Fire prevention on PV systems with arc fault detectors

In this project with Gebäudeversicherung Bern, the cantonal building insurance company, the effectiveness of arc fault detectors in PV systems is being researched and their role with respect to fire prevention made known to the public.

Factsheet

  • Lead school School of Engineering and Computer Science
  • Institute(s) Institute for Energy and Mobility Research IEM
  • Research unit(s) IEM / Photovoltaic systems
  • Funding organisation Others
  • Duration 01.10.2022 - 30.09.2023
  • Project management Prof. Dr. Christof Bucher
  • Head of project David Joss
  • Project staff Luciano Borgna
    Ramona Bianca Stoll
    Peter Wüthrich
  • Partner Gebäudeversicherung Bern GVB
  • Keywords Fire prevention; arc detection; AFCI; LBD ; fire protection; personal protection

Situation

PV systems stand to become a linchpin of the electricity supply in Switzerland in the future. At the heart of a PV system are the inverters, which are increasingly being equipped with arc fault detectors. Arc fault detectors can detect hazardous spark gaps on the module side and shut down the system to prevent damage. That arc fault detectors exist, how they work and where their protective function reaches its limits, will be communicated to the public through this prevention project in conjunction with GVB Gebäudeversicherung Bern.

Lichtbogen-Schema
Im Projekt wird die Wirksamkeit von Lichtbogendetektoren in PV-Anlagen erforscht
Abb. 1: Zonen der Lichtbogendetektion nach IEC 63027:2023.
Abb. 1: Zonen der Lichtbogendetektion nach IEC 63027:2023.
Abb. 2: Unterschiede der Lichtbogenenergie im Lichtbogentest nach IEC 63027:2023
Abb. 2: Unterschiede der Lichtbogenenergie im Lichtbogentest nach IEC 63027:2023
Abb. 3: Lichtbogenenergie im nicht-normativen Test.
Abb. 3: Lichtbogenenergie im nicht-normativen Test.

This project contributes to the following SDGs

  • 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • 17: Partnerships for the goals