Local fire extinguishing systems
Local fire extinguishing systems are automatic fire extinguishing devices that can protect all battery storagephotovoltaic power plant batteries and are designed to extinguish fires in confined spaces such as garages, warehouses or caravans.
The battery storage of a PV plant stores the energy generated by the solar panels during the day. These systems provide a source of energy for an entire home or business, but they also pose a potential fire risk. One of the main problems that can arise with a PV storage system is overheating. Overheating can occur due to hardware failure, poor cooling, overcharging of battery cells. Overheating, thermal runaway, chain reaction can cause a fire. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate the fire protection measures and to secure the battery storage with a local fire extinguishing system. The main difference with local fire extinguishing systems compared to conventional fire extinguishers is their automatic function - as soon as a fire occurs in thea fire occurs in the area where the local extinguishing system is installed, the system activates itself and starts extinguishing. This automatic extinguishing function finds its application especially in unguarded closed battery storage areas of photovoltaic power plants that are not regularly under control.
Battery storage tends to be located in family homes, most often in garages or hallways, which often become the only escape route. Battery storage should be located in an area where it will be structurally separated. In single-family homes, do not place storage in an escape route (e.g., entryway). The battery has specific combustion characteristics that produce toxic fumes. When building a photovoltaic power plant, it is necessary to follow the technological procedures, so we recommend applying fire-proofing Protecta firestops on the cabling so that the fire does not spread through the cables from the storage to the roof structure. As far as individual penetrations and installations are concerned, this is not a legal requirement for single-family houses, but from the point of view of fire protection we definitely recommend such measures.
We recommend storing the batteries from photovoltaic power plants in special certified boxes that have fire resistance and placing a smoke detector above the box. The battery storage box of a PV plant should not be made and lined with material that will increase the temperature at the location in case of fire. The battery storage box should ideally be located outside the building/family home.In the event of a battery (cylindrical or prismatic) catching fire, the large amounts of hydrogen and oxygen are released and an explosive mixture is created. If the battery is stored in a hermetically sealed container, there is a high risk of combustion and explosion.During the release of gas from cylindrical batteries, individual cells may be ejected and mechanical reactions may occur in the form of the release of battery particles, etc.
In this type of fire there is a very high and dangerous heat, where there is a high risk of burns or scorching. If a battery storage fire is detected, call the emergency line 150, where it is important to state that you own a PV plant with battery storage.
HOW TO INSTALL LOCAL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS?
Local extinguishing systems are relatively small in size so they can be installed in an easy and space-saving manner. Only a metal structure is required to install selected types of local fire extinguishing systems. In the case of Combi systems, it is possible to place them on the floor. For the type marked CONNECT, the system is installed at such a height that the end of the hose with the sprinkler head and ampoule can be directed directly to the lithium battery. If there is a high ceiling at the installation site, we recommend that you have a special metal structure made to which the system will be attached so that the system hose can be directed efficiently. The CONNECT system is equipped with a high pressure hose which is made of special black rubber. This hose can be directed up to an angle of 45°. During installation and routing, the hose must not be impassable (broken).
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LOCAL FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS?
- Automatic extinguishing function when the temperature rises
- combination of automatic or manual extinguishing possible on selected types
- suitable for confined spaces
- simple ceiling or floor mounting (depending on the type of extinguishing system)
- wide range of applications
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF LOCAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS?
Local extinguishing systems can be divided as follows:
- According to the extinguishing agent
- Local extinguishing systems with BETA EFFEM foam are designed for extinguishing lithium batteries.
Cooling effect - creates a crust on the battery
- Local extinguishing systems with AVD are designed to extinguish sealed batteries that burn inside. During the extinguishing process, the extinguishing agent is baked and a crust is formed on the surface of the battery.
- Depending on the type
- Connect
- Combi
- Hanging
NOT SURE HOW TO CHOOSE A LOCAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM?
SEND US PHOTOS OF WHERE THE SYSTEM IS TO BE PLACED TO OUR EMAIL AND WE WILL RECOMMEND A SUITABLE TYPE.
Settings