Modelling the structural response of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in fire

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems represent an innovative solution for renewable energy, combining efficiency and sustainability. However, a realistic numerical analysis of the most important phenomena in their multifunctional response is rather challenging. Their structural safety, particularly under fire conditions, requires complex analyses, such as experiments and Finite Element (FE) thermo-mechanical simulations. The objective of this study is to numerically assess the potential of FE predictions for the first glass crack detection (i.e., thermal shock) of a given BIPV in fire, and for the study of the expected structural failure. A numerical parametric analysis is carried out in ABAQUS, considering (as possible influencing parameters superimposed to fire) different glass thicknesses, mechanical restraints, loads. As shown, many critical aspects should be considered in numerical modelling, as well as robust performance indicators are needed. Besides, the FE method could efficiently support the thermo-mechanical analysis and optimisation of BIPVs in fire, and the present study aims at contributing in this direction.