Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) Module Combustion Tester UL 790

Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) Module Combustion Tester UL 790

Overview

The Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) Module Combustion Tester is a comprehensive test device designed to simulate specific fire scenarios and scientifically evaluate the flame spread resistance of photovoltaic panels as roof coverings. Its ultimate goal is to assign fire resistance ratings of A, B, or C to photovoltaic panels.

PV panels (as roof coverings) can be assigned the following fire resistance ratings, ranked from highest to lowest:

Class A: Effectively prevents severe flame spread and is suitable for buildings in areas with high fire risk (such as those near forests).

Class B: Effectively prevents moderate flame spread.

Class C: Effectively resists mild flame spread.

Unrated: Unable to pass any of the test levels.

Important: When purchasing and installing a rooftop photovoltaic system, select a product that meets the fire resistance rating requirements of local building codes. In many high-risk areas, Class A fire resistance is mandatory.

The core purpose of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) module combustion testing is to evaluate the safety impact of a photovoltaic system on buildings and occupants under fire scenarios. Specific objectives include:

Preventing fire spread: Ensuring that the PV panels themselves do not fuel a fire or accelerate the spread of flames across the roof.

Evaluating combustion characteristics: Understanding whether the panels release significant heat, produce toxic fumes, or generate flaming droplets when burning, all of which could pose a serious threat to firefighters and building occupants.

Verifying structural integrity: Verifying that the panel's frame and mounting system can maintain their integrity for a sufficient period of time under fire conditions without premature collapse.

Providing a basis for firefighting: Providing data support for firefighting departments in developing firefighting plans for buildings equipped with PV systems.

Compliant Standards:

• UL 1703

• UL 790: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Roof Coverings

• ASTM E 108-04: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Roof Coverings

• NFPA 256: Fire Tests for Roof Coverings

• IEC 61730-2:2016 Appendix B: Fire Tests for Photovoltaic Modules

Main Feature:

1. Plywood roof covering material, dimensions: 1,300 (W) × 1,000 (D) × 120 (H), for mounting the test specimen;

2. Non-combustible test panel, installed at the end of the test panel to prevent backfire from occurring underneath;

3. Stainless steel fan-shaped adjustment plate, adjustable for test angle, dimensions: 1,440 (L) x 940 (H) mm;

4. Main frame, supporting the test stand, corrosion-resistant steel structure, dimensions: 1,020 (L) x 1,000 (D) x 1,473 (H) mm;

5. Non-combustible panel assembly, installed at the front of the frame, simulating eaves and cornices, extending the flame from the burner to the specimen, dimensions: 330 (W) x 2,130 (D) x 584 (H) mm;

6. Air flow rate of the test bench panel: 19 ± 8 km/h (5.5 m/sec) and equipped with an anemometer for monitoring.

7. Independent exhaust ducting draws air from outside the laboratory.

8. Honeycomb filters are installed in the duct, and guide vanes are installed at the gas inlet.

9. The ventilation duct is equipped with a slope adjustment panel to adjust the air flow direction.

10. Guide plates are attached to the ventilation duct to increase air velocity and ensure that the airflow to the test panels is not disturbed by external factors. The guide plates are made of stainless steel and their position does not change with changes in wind pressure.

11. The air duct is made of stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant. Dimensions: 2,130 (W) x 762 (H) x 3,000 (L) mm.

12. The fan is 220V, 50Hz, three-phase, equipped with a reverse system for automatic speed adjustment. The minimum flow rate is 300m³/min;

13. Infinitely variable speed reverser, adjustable from 0-100%;

14. Gas burner (for intermittent ignition, flame spread, and flying fire tests), 1.12m long, 60.3mm diameter, with a 12.7mm (width) x 0.91m (length) slit on the side facing the test plate;

15. The gas burner provides 22,000 Btu/min (387kWh) and can control the gas flow rate according to three combustion classes: A, B, and C. A high-precision gas control valve controls the gas flow rate;

16. A thermocouple is installed 58.7mm from the top of the burner, capable of measuring temperatures of 888±28°C;

17. An automatic ignition system ensures test safety. The minimum ignition electrode high voltage is 1.8kVp. A mass flow controller controls the gas flow rate according to different standards. Class A & B: 21,000 to 22,000 Btu/min (369 to 387 kWh) for 10 minutes, Class C: 18,000 to 19,000 Btu/min (316 to 334 kWh) for 4 minutes;

Specification: