PVProtect
PVProtect: Innovative fire protection for roofs with photovoltaic systems
Water-based fire protection systems for roofs with photovoltaic installations
As the world is evolving towards greener initiatives and electricity prices continue to rise more and more businesses are installing photovoltaic panels on their buildings. But with solar panels covering rooftops, a new fire risk emerges. Viking PVProtect offers a comprehensive solution, adding an advanced system to its portfolio of water-based products designed to help protect roof structures.
Features & Advantages
Viking PVProtect is a water-based fire protection system developed for roofs with photovoltaic installations, particularly those with combustible insulation materials.
PVProtect offers robust fire protection for roofs by detecting, locating, and suppressing fires, while also notifying emergency services. The system uses linear highly sensitive heat detection sensors to quickly detect unusual temperature increases and accurately identify the threat’s location. It then automatically activates suppression in the affected area, containing the fire before it spreads and preventing extensive damage to the roof structure, as well as the high costs of repairs and replacement. At the same time, the system alerts the fire brigade and give out a warning signal to ensure safe evacuation.
Features & advantages
- Effective protection against extensive fire damage to the roof structure
- Improved insurability for buildings with photovoltaic systems
- Diminution of follow-up costs from operational downtime
- Automatic detection and suppression of incipient fires
- Cost-effective integration with existing sprinkler systems
- No need for any structural adaptations to the roof
- First VdS-approved fire suppression solution for roofs with photovoltaic system
Example of fire damage with and without PVProtect
With PVProtect
The system rapidly detects and locates the threat, automatically initiating fire suppression. This significantly reduces fire damage and operational downtime.
Without PVProtect
Due to the easy dispersion of smoke by the wind and the difficulty of seeing flames at such heights, fire detection occurs at a very late stage. This leads to extensive damage to roof structures and high costs for repairs, replacements, and operational downtime. Additionally, fire can spread across roofs and within insulation, resurfacing in unexpected areas.
Product spotlight
The pipework system ensures water is evenly distributed through specialized PV nozzles. These specially developed extinguishing nozzles allow water to cover the entire area, even at low operating pressures. Their precise positioning and alignment guarantee effective firefighting.
PV nozzle