Incêndios fotovoltaicos: quais as principais causas?

Abstract

The search for renewable energy sources is increasingly intensifying, because besides being available with abundance, they also reduce environmental impacts. One of the most wanted sources of energy lately is photovoltaic energy. This is a process of converting solar energy into electric energy using photovoltaic cells, and its plants can be installed in several places, such as houses, companies, or farms, bringing electricity also to places with difficult access. This research analyzed the authenticity and applicability of the Brazilian norms that are in force and directed directly or indirectly to photovoltaic energy, as well as comparing thus data with the bibliographic reference about the main causes and ways fighting fires connected to this type of energy. In this direction, the following Brazilian norms were covered: NBR 5410, NBR 5419-1, NBR 16690, NBR IEC 61643-32, NBR 16612 and NBR 16274, the first two being General Electric engineering norms and the following four specific to photovoltaic energy. It was identified from the references that main causes for photovoltaic fires are electric arcing and reverse current. Thus, it was possible to conclude that it is extremely important that rigorous inspections take place at the final of the installations to verify if the norms were really followed, in addition to using equipment against reverse current and devices that cut the effects of electric arc. Minimizing the incidents, there is a necessity to formulate specific norms in Brazil directed to security and fire prevention aimed at photovoltaic systems, so that the use of this energy is totally safe and advantageous to its final consumers.