KiddeFenwal is using two major fire safety events to highlight a multi-layered fire protection approach designed for battery energy storage systems (BESS), as the sector faces increasing scrutiny over the risks associated with lithium-ion battery installations.
The company, which specialises in fire protection and safety controls, presented its BESS-focused technologies at Interschutz and will also showcase it at the NFPA Conference and Expo. The systems are intended to detect early warning signs of fire and support rapid suppression before incidents escalate into thermal runaway events.
BESS are becoming an increasingly important part of global energy infrastructure, particularly as renewable energy deployment grows. However, their use of lithium-ion batteries can present complex fire risks, including overheating, flammable gas build-up and cell-to-cell fire propagation.
KiddeFenwal said its approach brings together several technologies to provide enhanced protection for BESS applications. These include:
REL-iON – a sensor platform that monitors flammable gases, hydrogen, overheating, refrigerant and water leaks, air temperature and humidity changes, and other early signs of corrosion and fire
Air sampling detection designed to provide early warning of smoke at the incipient stage
AEGIS– PHX and ARIES-SLX fire alarm-suppression control units that can trigger immediate suppression action
Fluoro-K – a clean agent designed to reduce temperature, tackle flames at the source and help stop cell-to-cell propagation without leaving harmful residue
NATURA IG-100 – an inert gas system that uses nitrogen to maintain an oxygen-deficient environment that cannot support combustion, helping prevent re-ignition
According to KiddeFenwal, research conducted at the University of Maryland over a multi-year period, alongside controlled fire tests conducted in December 2025, found that the systems were most effective when used together. The company said the combined approach can quickly detect and suppress initial flames, protect equipment and help maintain safer conditions for first responders.
“The full promise of BESS as reliable and sustainable energy solutions can truly be unleashed when protected with highly sophisticated fire systems,” said Rekha Agrawal, CEO of KiddeFenwal. “KiddeFenwal is advancing the pioneering fire prevention, detection and suppression systems needed for today’s most forward-thinking energy storage companies worldwide.”