An engineering inspired method called multi-pole system analysis (MPSA) is presented and applied to an innovative wind-energy converter. The method offers a consecutive and structured guideline to determine optimal system designs in the tense interrelations of sustainability requirements, e.g. energetic efficiency, economic profitability and environmental quality. The method consists of the four steps of (1) system synthesis, (2) system analysis under uncertainty, (3) stochastic system optimization and (4) sensitivity analysis and addresses the involved uncertainty due to lack of information in the early stage of system design. As the results indicate, only a simultaneous consideration of the involved domains can truly lead to an optimal system design. By incorporating uncertainty aspects within the second step of the method and performing stochastic optimization, the disadvantage of missing robustness of previous deterministic optimal systems is overcome.

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