The Recognition of Fires Originating from Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems

Smith, Simon Peter (2015) The Recognition of Fires Originating from Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems. Master of Science by Research (MScRes) thesis, University of Kent. (Full text available)

Abstract

There has been an observable increase in the fitting of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roofs of buildings in the UK over the last decade. The origin of some fires in domestic and commercial properties has been attributed to PV systems. This thesis examines the ability of fire examiners to recognise and record details of fires believed to have originated from PV systems, as well as investigating the effect of internal heating in direct current (DC) isolators to the point at which they fail. National fire data was examined along with the methods for collecting and collating these data. This clarified that national fire data cannot identify the specifics of electrical fires. Validity of these data was then tested by identifying the confidence and competence in the recognition of the origin of fire, (especially when associated with PV systems), of some fire staff responsible for collecting fire data. This suggests that some fire scenes examiners are not confident in their own ability to recognise fires originating from PV systems. Evidence for fires occurring in PV systems in Kent between 2009 and 2014 was then examined, including a cold case forensic review of the evidence. This provided an indication that a potential common point of failure, which may lead to fire originating from a PV system, was to be found within the DC section of the PV circuits and probably within the DC isolator switch itself. Experimentation revealed that internal heating of a terminal connection can lead to changes of the phase of the insulating material, causing failure of structural integrity and therefore allowing an arc to be established. Observable post fire indicators associated with this mechanism of failure have been identified as well as hydrocarbons evolved from pyrolysis of isolator insulating material. Finally, areas for further experimental research and training of fire staff are suggested as well as the modification of recording mechanisms and building regulations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master of Science by Research (MScRes))
Additional information:	The Recognition of Fires Originating from Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Systems, Appendix B electronic data files are available by contacting the author at: simon@prometheus-fs.co.uk
Uncontrolled keywords:	Fire Scenes Examiner; Incident Recording System; Photovoltaic; Pyrolysis;
Subjects:	Q Science
Divisions:	Faculties > Sciences > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User:	Users 1 not found.
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2016 13:00 UTC
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2016 14:00 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/54688 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)