When PV or BIPV modules are used in façades and/or roofs, the current reference standard to use for BIPV is represented by the EN 50583, that sets the regulations for both modules and systems depending on the building mounting category. EN 50583 indicated that EN 13501-1 (reaction to fire) and EN 13501-2 (resistance to fire) should be used as a reference. However, the effect of the fire propagation is missing in this standard. Therefore, during MEZeroE project, in TECNALIA we have defined a procedure to assess the propagation at an intermediate scale of BIPV panels in façades. Furthermore, during the propagation test at intermediate scale, we can measure HRR of the specimen so that the fire reaction of the specimen is also assessed. To finish, using this HRR, we can perform digital simulations.

Existing qualification test standards such as IEC 61215 standard series (for terrestrial PV modules) have been very useful for identifying module designs that avoid most early field failures, but are not intended or able to demonstrate long term performance in all locations.

Nowadays, the characterization of energy economy-mechanical-fire requirements (regulated by building regulations) and the basic characterization of electrical PV modules (regulated by IEC 61215 and IEC 61730) is carried out separately. In the current standardization framework there are no assessment methods defined to perform the characterization of coupled effects, inherent of BIPV/BIPV-T systems. In TECNALIA we can offer methods to assess coupled effects designed during MEZeroE project, based on the operation conditions expected for BIPV and BIPV-T systems.

A path toward a BIM common digitalized language

This service evaluates the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Readiness Level of your company and identifies a possible roadmap to increase it according to the available benchmarking of EU construction companies in your sector.