacements to the rapidly depleting fuel wood, to use as fuel and safeguard the ecological balance too. The sensitivity analysis examines further, the importance of the criteria laid down and the stability of the models. The specific technology evaluation of the briquetting technology adds strength to develop combination of a suitable match for the national needs. Of the evaluated models of briquetting technology the model from Taiwan gained top priority both from AHP and the Sharif methodology. Model development, experts opinion and consensus formation together indicate towards the final ranking of the alternatives. Technology assessment, thus reflects its importance and usefulness in situations where multi-criteria exist, the decision issue is somewhat complicated and a rich solution is seeked for.
Year1991
TypeThesis
SchoolSchool of Engineering and Technology (SET)
DepartmentOther Field of Studies (No Department)
Academic Program/FoSIndustrial Engineering (IE)
Chairperson(s)Tang, John C.S.
Examination Committee(s)Tabucanon, Mario T. ;Saeed, Khalid
Scholarship Donor(s)DAAD (Government of Federal Republic of Germany)
DegreeThesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1991


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