Selecting Communication Technologies for an Electrical Substation Based on the AHP
Nayli Adriana Azhar, Nurul Asyikin Mohamed Radzi, Intan Shafinaz Mustafa, Kaiyisah Hanis Mohd Azmi, Faris Syahmi Samidi, Izzati Thaqifah Zulkifli, Fairuz Abdullah, M. Z. Jamaludin, Aiman Ismail, Alisadikin Muhammad Zainal
Abstract
Traditional communication technologies for distribution substations will soon have difficulties meeting the needs of emerging applications. This is due to exponential population growth and future energy demands, which necessitate a reliable and fast response from the grid. Thus, this research aims to aid decision-makers in selecting the best communication technologies for an electrical distribution substation. In this study, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to shortlist, rank, and decide the most suitable communication technologies for an electrical substation based on its geographical location. The main criteria used for the selection are technical criteria, economic criteria, infrastructure, and service standards. The weight obtained from the pairwise comparison for each criterion is based on the literature review and expert opinions. The results comprise rankings of communication technologies tailored to different demographic settings, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. These rankings are generated through a comprehensive pairwise comparison process, building upon the earlier comparative analysis. Additionally, a structured framework has been developed to select the most appropriate communication technology for electrical substations in urban, suburban, and rural areas.