Citation

Yin L, Jiang Y, Qiu R. Materials (Basel) 2018; 11(8): e11081353.

Affiliation

State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China. rqh@mail.ustc.edu.cn.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/ma11081353

PMID

30081550

Abstract

As is well known, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology is becoming more commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. Fire assessment of photovoltaic (PV) modules as a whole is still insufficient. This work focuses on the thermal properties and combustion behavior of CIGS (copper, indium, gallium and selenium) thin-film modules. Cone calorimeter experiments were conducted at different external heat flux of 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 kW m^-2. Several parameters are discussed, including surface temperature, ignition time, heat release rate (HRR), mass loss rate, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations. The results show that CIGS thin-film solar modules are inflammable at intermediate or high flashover risk. A correction calculation for the gas toxicity index has been used to reduce the well-ventilation condition effect. Compared with the uncorrected calculation, peak fractional effective dose (FED) and lethal concentration for 50% of the population (LC₅₀) are almost double. This work will help to determine a more stringent fire safety provision for PV modules.

Language: en

Keywords

CIGS; cone calorimeter; fire hazard; flammability; photovoltaic fires