| Christine Coonick |
| Mon 23 Oct 2017, 13:00 - 14:30 |
| Sanderson Building, Classroom 3 |
If you have a question about this talk, please contact: Martina Manes (s1688520)
Fire incidents involving photovoltaic systems
Abstract:
Over the past few years, there have been a number of media reports linking solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with fire. The number of PV systems has increased rapidly over the last 7 years with nearly 900,000 installations across the UK. It is inevitable that this surge in deployment has led to an increase in the number of faults with the potential to cause fires. Whilst some incidents have been reported by the press, others have only become known through word of mouth, and it seems likely that a larger number of fire incidents have not been reported at all, especially where installers have been able to contain and rectify the fault without intervention from the fire services. Previously, there appears to have been no detailed follow-up investigation in order to properly understand the causes of these fires, or how the presence of PV on a building may have influenced firefighting operations.
BRE have been commissioned by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to collate accurate information - both historical and contemporary – on fire incidents involving PV systems, and on relevant previous research. The aim of the project is to feed the data and conclusions into industry standards and the National Occupational Guidance system. This presentation provides a summary of the research that has been completed and the findings presented by BRE’s Interim Report.
Bio:
Chris is a Senior Consultant for BRE, heading up the National Solar Centre, based at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Chris is experienced in the delivery of research projects, product testing, certification and providing independent technical expertise on solar for a wide range of clients.
Working in the field of solar photovoltaics and associated technologies since 2010, Chris has a background in electrical engineering and has worked on the practical delivery of developing, designing, installing and commissioning innovative solar powered products and systems.
Pizza from 12.45 top of AGB