Summaries of Causes, Effects and Prevention of Solar Electric Fire Incidents

Authors

  • Abubakar Saidu Umar Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Adamawa State University, Mubi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8605-2463
  • Yunus Khalid Hamid Department of Physics with Electronics, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi

Keywords:

solar, Causes, Prevention, Fire Incident, Solar Electric Fire

Abstract

Currently the number of fire incidents involving photovoltaic (PV) systems are increasing as a result of the strong increase of PV installations. These incidents are terrible and immeasurable on life and properties. It is thus very important to understand the causes, effects and how prevent the occurrence of incidents. This study aimed to summarize the causes, effects, and preventions of solar electric fire incidents. Literature review was adopted to summarize the study. The summarized and discussed result from literature found that arcing, hot spot, weather conditions, improper installations and maintenance, and systems mechanical and electrical failures are the main causes solar PV fire incidents. The effects of incidents are terrible on life and properties. The result also discussed the precautionary measures in detail on how to prevent PV systems and firefighters before and during fire incidents. Therefore, it is expected that the study is comprehensive for manufacturers, installers, professionals to build and improve understanding of causes, effects and prevention of solar electric fire incidents in residential, industrial and commercial applications.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

IRENA “Future of Solar Photovoltaic: Deployment, investment, technology, grid integration and socio-economic aspects (A Global Energy Transformation: paper),” International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2019.

O. U. Paul, O, Albert, and A. S. Adeiza, “Electricity Crisis in Nigeria: The Way Forward,” American Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. Vol. 1(4), pp 180-186, 2015. Available at: http://www.aiscience.org/journal/ajrse.

IRENA “Boosting solar PV markets: The role of quality infrastructure,” International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi, 2017.

D. Turney and V. Fthenakis. ”Environmental impact from the installation and operation of large-scale solar power plants”. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Vol. 15, pp 3261–3270, 2011.

N. C. Clean Energy “Health and Safety Impacts of Solar Photovoltaics,” N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University, 2017.

S. Namikawa, G. Kinsey, G. Heath, A. Wade, P. Sinha, K. Komoto “Photovoltaics and Firefighters’ Operations: Best Practices in Selected Countries," International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Program. New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan, 2017.

O. O. S. Obasa, I. Mbamali, and K. C. Okolie, “Critical Investigation of Causes and Effects of Fire Disaster on Buildings in Imo State, Nigeria,” IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT). Vol. 14(5): 07-15, 2020. Available at: www.iosrjournals.org.

B. England. "An investigation into arc detection and fire safety aspects of PV installations". B.Eng. thesis, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia, 2012. Available: http://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/11245968.pdf [Sep. 29, 2015]

L. Mazziotti, P. Cancelliere, G. Paduano, P. Setti, and S. Sassi, “Fire risk related to the use of PV systems in building facades,” MATEC Web of Conferences 46, 05001. EDP Sciences, 2016.

L. Fiorentinia, L. Marmob, E. Danzi, and V. Puccia, “Fire Risk Assessment of Photovoltaic Plants. A Case Study Moving from two Large Fires: from Accident Investigation and Forensic Engineering to Fire Risk Assessment for Reconstruction and Permitting Purposes,” Chemical Engineering Transactions. Vol. 48. Pp: 427-432, 2016.

M. Dhimish and A. M. Tyrrell. "Power loss and hotspot analysis for photovoltaic modules affected by potential induced degradation". Nature Partner Journal. Materials Degradation, (2022), 6:11. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00221-9

Z. Wu, Y. Hu, J. Wen, F. Zhou, and X. Ye, “A Review for Solar Panel Fire Accident Prevention in Large-Scale PV Applications,” IEEE Access. Vol. XX 2017. DOI 10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3010212, IEEE Access.

G. D. Neelkanth and S. S. Narendra “Fire hazard and other safety concerns of photovoltaic systems,” Journal of photonics for Energy. 2012. DOI: 10.1117/1.JPE.2.022006.

W. John, and K. Sarah, “How Can We Make PV Modules Safer,” Conference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference. June 2012.

G. Zhao, M. Li, L. Jian, Z. He, J. Shuang, S. Yuping, Q. Zhang, and L. Zhongxian, “Analysis of Fire Risk Associated with Photovoltaic Power Generation System,” Advances in Civil Engineering. Vol. 2018, Available at: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2623741

H. Y. Yang, X. D. Zhou, L. Z. Yang, and T. L. Zhang, “Experimental studies on the flammability and fire hazards of photovoltaic modules,” Materials. Vol. 8(7), pp 4210–4225, 2015.

R. Slaughter, “Fundamentals of Photovoltaics for the Fire Service,” 2016. Available at: www.osfm.fire.ca.gov/training/photovoltaics.php

P. Moskowitz, and V. Fthenakis, “Toxic Materials Released from Photovoltaic Modules during Fires: Health Risks" Solar Cells, Volume 29, pp 63-71, 1990.

BRE, 2017. "Fire and Solar PV Systems - Literature Review". BRE National Solar Centre, Eden Project, St Blazey, Cornwall, PL24 2SG.

J. Johnson, W. Bower and M. Quintana, "Electrical and thermal finite element of arc faults in photovoltaic bypass diodes". In world Renewable Energy Forum, May 2012, Sandia National Laboratories. Available: http://energy.sandia.gov/wpcontent//gallery/uploads/WREF_2012_Diode_ArcFault_Modeling_SAND2012-2024C.pdf [Oct. 7, 2015]

N. G. Dhere and N. S. Shiradkar. "Fire hazard and other safety concerns of photovoltaic systems". Journal of Photonics for Energy, vol. 2, no. 1, 022006, 2012. Available at: http://photonicsforenergy.spiedigitallibrary.org/article.aspx?articleid=1486127 [Sep. 10, 2015]

H. Häberlin, L. Borgna and P. Scharf. "PV and Fire brigate safety: no panic, but realistic assessment of danger and possible countermeasures". 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Hamburg, Germany, 2011. Munich: WIP-Renewables, 2011, pp. 3913-3921

R. Tammasini et al. "Risk of electrocution during fire suppression activities involving photovoltaic systems". Fire safety journal, 06, Pp. 35-41, 2014. Available: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379711214000630 [Dec. 16, 2015]

M. Tabaddor and R. Backstrom. "Fire performance of crack mounted PV modules on roofing assemblies". Proc. 26th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Hamburg, Germany, Sep. 2011, pp. 3757-3761. Published: Munich, WIP-Renewable Energies, 2011.

P. Cancelliere et al. "Behavior of the Electrical Parameters of PV Modules Subject to a Flame Ignition". 28th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, Session: 4AV.4.45, Paris, 2013.

R. Backstrom and D. Dini. "Firefighter safety and photovoltaic installations research project". 8472SPIE, Bellingham. 2012.

H. Ohde and R. Hattier. "Fire safety procedures for photovoltaic systems and battery storage. 2017. https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-safety-pv-systems/#gref

M. R. Ramali, N. A. Fatin, M. N. Ong, M. R. Baharudin, A. F. Tharima, F. W. Akashah, M. Z. M. Tohir. "A Review on Safety Practices for Firefighters During Photovoltaic (PV) Fire". Fire Technology. 2022.

J. Hayes-White. "Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Safety and Fire Ground Procedures". San Francisco Fire Department 698—2nd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. 2012.

Z. Zang, J. Wohlgemuth and S. Kurtz. "The thermal reliability study of bypass diodes in photovoltaic modules". 2013 Photovoltaic Module Reliability Workshop, February 26-27, 2013, Golden, Colorado. Report no. NREL/PO 5200 58225. Available: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy13osti/58225.pdf [Sep. 29, 2015]

U. Jahn, “Fire tests and fire risks,” International Workshop on BIPV, Nice, France (30 October 2008). Available at: http://www.pv-performance.org/performance/project-presentations/workshop-bipv-nice-30-october-2008.

E. I. Elenwo, O. P. Elenwo, and O. C. Dollah, “Risk and Vulnerability of Markets to Fire Incidents in Port Harcourt Metropolis Rivers State, Nigeria” International Journal of Health, Safety and Environments (IJHSE). Vol. 05 (01): 331-342, 2019. Available at: www.academiascholarlyjournal.org/ijhse/index_ijhse.htm.

M. E. Ya'acob, H. Hizam, T. Khatib, M. Amran, M. Radzi, C. Gomes, M. Bakri, M. H. Marhaban and W. Elmenreich. "Modelling of photovoltaic array temperature in a tropical site using generalized extreme value distribution". Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Vol. 6 No. 3, AIP, 2014.

B. V. Chikateand and Y. A. Sadawarte. "The Factors Affecting the Performance of Solar Cell". International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887). International Conference on Quality Up-gradation in Engineering, Science and Technology (ICQUEST2015).

A. Dajuma, S. Yahaya, S. Touré, A. Diedhiou, R. Adamou, A. Konaré, M. Sido, and M. Golba. "Sensitivity of Solar Photovoltaic Panel Efficiency to Weather and Dust over West Africa: Comparative Experimental Study between Niamey (Niger) and Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)". Computational Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, 5, 123-147. 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/cweee.2016.54012

M. A. R. S. Al-Baghdadi, A. A. Ridha, A. S. Al-Khayyat. "The effects of climate change on photovoltaic solar production in hot regions". Diagnostyka. 23(3):2022303. 2022. https://doi.org/10.29354/diag/152276.

M. K. S. Al-Ghezi, R. T. Ahmed, and M. T. Chaichan. "The Influence of Temperature and Irradiance on Performance of the photovoltaic panel in the Middle of Iraq". International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 11(2), 501-513. 2022. Available at: https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.2022.43713

C. Temaneh-Nyah, and L. Mukwekwe. "An investigation on the effect of operating temperature on power output of the photovoltaic system at University of Namibia Faculty of Engineering and I.T campus. Third International Conference on Digital Information, Networking, and Wireless Communications (DINWC), pp. 22-29, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1109/DINWC.2015.7054211

G. Ciulla, V. L. Brano, and E. Moreci, "Forecasting the Cell Temperature of PV Modules with an Adaptive System". International Journal of Photoenergy. 2013. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/192854

M. Jaszczur, Q. Hassan, J. Teneta, E Majewska, M. Zyc, "An analysis of temperature distribution in solar photovoltaic module under various environmental condition". MATEC Web of Conferences 240, 04004. 2018.

M, Boxwell. ”Solar Electricity Handbook. 2018 Edition: A Simple, Practical Guide to Solar Energy - Designing and Installing Solar Photovoltaic Systems,” Coventry: Greenstream Publishing. 2016.

World Fire Statistics Report (WFSR), “List of fire outbreak from 77 countries,” Vol.9, 345-450, (2001).

J. Wohlgemuth and S. Kurtz. "How can we make PV modules safer?". 38th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, Austin, Texas, June 3-8, 2012, pp. 003162-003165.

P. Cancelliere. "PV electrical plants fire risk assessment and mitigation according to the Italian national fire services guidelines". Fire Mater. 40(3); 355–367. 2016. https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.2290

S. Pester. "DC isolators for photovoltaic systems". BRE Report FB 68. Bracknell, IHS BRE Press, 2014. Available: http://www.bre.co.uk/nsc/page.jsp?id=3435 [Dec. 16, 2015]

W. Boateng, “Electricity Company of Ghana explains causes of fire outbreaks. Ghanaian Times, Thursday, 24th January, 2013.

GB 50016-2014, Code of Design on Building Fire Protection and Prevention, Ministry of housing and urban-rural development of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China, 2014.

P. I. Shibutse, S. Omuterema, and S. China, “Causes of Fire Disasters in Secondary Schools in Kenya,” Research on Humanities and Social Sciences. Vol. 4(25), pp 66-70, 2014.

Y. A. Chen, K. Bridgman-Acker, J. Edwards, and A. E. Lauwers, “Pediatric fire deaths in Ontario,” Canadian Family Physician, Vol, 57, 2011.

A. A. Adekunle, N. E. Asuquo, I. I. Umanah, K. E. Ibe, and A. B. Alo, “Statistical Analysis of Electrical Fire Outbreaks in Buildings: Case Study of Lagos State, Nigeria,” Journal of Sustainable Development Studies. Vol. 9(1): 76-92., 2016.

A. E. Ilori, and R. A. Magaji, “Towards A Sustainable Fire-free Environment in Kebbi State: Causes and People’s Behaviour in Fire Disasters,” Asian Journal of Geographical Research. Vol. 2(4), pp 1-11, 2019.

Electric Power Research Institute. “Potential Health and Environmental Impacts Associated with the Manufacture and Use of Photovoltaic Cells". Report to the California Energy Commission, Palo Alto, CA. 2003.

G. Y. Obeng, and H. D. Evers, “Impacts of public solar PV electrification on rural microenterprises: The case of Ghana,” Journal of Energy for Sustainable Development, Elsevier, 14. pp. 223–231, 2011.

D. C. Cone, D., MacMillan, V. Parwani, and C. V. Gelder, “Threats to life in residential structure fires” Prehospital Emergency Care. Vol. 12(3), 2008.

P. Sinha, R. Balas and L. Krueger. "Fate and transport evaluation of potential leaching and fire risks from CdTe PV". 37th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, Seattle, WA, 2011.

P. Sinha et al. "Regulatary policy governing cadmium-telluride photovoltaics: a case study constrating life cycle management with precautionary principle". Energy Policy, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 381-387, January 2008.

S. O. Iyaji, O. B. Kolawole, and A. T. Anthony, “The role of Design and Construction in Mitigating Fire Disasters in Housing in Nigeria,” Journal of Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa (JGGSDA). Vol. 3(1), 2016.

L.T. Ejeta, A. Ardalan, and D. Paton “Application of behavioral theories to disaster and emergency health preparedness: a systematic review,” Currents disasters of PLOS Journal. 2015. Available: http://currents.plos.org/disasters/article/application-of behavioral-theories-to-disaster-and-emergency-healthpreparedness-a-systematic-review/.

O. U. Sunday, S. N. Zubairu, and A. D. Isah, “Determination of Active Protection Measures against Fire in Wuse Market of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.” American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, vol. 7, no. 2 (2019): 61-66. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-7-2-3.

J. Haney and A. Burstein. "PV system operations and maintenance fundamentals". Solar America Board for Codes and Standards, 2013. Available: http://www.solarabcs.org/about/publications/reports/operations-maintenance/pdfs/SolarABCs-35-2013.pdf [Sep. 29, 2015]

C. Liciotti, P. Cancelliere, M. Cardinali and V. Puccia. "Analysis of combustion fumes and gasses released during burning of some C-si PV modules". 29th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, 2014.

J. A. Tsanakas, L. Ha, and C. Buerhop, “Faults and infrared thermographic diagnosis in operating c-Si photovoltaic modules: A review of research and future challenges". Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. Vol. 62. Pp. 695–709, 2016.

N. Filatof, “The importance of staying cool,” PV Magazine Photovoltaic markets and technology, July 2019

B. Backstrom, and D. Sloan. “Report of Experiments of Minimum Gap and Flashing for Rack Mounted Photovoltaic Modules Phase 4". Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), 2012.

A. Adekunle, I. I. Umanah, K. E. Ibe, and M. R. Imonikosaye, “Statistical Analysis of Fire Outbreaks in Homes and Public Buildings in Nigeria: A Case Study of Lagos State,” International Journal of Engineering Research and Advanced Technology (IJERAT). Vol. 4(8): 21-30, 2018. Available at: www.ijerat.com.

J. M. Cobin, “The Enterprise of Fire Safety Services in Lagos, Nigeria,” The Independent Review, Vol. 17(3): 379–414. 2013.

J. Case, “Residential Garret Fires,” 2010. fireengineering.com http://www.fireengineering.com/- engineering/volume-163/Issue-4/Features/Residential-Garret-Fires.html.

D. McCluer, “Electrical Construction & Maintenance: NFPA 70E’s Approach to Considering DC Hazards,” 2013.

GB 50016-2014, "Code of Design on Building Fire Protection and Prevention". Ministry of housing and urban-rural development of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China, 2014.

GB 50229-2006. "Code for Design of Fire Protection for Fossil Fuel Power Plants and Substations". Ministry of housing and urban-rural development of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China, 2014.

GB 50797-2012. "Code for Design of Fire Protection for Photovoltaic Power Station". Ministry of housing and urban-rural development of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, China, 2014

article IJEAP : Summaries of Causes, Effects and Prevention of Solar Electric Fire Incidents

Downloads

Published

— Updated on 2023-01-25

How to Cite

[1]
A. S. Umar and Y. . Khalid Hamid, “Summaries of Causes, Effects and Prevention of Solar Electric Fire Incidents”, International Journal of Engineering and Applied Physics, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 663–672, Jan. 2023.

Issue

Section

Articles

ARK