Fire protection of photovoltaic power station generator

Studies on photovoltaic modules have mainly focused on improving productivity and performance, while no study has viewed the impact of the use of BAPV and BIPV systems on the overall fire safety of a building. There is not enough literature regarding fire scenarios addressing various types of PV systems, which can be installed on buildings.

To make buildings more energy efficient, advanced clean and energy efficient technologies, especially photovoltaic (PV) systems, have become widely applied in new and existing buildings and communities, which, meanwhile, brings a new and intractable challenge to fire smoke protection.

Fire test with gas burner on crystalline PV module. Photovoltaic plants, like every electric installation, hold a certain danger potential regarding the occurrence of fire and personal danger from electric shock. Several published cases of fire shifted this topic to the focus of the public when the project began.

Overall, we see that research in the field of PV fire safety is progressing, as demonstrated by the growing number of studies in the last couple of years. As highlighted by various authors, a PV fire incident is a complex and multi-faceted topic that cannot be simplified to a single variable causing a single outcome.

As a result, an extensive guideline for the assessment and minimization of fire risks in PV plants was published. For risk analysis and the derivation of recommended actions for emergency personnel, different trials were carried out to assess the electrical dangers of PV plants and the emissions in case of fire of PV modules.

To begin with, our analysis shows that currently, there is no appropriate system for reporting and recording fire incidents involving or initiated by a PV panel system. Therefore, there is not enough documented information regarding the causes and extent of PV fire damage.