Fire extinguishing system

Abstract

This fire extinguishing system suppresses the temperature rise of solar cell modules by stopping power generation, and in the event of a fire, it can extinguish the fire while preventing its spread. [Solution] The fire extinguishing system 3 includes a solar cell module cover 5 that covers the solar cell module 11 with a fire-resistant protective cover 9, and a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 that discharges a fire extinguishing agent 21 to at least one of the front surface or back surface of the solar cell module 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing system, and particularly to a system for extinguishing a fire occurring in a solar cell module.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of solar power generation has been expanding in order to achieve carbon neutrality. In solar power generation, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, a plurality of solar cell modules 505 (solar cell array 507) are installed on the roof 503 of a building 501.

[0003] [[ID=1ó]]Reference numeral 509 in FIG. 1 denotes a junction box, reference numeral 511 denotes a power conditioner, reference numeral 513 denotes a distribution board circuit breaker, and reference numeral 515 denotes an in-house electrical appliance. Further, reference numeral 517 denotes a smart meter, reference numeral 519 denotes an outdoor overhead wire, and reference numeral 521 denotes a wiring for connecting the solar cell array 507 to the overhead wire 519.

[0004] Conventionally, a light shielding system for a solar panel for preventing an abnormality from occurring in a solar cell module 505 (solar cell array 507) and the abnormality from worsening to cause a fire or the like is known (see Patent Document 1). This light shielding system for a solar panel includes a light shielding device that covers the surface of the solar cell array 507 with a light shielding curtain, an abnormality detection means that detects an abnormality (for example, spotty heat generation) in the solar cell module 505, and a control means. When an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means, the control means operates the light shielding device to cover the surface of the solar cell array 507 with the light shielding curtain.

[0005] Abnormal heat generation in the solar cell module 505 occurs, for example, as shown in Figure 2. In the first stage, the wiring connections of the solar cell module 505 become highly resistive. This increased resistance occurs because the wiring connections within the solar cell module 505 deteriorate over time or due to manufacturing problems (for example, insufficient solder strength during manufacturing).

[0006] In the second stage, the bypass circuit becomes constantly energized. That is, as the resistance of the wiring connection increases, the bypass circuit, which is a safety protection circuit, becomes constantly energized.

[0007] In the third stage, a break occurs in the bypass circuit. That is, if the bypass circuit remains constantly energized for a long period of time, the bypass circuit will exceed its durability capacity and break, losing its function as a safety protection circuit.

[0008] In the fourth stage, a disconnection or abnormal overheating occurs at the wiring connection. Specifically, when the bypass circuit disconnects, current flows again at the now high-resistance wiring connection, and as the resistance increases further, the wiring connection either disconnects or overheats before the disconnection occurs.

[0009] If a bypass circuit is disconnected and a wiring connection is also disconnected, the entire system voltage will be applied to the disconnection point, resulting in overvoltage and potentially causing an arc discharge. Such arc discharge or abnormal heat generation at the wiring connection point may cause the sealing material covering the connection point to ignite. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-103589 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] By using the conventional solar panel shading system described above, it is possible to stop power generation in the solar cell array 507 and prevent the temperature of the solar cell array 507 from rising. However, even if the surface of the solar cell array 507 is covered with a shading curtain using the shading device of the conventional solar panel shading system described above, the temperature rise caused by power generation before the covering may still cause a fire in the solar cell module.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a fire extinguishing system that suppresses the temperature rise of solar cell modules by stopping power generation in the solar cell modules, and can extinguish a fire while preventing its spread in the event of a fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A fire extinguishing system according to an aspect of the present invention is a fire extinguishing system having a solar cell module cover portion that covers a solar cell module with a fire-resistant protective cover, and a fire extinguishing agent discharge portion that discharges a fire extinguishing agent to at least one of the front surface and back surface of the solar cell module.

[0014] A fire extinguishing system according to an aspect of the present invention is a fire extinguishing system comprising: a fire occurrence detection unit that detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module; and a control unit that controls the solar cell module cover and the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit so that when the fire occurrence detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module, the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover the solar cell module and the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit discharges a fire extinguishing agent.

[0015] A fire extinguishing system according to an aspect of the present invention is configured such that the fire detection unit includes a fire detection wire that extends for a long distance from the solar cell module, and the fire detection wire includes a first conductor covered with an insulating coating material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the coating material, and the fire detection unit is configured to detect the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module when the coating material melts and the first conductor and the second conductor short-circuit each other.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover is wound in a roll shape around a core material when no fire has occurred in the solar cell module, and when a fire occurs in the solar cell module, it rolls out due to gravity and unfolds to cover the solar cell module.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fire extinguishing system is configured such that the back surface of the solar cell module faces the upper surface of a surface material having a flat upper surface, and the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit flows between the surface material and the solar cell module on the back surface of the solar cell module.

[0018] A fire extinguishing system according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a solar cell module cover that covers a solar cell module with a fire-resistant protective cover; a fire occurrence detection unit that detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module; and a control unit that controls the solar cell module cover so that the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover covers the solar cell module when the fire occurrence detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module, wherein the fire occurrence detection unit is configured to include a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module, and the fire detection wire is insulating and can withstand temperatures above a predetermined temperature. The fire extinguishing system comprises a first conductor covered with a coating material that melts at a certain temperature, and a second conductor covered with the same coating material. When the coating material melts and the first and second conductors short-circuit each other, the fire detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module. The fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover is rolled up on a core material when there is no fire in the solar cell module, and when a fire occurs in the solar cell module, it rolls out due to gravity and unfolds to cover the solar cell module.

[0019] A fire extinguishing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a fire detection unit for detecting the occurrence of a fire in a solar cell module, a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit for discharging the fire extinguishing agent into the solar cell module, and a control unit for controlling the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit so that the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit discharges the fire extinguishing agent when the fire detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module, wherein the solar cell module is installed such that the back surface of the solar cell module faces the upper surface of a surface material having a flat upper surface, and the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit is on the back surface of the solar cell module, and the surface material A fire extinguishing system configured to flow between the upper surface and the solar cell module, wherein the fire detection unit is configured to include a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module, and the fire detection wire is configured to include a first conductor covered with an insulating covering material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the covering material, and the fire detection unit is configured to detect the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module when the covering material melts and the first conductor and the second conductor short-circuit each other.

[0020] A fire extinguishing system according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a solar cell module cover that covers a solar cell module with a fire-resistant protective cover; a fire occurrence detection unit that detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module; a control unit that controls the solar cell module cover so that the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover covers the solar cell module when the fire occurrence detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module; a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit that discharges the fire extinguishing agent to the solar cell module; and a control unit that controls the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit so that the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit discharges the fire extinguishing agent when the fire occurrence detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module, wherein the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit flows between the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover and the solar cell module. The fire extinguishing system is configured such that the fire detection unit is equipped with a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module, the fire detection wire is equipped with a first conductor covered with an insulating covering material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the covering material, the fire detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module when the covering material melts and the first conductor and the second conductor short-circuit each other, and the fire detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module, the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover is wound in a roll shape around the core material when there is no fire in the solar cell module, and when a fire occurs in the solar cell module it rolls out due to gravity and unfolds to cover the solar cell module.

[0021] In aspects of the present invention, the fire extinguishing agent comprises, as an active ingredient, an alpha-olefin sulfonate represented by the general formula: RCH=CH(CH2)nSO3Z (where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, n is 0 to 5, and Z is an alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal), and the chemical formula: C 12 H 25 N+(CH3)2CH2COO -An environmentally considerate foam fire extinguishing agent containing lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine represented by , wherein the total of the active ingredient concentration of the above alpha olefin sulfonate and the active ingredient concentration of the above lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine is in the range of 2.6278 to 3.8010% by weight.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fire extinguishing system that suppresses the temperature rise of the solar cell module by stopping power generation in the solar cell module and can extinguish the fire while preventing the spread of the fire when a fire occurs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an installation mode of a solar power generation system building, which is a fire extinguishing target of the fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram illustrating the mechanism of fire occurrence in a solar cell module. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a normal state. 第23行 [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention when a fire occurs. [Figure 5] In FIG. 3, it is a diagram of the fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention seen from the side of the building. [Figure 6] In FIG. 4, it is a diagram of the fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention seen from the side of the building. [Figure 7] 第33行 It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 and showing the fire extinguishing system according to the first modification in a normal state. [Figure 8] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6 and showing the fire extinguishing system according to the first modification when a fire occurs. [Figure 9] It is a fire extinguishing system in which a megasolar power generation system is a fire extinguishing target, and is a diagram showing the fire extinguishing system according to the second modification. [Figure 10]This figure corresponds to Figure 9 and shows a fire extinguishing system relating to the third modified example. [Figure 11] Figures 9 and 10 show the second and third modified examples of the fire extinguishing system as viewed from the side of the mega solar power generation system when a fire occurs. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the operation of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating the operation of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the operation of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a view taken along the XVI arrow in Figure 5, showing the solar cell module cover portion of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a view along the XVII arrow in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This is a view of the XVIII-XVIII section shown in Figure 16. [Figure 19] Figure 18 corresponds to this diagram, which shows the operation of the solar cell module cover. [Figure 20] Figure 17 corresponds to this diagram, which shows the operation of the solar cell module cover. [Figure 21] This is a plan view of the tip portion of a fire-resistant protective cover that constitutes the solar cell module cover portion of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure shows a schematic configuration of fire detection wires constituting the fire occurrence detection unit of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) shows a state in which the first conductor and the second conductor are covered with a covering material. (b) shows a state in which the covering material has melted and the first conductor and the second conductor are short-circuited (conductive) with each other. [Figure 23] This figure shows a schematic configuration of fire detection wires that constitute the fire occurrence detection unit of a fire extinguishing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This figure shows the XXIV-XXIV section, as shown in Figure 23. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The fire extinguishing system 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention extinguishes a fire that occurs in the solar power generation system 1 shown in Figure 1, etc. The fire extinguishing system 3 is configured to include a solar cell module cover (solar cell array cover) 5 and a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit (fire extinguishing agent release unit) 7, as shown in Figures 3 to 6. Here, the fire extinguishing system 3 may also be called a fire extinguishing system for solar cell modules (solar cell arrays) of a solar power generation system.

[0025] The solar cell module cover 5 covers the solar cell module 11 (505) using a fire-resistant protective cover (fire-resistant blanket) 9. The solar cell module 11 is installed on the roof 15 (503) of the building 13 (501), on the rooftop of the building, or on a designated plot of land 17 (see Figure 11) for solar power generation. The fire-resistant protective cover 9 covers the surface (front surface; the surface that receives sunlight for power generation) of the solar cell module 11. As the fire-resistant protective cover 9, for example, a fire blanket manufactured by Bridge Hill, Norway is used.

[0026] Furthermore, as the fire-resistant protective cover 9, a glass fiber fabric with a silicon dioxide content of 96% by weight or more may be coated with a mixture consisting of at least 50 parts by weight of metal hydroxide per 100 parts by weight of flame-retardant resin at a rate of 7% by weight or more of the fabric's mass, and then a silicone resin may be coated with a rate of 4% by weight or more of the fabric's mass, thereby providing a fire-resistant fabric with a shrinkage rate of 3% or less after heating at 930°C for 60 minutes. This not only significantly reduces the amount of air permeability at high temperatures but also provides excellent fray resistance, scratch resistance, ignition resistance, tensile strength retention, and thermal dimensional stability, making it an ideal fabric (fire-resistant protective cover 9) for fire-resistant screen applications.

[0027] The solar cell module 11 is formed by arranging multiple solar cells vertically and horizontally, and is formed in the shape of a flat plate (for example, a rectangular plate) of a predetermined thickness. The vertical dimension of the solar cell module 11 is about 1m to 2m, and the horizontal dimension is also about 1m to 2m. The solar cells are also formed in the shape of a flat plate (for example, a rectangular plate) of a predetermined thickness, but the vertical dimension of the solar cells is about 10cm. By arranging multiple solar cell modules 11 vertically and horizontally, a solar cell array 19 is formed.

[0028] In solar power generation, a solar cell array 19 consisting of multiple solar cell modules 11 installed on the roof 15 of a building 13 is used. The solar cell modules 11 are installed with one surface (front) facing upwards and the other surface (back) facing downwards. Then, when the surface is illuminated by sunlight, electricity is generated.

[0029] When a solar cell module 11 is installed for solar power generation, the front (back) surface of the solar cell module 11 is tilted. This tilt angle is set appropriately according to the location (latitude) where the solar cell module 11 is installed, but for example, it is tilted at an angle of about 20° to 40°.

[0030] The fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5 is formed in a plate shape and is flexible. Furthermore, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 has poor breathability and is almost impermeable to air. The fire-resistant protective cover 9 covers the surface of the solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19) to block sunlight irradiating the solar cell module 11 and stop power generation by the solar cell module 11. The fire-resistant protective cover 9 covers the surface of the solar cell module 11 to shield it from the atmosphere and prevent the spread of fire. In addition, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 covers the surface of the solar cell module 11 to shield it from flames in the event of a fire occurring in the solar cell module 11.

[0031] Under normal conditions (when no fire is occurring), the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5 is not unfolded but folded (for example, in a rolled-up state) and positioned above the solar cell module 11 (for example, diagonally above). When a fire occurs in the solar cell module 11, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 unfolds into a plate shape and covers the entire surface of the solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19). When the fire-resistant protective cover 9 is unfolded and covering the surface of the solar cell module 11, the thickness direction of the solar cell module 11 and the thickness direction of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 are approximately the same.

[0032] The fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 to at least one of the surfaces (for example, almost the entire surface) or back surfaces (for example, almost the entire surface) of the solar cell module 11. This discharge causes the fire extinguishing agent 21 to flow along at least one of the surfaces (almost the entire surface) or back surfaces (almost the entire back surface) of the solar cell module 11. The fire extinguishing agent 21 is also discharged immediately after the surface of the solar cell module 11 is covered by the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover unit 5.

[0033] To further explain, in the configuration shown in Figures 3 to 6, the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 only onto the surface of the solar cell module 11. In the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8, the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 onto both the surface and the back surface of the solar cell module 11. Although not shown, the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 may also be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing agent 21 only onto the back surface of the solar cell module 11.

[0034] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 is configured with a fire extinguishing agent tank 23 that stores the fire extinguishing agent 21 and a fire extinguishing agent pipe 25 through which the fire extinguishing agent 21 that has come out of the fire extinguishing agent tank 23 flows. The fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 is also configured with a fire extinguishing agent discharge material (for example, a nozzle) 27 that discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 that has flowed through the fire extinguishing agent pipe 25.

[0035] The fire extinguishing agent discharger 27 is cylindrical in shape and is installed in the fire extinguishing agent pipe 25 with one opening connected to the inside of the fire extinguishing agent pipe 25 and the other opening open to the atmosphere. The fire extinguishing agent 21 that has flowed through the fire extinguishing agent pipe 25 is discharged from the other opening toward the solar cell module 11. Under normal conditions, the fire extinguishing agent 21 is not discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharger 7.

[0036] When the surface of the solar cell module 11 is covered by the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 flows between the fire-resistant protective cover 9 and the solar cell module 11 on the front side of the solar cell module 11. Also, on the back side of the solar cell module 11, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 flows between the surface material 29 and the solar cell module 11 (see Figures 6 and 8). Here, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 may be discharged simultaneously to the front and back sides of the solar cell module 11, or it may be discharged only to the front side or only to the back side of the solar cell module 11.

[0037] In the configuration where the solar cell module 11 is installed on the sloping upper surface of the roof 15 of the building 13, the roof 15 of the building 13 located below the solar cell module 11 becomes the surface material 29. In this case, the back surface of the solar cell module 11 is slightly separated from the upper surface of the roof 15 of the building 13 and unfolds almost parallel to the upper surface of the roof 15.

[0038] To further explain, the facing material 29 (for example, the roof 15) is non-combustible or flame-retardant, and the solar cell modules 11 are installed on the facing material 29 such that the back surface of the solar cell module 11 faces the upper surface of the facing material 29. In addition, although there are some irregularities on the upper surface of the roof 15 due to tiles or slate, in this case, the upper surface of the roof 15 is considered to be formed as a flat surface despite the presence of these irregularities.

[0039] In the configuration in which the solar cell module 11 is installed on the roof of a building (with a horizontal or sloping top surface) or on a designated plot of land 17 (with a horizontal or sloping top surface), the flat plate-shaped member 31 (see Figure 11) installed on the underside of the solar cell module 11 becomes the surface material 29. In this case, the back surface of the solar cell module 11 is slightly separated from the flat plate-shaped member 31, and the thickness direction of the solar cell module 11 and the thickness direction of the flat plate-shaped member 31 are approximately the same.

[0040] In the embodiment where the solar cell module 11 is installed on the sloped upper surface of the roof 15, the slope of the back (front) surface of the solar cell module 11 and the slope of the roof 15 may differ. For example, the slope of the back (front) surface of the solar cell module 11 may be steeper than the slope of the roof 15, or the slope of the roof 15 may be steeper than the slope of the back (front) surface of the solar cell module. In such cases, a flat plate-shaped member 31 may be provided as a surface material 29, similar to the case of a rooftop or land 17.

[0041] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system 3 is equipped with a fire detection unit 33 and a control unit 35, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11. When the fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11, the control unit 35 controls the solar cell module cover 5 so that the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5 covers the solar cell module 11. The control unit 35 also controls the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 so that the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 when the fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11. The discharge of the fire extinguishing agent 21 from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 is performed when the solar cell module 11 is covered by the fire-resistant protective cover 9. Alternatively, the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent 21 from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 may occur when the fire-resistant protective cover 9 is not covering the solar cell module 11.

[0042] The fire detection unit 33 is configured with a fire detection wire 37 that extends long along the back surface of the solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19). The fire detection wire 37, for example, is in contact with the back surface of the solar cell module 11 and extends long in a meandering manner.

[0043] The fire detection wire 37 extends across the entire back surface of the solar cell module 11, but naturally, the entire back surface of the solar cell module 11 is not covered by the fire detection wire 37. When the back surface of the solar cell module 11 on which the fire detection wire 37 is installed is viewed from a direction perpendicular to this back surface, the area of ​​the blank space (the part of the back surface that is exposed) where the fire detection wire 37 is not installed is significantly larger than the area of ​​the fire detection wire 37. Furthermore, in order for the fire detection wire 37 to detect the occurrence of a fire without delay in the event of a fire in the aforementioned blank space of the solar cell module 11, the fire detection wire 37 is arranged to meander and extend in a balanced manner across the entire back surface of the solar cell module 11.

[0044] The fire detection wire 37 is comprised of a first conductor 39 and a second conductor 41, as shown in Figures 22 to 24. The first conductor 39 is covered with a coating material 43 that is insulating and melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature (for example, above 80°C). The coating material 43 is, for example, thermoplastic and melts to detect the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11. The second conductor 41 is also covered with the coating material 43, similar to the first conductor 39.

[0045] When the covering material 43 (due to the heat of the fire) melts on the fire detection wire 37, causing the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 to short-circuit (see Figure 22(b)), the fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11.

[0046] To explain further, the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 are formed in the shape of elongated wires. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 (the shape of the cross-section determined by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is formed, for example, as a small-diameter circular shape.

[0047] The first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41, covered with the covering material 43, are also formed in an elongated linear shape. The covering material 43 of the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 is also formed in a cross-sectional shape (the shape of the cross-section by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction), for example, in a small diameter circular shape. However, the diameter of the covering material 43 is larger than the diameter of the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41, and in the above cross-section, the center of the covering material 43 and the center of the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 coincide with each other.

[0048] Furthermore, the first conductor 39 is made of a single spring steel wire that has been zinc-plated, and the second conductor 41 is also made of a single spring steel wire that has been zinc-plated.

[0049] The first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 are flexible. When no external force is applied, the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 extend in a straight line. The first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 covered with the covering material 43 are also constructed to be flexible. The first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 covered with the covering material 43 also extend in a straight line when no external force is applied.

[0050] The first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41, both covered with the covering material 43, are twisted together. This twisting causes elastic deformation of the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41, resulting in internal stress in both the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41.

[0051] When a fire breaks out in the solar cell module 11, the covering material 43 melts over a predetermined length, leaving the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 exposed over that predetermined length. Due to the internal stress, the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 then return to their original state over that predetermined length, causing the uncovered first conductor 39 and the uncovered second conductor 41 to come into contact with each other and short-circuit. As a result, the fire detection unit 33 detects that a fire has occurred in the solar cell module 11.

[0052] Furthermore, in the fire detection wire 37, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41, both covered with the covering material 43, are covered with the first exterior material 40, and the first exterior material 40 is covered with the second exterior material 42. When the covering material 43 is not melted, a space 44 is formed inside the first exterior material 40. When the covering material 43 melts due to a rise in temperature, the molten covering material 43 flows in the space 44. As a result, the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 are easily exposed.

[0053] As shown in Figures 16 to 20, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5 is rolled up and wound around the core material 89 when there is no fire in the solar cell module 11 (normal state). When a fire occurs in the solar cell module 11, the rolled-up fire-resistant protective cover 9 rolls due to gravity and unfolds. The fire-resistant protective cover 9 then covers the solar cell module 11. The fire-resistant protective cover 9 moves downwards above the solar cell module 11 by rolling, without sliding against the surface material 29 or the solar cell module 11.

[0054] In the configuration shown in Figures 7 and 8 (see fire extinguishing system 3a described in detail later), the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 flows between the upper surface of the facing material 29 and the back surface of the solar cell module 11 on the back side of the solar cell module 11. Also, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 flows between the lower surface of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 and the front surface of the solar cell module 11 on the front side of the solar cell module 11.

[0055] In fire extinguishing systems 3, 3a, etc., an environmentally friendly foam fire extinguishing agent containing alpha-olefin sulfonate and lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine is used as the fire extinguishing agent 21. The fire extinguishing agent 21 contains, as active ingredients, alpha-olefin sulfonate represented by the general formula: RCH=CH(CH2)nSO3Z (R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 8 to 30 carbon atoms, n is 0 to 5, and Z is an alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal) and chemical formula: C 12 H 25 N+(CH3)2CH2COO - An environmentally friendly foam fire extinguishing agent containing lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, represented by [formula], is used, wherein the sum of the active ingredient concentrations of the alphaolefin sulfonate and the lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine is in the range of 2.6278 to 3.8010% by weight.

[0056] In fire extinguishing agent 21, the active ingredient concentration of the alpha-olefin sulfonate is in the range of 1.3 to 3.0% by weight. In addition, in fire extinguishing agent 21, the active ingredient concentration of the lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine is in the range of 0.3 to 1.3% by weight.

[0057] Here, we will explain the fire extinguishing system 3 shown in Figures 3 to 6 in more detail. In Figures 3 and 4, the component indicated by reference numeral 45 is an automatic fire detection and extinguishing control panel (fire detection and extinguishing control panel; extinguishing control panel), and the component indicated by reference numeral 47 is a power conditioner. In addition, the component indicated by reference numeral 49 is a power meter, the component indicated by reference numeral 51 is an indoor distribution board, and the component indicated by reference numeral 53 is a power monitor.

[0058] The control unit 35 of the fire extinguishing system 3 is located within the automatic fire detection and fire extinguishing control panel 45. A fire detection wire 37 extends from the automatic fire detection and fire extinguishing control panel 45 to detect the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11.

[0059] At the bottom of the building 13, a fire extinguishing agent cylinder (fire extinguishing agent tank) 23 is installed, and from the fire extinguishing agent tank 23, a fire extinguishing agent pipe 25 extends toward the ridge of the roof 15, and further extends parallel to the ridge above the ridge, covering almost the entire length of the ridge. A solenoid valve 55 is installed in the middle of the fire extinguishing agent pipe 25, near the fire extinguishing agent tank 23, to open and close the flow path of the fire extinguishing agent pipe 25.

[0060] Multiple fire extinguishing agent dischargers 27 are provided in the portion of the fire extinguishing agent piping 25 that extends parallel to the ridge of the roof 25 and over almost the entire length of the ridge (ridge extension portion) 26. Each of the multiple fire extinguishing agent dischargers 27 is provided in the ridge extension portion 26 of the fire extinguishing agent piping 25 at a predetermined interval. The direction of discharge of the fire extinguishing agent 21 from the fire extinguishing agent dischargers 27 is aligned with the surface of the solar cell module 11. When the solenoid valve 55 is open, the fire extinguishing agent 21 is discharged from the fire extinguishing agent dischargers 27.

[0061] A fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is provided on the ridge of the roof 15 to house the fire-resistant protective cover (a roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover) 9 of the solar cell module cover 5. The external shape of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is a rectangular prism.

[0062] The fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 extends almost parallel to the ridge extension portion 26 of the fire extinguishing agent piping 25, and above the ridge and the ridge extension portion 26, parallel to the ridge and the ridge extension portion 26, extending over almost the entire length of the ridge. The ridge extension portion 26 of the fire extinguishing agent piping 25 is integrally installed on the roof 15 by, for example, fasteners (not shown). The fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is also integrally installed on the roof 15 by, for example, fasteners (not shown).

[0063] The solar cell module 11 and the power conditioner 47 are connected by wiring 59, the power conditioner 47 and the automatic fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 are connected by wiring 61, and the power conditioner 47 and the power meter 49 are connected by wiring not shown.

[0064] Furthermore, the automatic fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 and the solenoid valve 55 are connected by wiring 63 for opening and closing the solenoid valve 55, and the wiring 65 extends from the automatic fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 to the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 (solar cell module cover 5). The wiring 65 supplies power to the solenoid 79, which will be described later, in order to drive the solenoid 79.

[0065] As shown in Figures 16 to 20, the solar cell module cover 5 is composed of a fire-resistant protective cover 9 and a fire-resistant protective cover housing 57. The fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is composed of a housing body 67 and a lid 69. The housing body 67 is formed in the shape of a long, narrow rectangular box, comprising a single elongated rectangular flat bottom wall 71, a pair of approximately square, flat side walls 73, and a pair of side walls 75 (75A, 75B) formed in approximately the same shape as the bottom wall 71. The lid 69 is also formed in approximately the same shape as the bottom wall 71. The lid 69 is provided on the housing body 67 so as to open and close the opening 77 of the housing body 67.

[0066] The fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is installed on the roof 15 such that its longitudinal direction coincides with the extension direction of the ridge of the roof 15. Furthermore, the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is installed on the roof 15 such that the upper surface (inner surface) of the lower side wall portion 75B, which is located on the lower side of the pair of side wall portions 75 of the housing body portion 67, is sloped in the same way as the roof 15. In addition, the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 is installed on the roof 15 such that the opening 77 of the housing body portion 67 faces the side of the roof 15 on which the solar cell modules 11 are installed.

[0067] The lid portion 69 is supported by the housing body portion 67, for example, via a hinge (not shown), and rotates relative to the housing body portion 67 with the pivot axis C1 shown in Figure 18 as the pivot axis. The direction of extension of the pivot axis C1 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57. The pivot axis C1 is located at the opening 77 of the upper side wall portion 75A, which is the upper of the pair of side wall portions 75.

[0068] Under normal conditions, the opening 77 of the housing body 67 is closed by the lid 69. For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, each of the pair of side walls 73 is provided with an actuator such as a solenoid 79. The solenoid 79 is composed of a solenoid body 81 and a movable part 83.

[0069] The solenoid body 81 is integrally provided on each of the pair of side wall portions 73. The lid portion 69 is integrally provided with an "L"-shaped locking member 85 having a through hole 87. The "L"-shaped locking members 85 are provided in pairs and are positioned at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid portion 69.

[0070] When the lid portion 69 is closing the opening 77 of the housing body portion 67, the movable portion 83 protrudes from the solenoid body 81 and passes through the through hole 87 of the "L"-shaped locking member 85. As a result, the lid portion 69 does not rotate relative to the housing body portion 67, and the state in which the opening 77 of the housing body portion 67 is closed by the lid portion 69 is maintained.

[0071] Under the control of the control unit 35, when the movable part 83 of the solenoid body 81 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 16, the movable part 83 comes out of the through hole 87 of the "L"-shaped locking member 85. Then, the cover part 69 rotates relative to the housing body part 67, and the opening 77 of the housing body part 67 opens.

[0072] The deployed fire-resistant protective cover 9 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with a predetermined width dimension and a predetermined length dimension. One end (tip) of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 in the length direction is integrally installed on an elongated cylindrical core material 89. The width direction of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 and the length direction of the core material 89 coincide. The rolled fire-resistant protective cover 9 is wound around the core material 89 so that its thickness direction coincides with the radial direction of the core material 89. The external shape of the rolled fire-resistant protective cover 9 is cylindrical, with a diameter greater than the diameter of the core material 89.

[0073] Disc-shaped wheels 91 are provided at both ends of the core material 89. The central axes of the wheels 91 and the core material 89 coincide. The roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9 is located between the pair of wheels 91 in the longitudinal direction of the core material 89. The outer diameter of the wheels 91 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9.

[0074] In its normal state, the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9, core material 89, and wheels 91 are housed inside the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57, which has an opening 77 closed by a lid portion 69. The other end (base end) of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to, for example, the bottom wall portion 71 of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57.

[0075] In the storage configuration described above, the longitudinal direction of the core material 89 and the longitudinal direction of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 coincide. Also, in the storage configuration described above, the wheels 91 are in contact with the lid 69 and the side wall 75B due to the action of gravity.

[0076] When a fire occurs in the solar cell module 11, the lid 69 becomes rotatable relative to the housing body 67, with the pivot axis C1 as the pivot point. Then, the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9 and wheels 91 push the lid 69 open (see Figures 19 and 20), and the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9 and wheels 91 roll out of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57.

[0077] Furthermore, the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9 and the wheels 91 roll down the roof 15. The wheels 91 and core material 89 are positioned below the eaves 93 of the roof 15 (see Figure 6). In this state, the roll-shaped portion of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 disappears, and the entire solar cell module 11 is covered by the fire-resistant protective cover 9. In addition, to mitigate the impact force generated between the wheels 91 and the roof 15 when the wheels 91 roll down the roof 15, the outer circumference of the wheels 91 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. That is, the outer circumference of the wheels 91 may be made of rubber.

[0078] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 21, the portion of the fire-resistant protective cover 9 that is located below the eaves 93 when fully deployed (lower portion of the fire-resistant protective cover; see Figures 6 and 8) 95 may be made of a material less expensive than the fire-resistant protective cover 9. For example, the lower portion of the fire-resistant protective cover 95 may be made of a flexible, coarse-mesh hexagonal wire mesh 97. Furthermore, instead of providing the hexagonal wire mesh 97 along the entire width of the fire-resistant protective cover 9, multiple hexagonal wire meshes 97 may be provided in only a portion of the width of the fire-resistant protective cover 9.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 20, a fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 may be provided on the solar cell module cover portion 5. The fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 is formed, for example, in an elongated cylindrical shape, with the extension direction of its central axis coinciding with the width direction of the fire-resistant protective cover 9. The fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 extends over almost the entire width of the fire-resistant protective cover 9. The fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 is located near the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57, slightly away from the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57, on the side of the opening 77 of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57.

[0080] The fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 is supported by the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 via a support member (not shown) and moves between the upper position P1 and the lower position P2 shown in Figure 20. Under normal conditions, the fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 is located at the upper position P1, similar to the case where the solenoid 79 etc. described above is used. When a fire occurs in the solar cell module 11, it falls to the lower position P2 under the control of the control unit 35 and due to the action of gravity. In this fallen state, it pushes the deployed fire-resistant protective cover 9 downwards. This narrows the space between the deployed fire-resistant protective cover 9 and the solar cell module 11.

[0081] The fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 may be normally positioned at the lower position P2. Alternatively, the opening 77 of the fire-resistant protective cover housing 57 may open, and the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9 may roll down, moving the retaining member 99 above the lower position P2. When the roll-shaped fire-resistant protective cover 9 rolls further, it may be configured to return to the lower position P2. The fire-resistant protective cover retaining member 99 may also be configured to rotate around its central axis.

[0082] As described above, the fire extinguishing system 3 is configured to cover the solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19) with a fire-resistant protective cover 9 and to discharge a fire extinguishing agent 21 to the solar cell module 11 when the fire detection unit 33 detects a fire in the solar cell module 11. The fire extinguishing system 3 will now be further described with reference to Figure 12. In the fire extinguishing system 3 shown in Figure 12, when the fire detection unit 33 detects a fire in the solar cell module 11, a circuit breaker (not shown) further cuts off the electrical circuit between the solar cell array 19 (solar panels) and the junction box (power conditioner 511). The circuit breaker is provided, for example, in the junction box 509.

[0083] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system 3 shown in Figure 12 is configured to allow manual operation to cover the solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19) with a fire-resistant protective cover 9. That is, an operating unit (not shown) is provided at least either in the automatic fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 or at a location away from the automatic fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45. When the operating unit is operated by a person, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 is used to cover the solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19).

[0084] Next, the operation of the fire extinguishing system 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 13 to 15. In step S1, the system is in a monitoring state. In step S3, the fixed-temperature linear detector (fire occurrence detection unit 33) detects the occurrence of a fire, and when a fire is detected, a fire detection signal is acquired in step S5.

[0085] In step S7, a signal is sent from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 to the circuit breaker electromagnetic switch (circuit breaker). In steps S9, S11, and S13, the circuit breaker electromagnetic switch between the solar panel and the junction box is opened to interrupt the circuit. In step S15, the fire extinguishing is completed.

[0086] In step S17, a signal is transmitted from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 to the solenoid valve 55 when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the fire detection signal was acquired in step S5. In steps S19, S21, and S23, the extinguishing agent 21 is discharged to the solar cell module 11 from the extinguishing agent discharge unit 7. In step S25, the manual extinguishing agent spray switch is turned ON to open the solenoid valve for extinguishing agent spraying, and the extinguishing agent 21 is discharged to the solar cell module 11 from the extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 by manual operation.

[0087] In step S27, a signal is sent from the fire detection and extinguishing control panel 45 to the solenoid 79. In steps S29, S31, and S33, the solar cell module 11 is covered with the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5.

[0088] The fire extinguishing system 3 comprises a solar cell module cover 5 that covers the solar cell module 11 using a fire-resistant protective cover 9, and a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 that discharges a fire extinguishing agent 21 to at least one of the front surface or back surface of the solar cell module 11. This allows for the extinguishing of a fire while preventing its spread by stopping power generation in the solar cell module 11 and suppressing the temperature rise of the solar cell module 11.

[0089] In other words, by covering the solar cell module 11 with the fire-resistant protective cover 9, sunlight irradiation to the solar cell module 11 is eliminated, and power generation by the solar cell module 11 is stopped. This suppresses the temperature rise of the solar cell module 11 caused by sunlight irradiation and power generation. Since the solar cell module 11 is covered with the fire-resistant protective cover 9, the spread of fire that occurs in the solar cell module 11 can be prevented. In addition, the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges (releases) the fire extinguishing agent 21 to at least one of the front or back surfaces of the solar cell module 11, so that any fire that occurs can be extinguished.

[0090] To explain further, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 covers the entire solar cell module 11 (solar cell array 19), thereby stopping the power generation of the solar cell module 11 and preventing electric shock. If firefighting water is used when power generation is not stopped, there is a risk of electric shock, making it impossible to approach the fire and delaying its extinguishing. In other words, it is difficult to easily approach and extinguish the fire because of the risk of electric shock from the water used for spraying. However, since power generation is stopped, the risk of electric shock is eliminated, and firefighting operations using firefighting water can be carried out separately.

[0091] Furthermore, by covering the entire solar cell module 11 with the fire-resistant protective cover 9, a space can be created that prevents the intake of fresh air necessary for combustion. This prevents the spread of fire without being affected by wind. In addition, by spraying the fire extinguishing agent 21 on the surface or back of the solar cell module 11, fires that occur in the solar cell module 11 can be extinguished in their initial stages.

[0092] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 3, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 flows between the fire-resistant protective cover 9 and the solar cell module 11. As a result, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 does not scatter much, and the solar cell module 11 can be efficiently extinguished with the fire extinguishing agent 21.

[0093] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system 3 is configured to include a fire detection unit 33 that detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11, and a control unit 35. The control unit 35 detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11 from the fire detection unit 33. At this time, the control unit 35 controls the solar cell module cover 5 and the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 so that the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5 covers the solar cell module 11 and the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21. This makes it possible to automatically prevent the spread of fire and extinguish fires that occur in the solar cell module 11 without human intervention.

[0094] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 3, the fire detection unit 33 is configured to include a fire detection wire 37 that extends long from the back surface of the solar cell module 11. The fire detection wire 37 is composed of a first conductor 39 and a second conductor 41, which are covered with a covering material 43 that is insulating and melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature. When the covering material 43 melts due to the heat of the fire, the first conductor 39 and the second conductor 41 short-circuit with each other, the fire detection wire 37 detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11. As a result, the configuration of the fire detection unit 33 is simplified, failures in the fire detection wire 37 are less likely to occur, and the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module 11 can be accurately detected.

[0095] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 3, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 of the solar cell module cover 5 is normally rolled up and wound around the core material 89. When a fire occurs, the fire-resistant protective cover 9 is rolled out by gravity and unfolds to cover the solar cell module 11. This simplifies the structure of the solar cell module cover 5, making it less prone to malfunctions, and allows the solar cell module 11 to be accurately covered by the fire-resistant protective cover 9 when a fire occurs in the solar cell module 11.

[0096] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 3, the solar cell module 11 is installed on the surface material 29 such that the back surface of the solar cell module 11 faces the upper surface of the surface material 29. The fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 is configured to flow between the surface material 29 and the solar cell module 11 on the back side of the solar cell module 11. As a result, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 does not scatter much, and the solar cell module 11 can be extinguished efficiently with the fire extinguishing agent 21.

[0097] Furthermore, since an environmentally friendly foam fire extinguishing agent containing alpha-olefin sulfonate and lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine is used as the fire extinguishing agent 21 in the fire extinguishing system 3, the fire extinguishing agent 21 used to extinguish the fire in the solar cell module 11 satisfies the wastewater discharge standards.

[0098] Here, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the first modified fire extinguishing system 3a will be described. In the fire extinguishing system 3 shown in Figure 5, the extinguishing agent 21 is discharged only onto the surface of the solar cell module 11. In contrast, the first modified fire extinguishing system 3a has an upper ridge extension portion 26A and a lower ridge extension portion 26B as the ridge extension portion 26 of the extinguishing agent pipe 25, and discharges the extinguishing agent 21 onto both the front and back surfaces of the solar cell module 11. Other aspects of the fire extinguishing system 3a are configured in the same way as the fire extinguishing system 3 shown in Figure 5, etc.

[0099] Next, with reference to Figure 9, a fire extinguishing system 3b according to the second modification will be described. The fire extinguishing system 3b according to the second modification is a fire extinguishing system for a mega solar power generation system 1a. Like the fire extinguishing system 3, the fire extinguishing system 3b is configured to include a solar cell module cover 5, a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7, a fire occurrence detection unit 33, and a control unit 35.

[0100] The mega solar power generation system 1a is equipped with multiple (four in Figure 9) solar cell arrays 19 (19A, 19B, 19C, 19D). The solar cell arrays 19 are installed on the land 17 by support members 145. A solar cell module cover 5, a fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7, and a fire occurrence detection unit 33 are provided, for example, for each solar cell array 19. In Figure 9, reference numeral 101 indicates a current collection box, reference numeral 103 indicates a power conditioner, reference numeral 105 indicates a control panel for the mega solar power plant, and reference numeral 107 indicates a P-type receiver. In Figure 9, reference numeral 109 indicates a fire extinguishing control panel 109 (automatic fire detection and fire extinguishing control panel 45) equipped with a control unit 35, reference numeral 111 indicates a chemical storage tank, and reference numeral 113 indicates a chemical mixer.

[0101] In Figure 9, reference numeral 115 indicates the wiring connecting the solar cell module 11 to the junction box 101, and reference numeral 117 indicates the wiring connecting the junction box 101 to the power conditioner 103. In Figure 9, reference numeral 119 indicates the wiring connecting the power conditioner 103 to the mega solar control panel 105, and reference numeral 121 indicates the wiring connecting the junction box 101 to the P-type receiver 107. In Figure 9, reference numeral 123 indicates the wiring connecting the mega solar control panel 105 to the P-type receiver 107, and reference numeral 125 indicates the wiring connecting the P-type receiver 107 to the fire extinguishing control panel 109.

[0102] The fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 is comprised of a chemical storage tank 111, a chemical mixer 113, piping 131, 133, 135, and solenoid valves 137, 139, 141, 143 (143A, 143B, 143C, 143D) similar to the solenoid valve 55.

[0103] The piping 133 connects the chemical storage tank 111 and the chemical mixer 113, and the chemicals contained in the chemical storage tank 111 flow through the piping 133 and are supplied to the chemical mixer 113. The piping 131 extends from the chemical mixer 113, and water from a water source such as a water tank (not shown) flows through the piping 131 and is supplied to the chemical mixer 113.

[0104] The pipe 135 extends from the chemical mixer 113, branches off along the way, and extends to each of the solar cell arrays 19 (19A, 19B, 19C, 19D). As shown in Figure 3, multiple fire extinguishing agent dischargers 27 are provided in the linearly extending portions of the pipe 135 at each of the solar cell arrays 19 (19A, 19B, 19C, 19D) (corresponding to the ridge extension portion 26 shown in Figures 3 and 4). The chemical and water mixed in the chemical mixer 113 flow through the pipe 135 as the fire extinguishing agent 21.

[0105] Solenoid valve 137 is installed in the middle of piping 133 and opens and closes the flow path of piping 133. Solenoid valve 139 is installed in the middle of piping 131 near the chemical mixer 113 and opens and closes the flow path of piping 131. Solenoid valve 141 is installed in the middle of piping 135 (upstream of the branching point) near the chemical mixer 113 and opens and closes the flow path of piping 135.

[0106] The solenoid valves 143 (143A, 143B, 143C, 143D) are installed in the middle of the piping 135 (between the branching point and the fire extinguishing agent discharge material 27) and open and close the flow path of the piping 135 downstream of the branching point. By opening and closing the solenoid valves 143 (143A, 143B, 143C, 143D) as appropriate, the fire extinguishing agent 21 is discharged to each of the multiple solar cell arrays 19 in an independent manner.

[0107] For example, if solenoid valves 137, 139, and 141 are open, and solenoid valves 143B, 143C, and 143D are closed, then solenoid valve 143A is opened, the fire extinguishing agent 21 will be discharged only onto the surfaces of solar cell arrays 19A and 19B.

[0108] In the fire extinguishing system 3b, wiring 129, similar to the wiring 63 described above, extends from the fire extinguishing control panel 109 to solenoid valves 137, 139, 141, and 143. Wiring 127, similar to the wiring 65 described above, extends from the fire extinguishing control panel 109 to the solar cell module cover 5. In addition, a fire detection wire 37 extends from the P-type receiver 107.

[0109] In the fire extinguishing system 3b, when the fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire, a circuit breaker off signal is output from the P-type receiver 107 to the current collector box 101 via the wiring 121. As a result, the circuit breaker installed in the current collector box 101 opens, and the electrical circuit is cut off. Also in the fire extinguishing system 3b, when the fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire, a solenoid valve on signal is output from the P-type receiver 107 to the fire extinguishing control panel 109 via the wiring 125. As a result, solenoid valves 137, 139, 141, and 143 open the flow path for the fire extinguishing agent 21.

[0110] In the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 9, the fire extinguishing agent 21 is not discharged to the back surface of the solar cell array 19 (solar cell module 11). In the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 9, with solenoid valves 137, 139, and 141 open, solenoid valves 143A and 143C are closed, and solenoid valves 143B and 143D are opened, so that the fire extinguishing agent 21 is discharged only into the space 149 below the solar cell array 19.

[0111] In the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 9, the number of branches in the piping 135 may be further increased, and the number of solenoid valves may be further increased to configure the system to discharge the fire extinguishing agent 21 onto the back surface of the solar cell array 19 (solar cell module 11).

[0112] Here, the fire extinguishing system 3b will be explained further with reference to Figure 11. In the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit 7 discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 to the front and back surfaces of the solar cell array 19 (solar cell module 11), and also discharges the fire extinguishing agent 21 into the space 149 below the solar cell array 19.

[0113] The fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11 is provided with a plate-shaped shielding material 151 that has almost no breathability, in addition to the surface material 29. The shielding material 151 almost completely shields the space 149 below the solar cell array 19 from the atmosphere. The fire extinguishing agent 21 that has flowed through the pipes 135B and 135D shown in Figure 9 is discharged into the space 149. This prevents the fire from spreading to the weeds growing on the land 17 below the solar cell array 19.

[0114] In the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, the fire extinguishing agent 21 discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharger 27, which is provided in the fire extinguishing agent piping indicated by reference numeral 26C, enters the space 149 through a notch (not shown) provided in the shielding material 151. Alternatively, in the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, the fire extinguishing agent discharger 27 (fire extinguishing agent piping 26C) may be provided within the space 149 without the aforementioned notch, and the fire extinguishing agent 21 may be discharged directly into the space 149.

[0115] Furthermore, in the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, the facing material 29 may be removed. Also, in the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, similar to the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 9, the back surface of the solar cell array 19 (solar cell module 11) may not be configured to discharge the extinguishing agent 21. In addition, in the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, the facing material 29, the extinguishing agent piping 26B (extinguishing agent discharge material 27) and the extinguishing agent piping 26C (extinguishing agent discharge material 27) may be provided, and the shielding material 151 may be removed. Also, in the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 11, the facing material 29 and the extinguishing agent piping 26B (extinguishing agent discharge material 27) may be removed, and the extinguishing agent piping 26C (extinguishing agent discharge material 27) may be provided, and the shielding material 151 may be removed.

[0116] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the third modified fire extinguishing system 3c will be described. The third modified fire extinguishing system 3c is also a fire extinguishing system for the mega solar power generation system 1a. The fire extinguishing system 3c differs from the fire extinguishing system 3b shown in Figure 9 in that the chemical cylinder unit 152, etc., is configured in the same way as the fire extinguishing system 3b in other respects.

[0117] The extinguishing agent cylinder unit 152 of the fire extinguishing system 3c is comprised of multiple (for example, two) extinguishing agent cylinders 153 and 155. Piping 157 extends from the extinguishing agent cylinder 153 to the solar cell array 19 (19A, 19B). Piping 159 extends from the extinguishing agent cylinder 155 to the solar cell array 19 (19C, 19D).

[0118] A solenoid valve 161 is provided in the middle of piping 157, near the chemical cylinder 153, to open and close the flow path of piping 157, and a solenoid valve 163 is provided in the middle of piping 159, near the chemical cylinder 155, to open and close the flow path of piping 159. In the fire extinguishing system 3c, when the fire detection unit 33 detects the occurrence of a fire, the solenoid valves 161 and / or 163 are opened to discharge the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent discharge material 27.

[0119] In the mega solar power generation system 1a, which is the target of firefighting systems 3b and 3c, the solar panels (solar cell arrays) 19 are densely packed. This makes it difficult for workers to enter and exit for firefighting, but by using firefighting systems 3b and 3c, firefighting can be carried out without requiring workers to enter and exit.

[0120] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 3, 3a, 3b, 3c Firefighting System 5. Solar cell module cover 7. Fire extinguishing agent discharge section 9. Fire-resistant protective cover 11 Solar cell modules 21 Fire extinguishing agent 29. Surface material 33 Fire detection unit 35 Control Unit 37 Fire detection wire 39. First conductor 41. Second wire 43 Covering materials 89 Core material

Claims

1. A solar cell module cover that covers the solar cell module with a fire-resistant protective cover, The solar cell module is provided with a fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit that dispenses a fire extinguishing agent onto at least one of its surfaces, the surface of the solar cell module, and the back surface of the solar cell module. A fire extinguishing system having

2. A fire detection unit for detecting the occurrence of a fire in the aforementioned solar cell module, When the fire detection unit detects a fire in the solar cell module, a control unit controls the solar cell module cover and the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit so that the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover covers the solar cell module and the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit discharges fire extinguishing agent. A fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The fire detection unit is configured to include a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module. The fire detection wire comprises a first conductor covered with an insulating coating material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the coating material, wherein the fire detection unit is configured to detect the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module when the coating material melts and the first conductor and the second conductor short-circuit each other.

4. The fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover is configured to be rolled up on a core material when no fire is occurring in the solar cell module, and to roll out due to gravity when a fire occurs in the solar cell module, thereby covering the solar cell module, according to claim 1.

5. The solar cell module is installed such that its back surface faces the upper surface of a surface material that has a flat upper surface. The fire extinguishing system according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit is configured to flow between the surface material and the solar cell module on the back side of the solar cell module.

6. A solar cell module cover that covers the solar cell module with a fire-resistant protective cover, A fire detection unit for detecting the occurrence of a fire in the aforementioned solar cell module, A fire extinguishing system comprising: a fire detection unit that detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module; and a control unit that controls the solar cell module cover so that the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover covers the solar cell module; The fire detection unit is configured to include a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module. The fire detection wire comprises a first conductor covered with an insulating coating material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the same coating material. When the coating material melts and the first and second conductors short-circuit each other, the fire detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module. The fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover is wound in a roll around a core material when there is no fire in the solar cell module, and when a fire occurs in the solar cell module, it rolls out due to gravity and unfolds to cover the solar cell module as part of the fire extinguishing system.

7. A fire detection unit that detects the occurrence of a fire in a solar cell module, The solar cell module includes a fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit that dispenses the fire extinguishing agent, When the fire detection unit detects a fire in the solar cell module, a control unit controls the fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit so that the fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit is performed, The solar cell module is installed such that its back surface faces the upper surface of a surface material that has a flat upper surface. A fire extinguishing system configured such that the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit flows between the upper surface of the surface material and the solar cell module on the back side of the solar cell module, The fire detection unit is configured to include a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module. The fire detection wire comprises a first conductor covered with an insulating coating material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the coating material, and the fire detection unit is configured to detect the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module when the coating material melts and the first conductor and the second conductor short-circuit each other.

8. A solar cell module cover that covers the solar cell module with a fire-resistant protective cover, A fire detection unit for detecting the occurrence of a fire in the aforementioned solar cell module, When the fire detection unit detects a fire occurring in the solar cell module, a control unit controls the solar cell module cover so that the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover covers the solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit that dispenses the fire extinguishing agent, When the fire detection unit detects a fire in the solar cell module, a control unit controls the fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit so that the fire extinguishing agent dispensing unit is performed, A fire extinguishing system having a fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing agent discharge unit, configured such that the fire extinguishing agent flows between the fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover and the solar cell module, The fire detection unit is configured to include a fire detection wire extending from the back surface of the solar cell module. The fire detection wire comprises a first conductor covered with an insulating coating material that melts at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, and a second conductor covered with the same coating material. When the coating material melts and the first and second conductors short-circuit each other, the fire detection unit detects the occurrence of a fire in the solar cell module. The fire-resistant protective cover of the solar cell module cover is wound in a roll around a core material when there is no fire in the solar cell module, and when a fire occurs in the solar cell module, it rolls out due to gravity and unfolds to cover the solar cell module as part of the fire extinguishing system.

9. The aforementioned fire extinguishing agent is As an active ingredient, General formula: RCH=CH(CH ２ )nSO ３ Alpha-olefin sulfonates represented by Z (where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, n is 0 to 5, and Z is an alkali metal and / or alkaline earth metal), Chemical formula: C １２ H ２５ N+(CH ３ ) ２ CH ２ COO － An environmentally friendly foam fire extinguishing agent comprising lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, represented by: The fire extinguishing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sum of the active ingredient concentrations of the alpha-olefin sulfonate and the lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine is in the range of 2.6278 to 3.8010% by weight.

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