An Evaluation Model of Hydrogen Storage Technology by a Fuzzy Delphi Method

Hydrogen energy is an emerging technology with benefits of energy savings and reduced carbon emissions. Development of hydrogen-related technologies is a top priority for advancing the hydrogen industry. However, hydrogen storage technologies vary based on energy savings and safety, making it difficult for decision makers to select appropriate technologies. Hence, research efforts have focused on selecting suitable hydrogen storage technologies. The purpose of this research is to develop an evaluation model to enable decision makers to select the most appropriate technology for development in Taiwan on the basis of 14 evaluation criteria. The weights of criteria and the ratings of technologies are collected by a seven-point linguistic scale using a Delphi questionnaire survey. The linguistic scores are then converted into fuzzy numbers and the consensus of decision makers' opinions on weights and ratings are derived mathematically using fuzzy Delphi methodology. We used the model to perform an evaluation of four different types of hydrogen storage technologies. The results of the assessment model revealed that chemical hydride technology is the most feasible for investment in Taiwan, and, as such, it should be given top priority for further development to realize industrialization.