Delete a PV storage system / battery storage system
With the energy transition and the increasing spread of photovoltaic systems, the associated battery storage systems are also being installed more and more frequently in private households to maximize self-consumption of self-generated electricity. But what happens if it catches fire? What fire departments and professional fire fighters (NOT PRIVATE PEOPLE) can use is described below.
Table of contents
- PV storage systems with capacities between 5 and 20 kWh are common in households
- Large capacity of the PV storage system harbors dangers
- Can you extinguish a PV storage system yourself?
- How professional firefighters extinguish a PV storage system
PV storage systems with capacities between 5 and 20 kWh are common in households
For the classic single-family home, modules with a total capacity of between 5 and 20 kWh are generally used for battery storage systems, whereby the capacity tends to increase as the price of PV storage systems falls. If you compare this capacity with other lithium-ion batteries available in the household, it quickly becomes clear that photovoltaic storage systems have by far the largest capacity in the household alongside electric cars. For comparison: an e-bike battery usually has a capacity of 0.5-0.8 kWh, while robotic mowers, battery-powered vacuum cleaners etc. generally have much less capacity.
Large PV storage capacity harbors risks
The capacity of a battery goes hand in hand with the potential risk it poses if problems occur and, for example, the separator is damaged, so that a powerful battery storage system in a PV system can pose more danger in the event of a fire than a comparatively small smartphone or notebook battery. At the same time, however, it must also be said here that the battery storage systems of PV systems are usually permanently installed and therefore mechanical damage (due to falling, etc.) can almost be ruled out. In addition, the PV storage systems have sophisticated battery management systems that provide additional safety.
Can you delete a PV storage system yourself?
The short and clear answer is: No! As a private individual, you should never attempt to extinguish a battery storage system, but always call the fire department for help - similar to extinguishing an electric car, for example. One reason for this is that fire extinguishers for PV storage systems, for example, are not suitable for completely extinguishing a burning battery storage system. In addition, the storage units are often located in closed rooms, which means that the gases produced during a fire can very quickly become life-threatening. Even if the battery storage unit of the PV system is not located in a closed room, the standard battery fire extinguishers are only of very limited help here, as their comparatively low capacity means that the fires that occur in the storage units can only be contained for a short time, if at all.
How professional firefighters extinguish a PV storage system
First things first: Private individuals should never try to extinguish a PV storage system themselves if they have problems. As soon as there are problems, unusual heat build-up, smoke or fumes, you should call the fire department immediately and get to safety!
Fire brigades and other professional firefighters are generally equipped with a wide range of options for extinguishing a burning battery storage system in a photovoltaic system. On the one hand, they have the appropriate protective equipment, including respiratory protection, to be able to reach the source of the fire (especially if it is indoors). On the other hand, fire departments and professional firefighters have special extinguishing agents for battery fires in order to contain the dangers. Two of these extinguishing agents, which are also used for fighting PV storage system fires, are presented in the following two sections: Extinguishing blankets for batteries and special battery fire extinguishers.
Extinguishing blankets and large battery fire extinguishers for fighting a PV storage system fire
Various extinguishing agents can then be used to fight the PV storage system fire: extinguishing blankets for lithium-ion batteries, such as the Bridgehill Lithium Fire Blanket, are a very good way of containing the fire and preventing it from spreading to the surrounding area in the case of free-standing PV storage systems that are standing on the ground and if the users are wearing suitable protective clothing. Extinguishing blankets for pallet cages can also be an option. The VLITEX fire blanket for pallet cages is one such model that can be suitable for many PV storage systems.
There are also fire extinguishers with 50 l extinguishing agent for professional use, which are used by the fire department as a first measure against a burning PV storage system.
What are the benefits of battery extinguishers with 3, 6 or 9 liters for extinguishing battery storage systems?
It is not possible to extinguish PV storage systems with simple battery fire extinguishers; the smaller 3, 6 or 9-liter fire extinguishers are primarily intended for small battery fires (e.g. from a smartphone or cordless screwdriver); if a battery storage system in a photovoltaic system catches fire, these small fire extinguishers will not be able to do anything. At the same time, the large 50-liter models are primarily intended for professional users, so private individuals should always call the fire department in the event of a PV storage system fire. As explained in detail in the previous section, attempts to extinguish a fire with a small battery fire extinguisher pose more risks than benefits.