Combustion Behaviors of CIGS Thin-Film Solar Modules from Cone Calorimeter Tests

As is well known, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology is becoming more commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. Fire assessment of photovoltaic (PV) modules as a whole is still insufficient. This work focuses on the thermal properties and combustion behavior of CIGS (copper, indium, gallium and selenium) thin-film modules. Cone calorimeter experiments were conducted at different external heat flux of 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 kW m^-2. Several parameters are discussed, including surface temperature, ignition time, heat release rate (HRR), mass loss rate, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations. The results show that CIGS thin-film solar modules are inflammable at intermediate or high flashover risk. A correction calculation for the gas toxicity index has been used to reduce the well-ventilation condition effect. Compared with the uncorrected calculation, peak fractional effective dose (FED) and lethal concentration for 50% of the population (LC₅₀) are almost double. This work will help to determine a more stringent fire safety provision for PV modules.