KiddeFenwal showcases BESS fire protection solution

by ActiveBreaking NewsFire DetectionProducts

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.”

Kentec expands Sigma ZXT compliance with UL 864 listing

by Featured NewsFire DetectionFire SuppressionProducts

Kentec panel gains UL 864 listing

Kentec has announced that its Sigma ZXT control panel has achieved an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing to the UL 864 10th edition standard, allowing the platform to support compliant fire detection and suppression systems in global markets.

Kentec said the listing applies to a panel designed for early-warning fire detection and suppression systems across the Americas, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The Sigma ZXT builds on the company’s Sigma A-XT range with additional features and compliance with the latest standards.

It can be configured with dual extinguishing outputs to support main and reserve cylinders, helping reduce downtime after a release.

A dynamic LCD display provides real-time system status using green, red, blue and amber indication for conditions including fire, faults and releasing stages.

The panel can also store 1,000 event logs in a downloadable record for diagnostics and investigation.

Technical details of the Sigma ZXT

Kentec said the panel is suited to high-risk applications including battery energy storage systems (BESS), where conditions that could lead to thermal runaway and fire need to be identified quickly.

Three initiating device circuits can be configured for coincidence activation so extinguishant release only occurs after confirmation of a fire event.

Three notification appliance circuits support horns, strobes and horn strobe devices from multiple suppliers, with patterns that indicate different stages of extinguishant release.

Six programmable volt-free relay outputs and two programmable inputs allow site-specific function control.

Remote indication and control can be provided through Sigma ZSi Status Units, with up to seven units connected on a monitored RS485 Data Bus.

Additional fixed-function relay outputs can be added through up to seven Sigma ZXT UL Ancillary Boards.

Kentec outlines market use

Derrick Hall, director of sales at Kentec Electronics, said: “Achieving UL certification for the Sigma ZXT is a major step forward for Kentec.

“It allows us to bring a proven and trusted platform to a much wider global audience, particularly in regions where UL compliance is essential.

“Over the last five years, the ZXT has already demonstrated its reliability in the field.

“This certification ensures customers in new markets can benefit from the same high standards of performance and safety.

“As industries such as BESS continue to expand, the need for intelligent, early warning fire detection and releasing of fire suppression agents has never been greater.

“The ZXT platform provides a powerful solution to help protect both assets and operations.”

Battery storage standard UL 9540A updated with large-scale fire testing

by Breaking NewsSafety

Battery storage standard adds large-scale fire testing

UL Standards & Solutions has published the sixth edition of UL 9540A, adding large-scale fire testing requirements to the standard for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.

The new edition was published on 13 March and is described it as a key standard for battery energy storage systems (BESS), including lithium-ion systems.

The standard is titled UL 9540A, Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems, and is identified by UL as the American and Canadian national standard for assessing fire propagation related to thermal runaway events in energy storage systems (ESS).

UL said testing to the standard is an essential element of due diligence when the design or installation conditions of an ESS exceed the limits set by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855, NFPA 1, the International Fire Code (IFC) or the International Residential Code (IRC).

UL 9540A is the only consensus standard explicitly cited in NFPA 855 for large-scale fire testing and the only national standard in the US and Canada for fire safety testing methods for battery ESS.

UL also said it offers testing aligned with both the fifth and sixth editions of UL 9540A.

Battery storage testing and CSA Group response

CSA Group published comment from Dana Parmenter, Commercial Vice President, Industrial at CSA Group, on what the sixth edition may mean for manufacturers and authorities having jurisdiction.

Parmenter said: “The release of the 6th Edition of UL 9540A in March 2026 establishes a new precedent in the energy storage system (ESS) testing and certification ecosystem.

“This change will raise many questions for manufacturers around enforcement timelines, jurisdictional adoption, and how updated requirements may be interpreted by AHJs.

“This edition expands testing expectations and introduces large scale fire (LSFT) testing requirements within the certification process.

“Section 10 requires LSFT to demonstrate that fire will not propagate between ESS units.

“This change is part of a larger trend across ESS standards, placing greater emphasis on LSFT as it relates to system level safety.”

CSA Group said NFPA 855 Section 9.2.1.2.1 requires large-scale fire testing to characterise gas composition and demonstrate non-propagation between ESS units, which involves gas analysis and calorimetric data such as heat release rate (HRR).

It added that previous editions of UL 9540A did not explicitly incorporate large-scale fire testing, and said the sixth edition now addresses spacing and fire propagation as safety considerations within the certification framework.

CSA Group said CSA/ANSI C800:25 continues to address performance-based characterisation, including heat release rate, target unit measurements such as heat flux, operation of detection systems, battery management system data, and a framework for acquiring data for fire protection engineer analysis.

Complementary roles in ESS approvals

CSA Group said NFPA 855 Section 9.2.2.2 requires interpretation of test results by a registered fire protection engineer, and added that many engineers recommend HRR and other measurements in CSA/ANSI C800:25 to support their analysis.

It said CSA/ANSI C800:25 can be used alongside UL 9540A to provide additional performance and engineering-based data for site-specific installation requirements, engineering approvals and AHJ review.

Parmenter added: “UL 9540A and CSA/ANSI C800:25 now serve more distinct, yet complementary, roles within the ESS testing and approvals process.

“Looking ahead, both standards may be applied to support demonstration of alignment with NFPA 855.

“UL’s recent revisions to UL 9540A expand the scope of safety focused requirements by incorporating certain performance-based considerations, such as those informing spacing and propagation mitigation, into the certification framework.

“CSA/ANSI C800:25 continues to provide additional performance and engineering-based characterization, including data elements that remain optional or out of scope under UL 9540A.”

First sodium-ion battery storage systems deployed on U.S. grid

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProductsSafety

Launch of sodium-ion battery storage systems in the United States

Peak Energy has reported the launch and shipment of its sodium-ion battery energy storage system to the U.S. electric grid.

This is the first grid-scale sodium-ion storage solution to be deployed in the United States, according to the developer.

The system features a patent-pending passive cooling design intended to reduce lifetime energy costs.

It also removes components identified by independent third-party reports as being involved in most battery storage system fires.

The launch forms part of a pilot programme with nine utility and independent power producer customers this summer.

Passive cooling and design features

Peak Energy stated that its sodium-ion phosphate pyrophosphate battery storage system eliminates all moving parts, including active cooling and ventilation components.

Removing these parts reduces the most common failure modes in battery storage systems.

The design is intended to increase reliability and reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Sodium-ion chemistry enables operation across a wide range of temperatures without auxiliary cooling systems.

This contrasts with lithium-ion technologies, which require active cooling and ventilation to preserve cell life and prevent fires.

Cost and performance claims

The grid storage system is cost-competitive with other industry products.

Its design provides lower operating and maintenance costs over its lifetime.

Passive cooling allows for reduced auxiliary power use and fewer components likely to fail.

Performance testing indicated operational cost savings of at least $1 million annually per gigawatt hour installed.

Testing also showed approximately 20% lifetime cost savings compared to lithium iron phosphate deployments and a 33% reduction in battery degradation over 20 years.

Policy and supply chain considerations

The launch comes as U.S. federal policies are increasing the focus on domestic energy supply chains.

Rising energy demand has made battery storage essential for grid resilience and cost reduction.

Sodium-ion technology offers supply chain advantages for the United States.

The country holds the largest reserves of soda ash, a mineral used to produce sodium-ion batteries.

The full raw material supply chain can be sourced domestically or from allied nations.

Statements from company leadership

Landon Mossburg, CEO and Co-Founder at Peak Energy, said: “We see energy storage not only as an economic imperative, but also as a national security priority.

“Time is of the essence if the U.S. wants to take ownership and maintain control of its energy future.”

“We are committed to onshoring the manufacturing of this critical industry, and this launch proves our ability to execute quickly on our vision to establish the U.S. as a global leader in battery manufacturing.”

Paul Durkee, VP of Engineering at Peak Energy, said: “This isn’t just another product launch – it’s a breakthrough in energy storage.

“We’ve taken a very stable chemistry and invested its benefits back into our passive cooling architecture.

“The system is dead-simple with no moving parts, no planned maintenance and negligible aux loads.

“It’s the lowest total-cost grid storage technology to be deployed anywhere in the world.

“I’m incredibly proud of the creativity and grit our team has shown in bringing our vision to life.”

Future deployment plans

The pilot project is an initial step in commercialising sodium-ion battery storage in the U.S.

Nearly 1GWh of future commercial contracts are under negotiation.

Over the next two years, several hundred megawatt hours of commercial-scale storage will be deployed to multiple independent power producer and hyperscaler partners.

Development is also underway for the first U.S. cell factory, scheduled to begin production in 2026.

This follows $55 million in Series A funding in 2024 and the company’s launch from stealth in 2023.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The removal of active cooling and ventilation systems in this design addresses components linked to many battery storage system fires, according to independent third-party reports.

For fire and safety professionals, this may change risk assessment protocols for grid-scale storage installations.

The adoption of sodium-ion chemistry in grid applications could influence emergency response planning, particularly in temperature extremes where lithium-ion systems require auxiliary systems.

Understanding the operational characteristics of passive-cooled systems will be important for developing training, maintenance, and inspection standards.

First sodium-ion battery storage systems deployed on U.S. grid: Summary

Peak Energy has launched its sodium-ion battery energy storage system in the United States.

This is the first grid-scale sodium-ion storage system to be deployed on the U.S. electric grid.

The design uses passive cooling and removes components linked to battery storage system fires.

The system can operate without active cooling or ventilation across a range of temperatures.

Testing indicated operational cost savings of at least $1 million annually per gigawatt hour installed.

Results also showed 20% lifetime cost savings versus lithium iron phosphate and reduced battery degradation.

Sodium-ion offers domestic supply chain advantages due to U.S. soda ash reserves.

The pilot project involves nine utilities and independent power producers.

Commercial contracts under negotiation total nearly 1GWh.

Production at the first U.S. cell factory is planned for 2026.

How CLOU’s battery system burned for 59 hours without spreading fire

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringResearchSafety

CLOU reports fire test for Aqua C2.5 battery system in North America

CLOU has announced the results of a 59-hour fire test on its Aqua C2.5 battery energy storage system, carried out at a CSA-accredited test site in April 2025.

According to CLOU, the test simulated a large-scale fire in a 20MWh deployment to assess thermal runaway containment and explosion prevention mechanisms.

The company said the evaluation was performed using four 5MWh containers configured side by side to mimic actual high-density energy storage layouts.

The ignition container burned for over 59 hours with temperatures exceeding 1300°C.

No fire suppression systems were triggered during the test, enabling analysis of how CLOU’s Active Ventilation & Explosion-Proof System prevented the spread of fire to adjacent units.

System withstood prolonged high temperatures without thermal propagation

CLOU stated that the test configuration placed the Aqua C2.5 containers in back-to-back and side-by-side arrangements.

The ignition unit, labelled Container A, was exposed to extreme conditions while the other three units were monitored for signs of thermal propagation.

The manufacturer said the internal temperature of Container A exceeded 1300°C and sustained combustion for 59 hours and 10 minutes.

It reported that adjacent containers did not experience thermal deformation or battery damage.

According to CLOU, this result demonstrated the ability of the ventilation system to direct flames vertically, preventing lateral heat spread.

Thermal sensors in the adjacent containers recorded no temperatures high enough to trigger runaway events.

Design features based on NFPA and CSA standards

CLOU said the safety system design is based on North American energy storage standards, including NFPA 69, NFPA 68, NFPA 855, and CSA/ANSI C800.

According to the company, explosion prevention is handled by active ventilation triggered at 10 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL), reducing gas levels below 25 percent LEL.

It said the Aqua C2.5 is also equipped with pressure relief structures and fixed-angle louvers, which direct gas and flame discharge vertically during a blast.

This design is intended to prevent the ignition of adjacent containers, even in high-density deployment.

The test also aligned with CSA/ANSI C800 criteria, which call for full-scale validation of thermal runaway and containment effectiveness.

Multi-layered detection and suppression system

The company explained that the fire safety architecture begins with the battery management system monitoring real-time voltage and temperature.

It said the BMS triggers early-stage alarms and disconnects charge-discharge circuits to prevent thermal propagation.

If temperatures continue to rise, gas detectors activate forced ventilation to lower explosive gas levels.

At a secondary threshold, a water-based suppression system is deployed to cool overheated components and reduce reignition risk.

According to CLOU, this coordination between ventilation and suppression supports continuous removal of flammable gases during incidents.

Fire test included deflagration and explosion venting validation

CLOU reported that the fire test also evaluated the performance of structural venting under extreme conditions.

It said the five natural exhaust louvers served as flame outlets and pressure relief mechanisms.

According to the test data, flames were vented at a fixed upward angle, limiting the heat exposure to other units in the layout.

The louvers functioned independently of external power supply, activating through thermal pressure when necessary.

CLOU stated that the design ensures explosion prevention even during power loss scenarios.

The test confirmed the louvers’ effectiveness in avoiding flame spread during deflagration.

CLOU completes 59-hour fire test on Aqua C2.5 battery system: Summary

CLOU has published results from a 59-hour fire test on its Aqua C2.5 containerised energy storage system.

The test involved four 5MWh units in a 20MWh layout and was witnessed by CSA Group.

Container A was ignited and burned at over 1300°C for more than 59 hours.

No suppression systems were used during the test.

The fire did not spread to adjacent containers.

Temperatures in other units remained below thermal runaway thresholds.

Flames were vented upwards through fixed louvers to avoid cross-container ignition.

The ventilation system maintained flammable gas concentrations below explosive limits.

The safety system was designed in line with NFPA and CSA/ANSI C800 standards.

The system includes real-time thermal monitoring and automated ventilation and suppression triggers.

Louvers activated passively using thermal pressure in power loss conditions.

Explosion pressure was relieved by structural venting.

The fire test confirmed the system’s containment and venting performance.

Norfolk council urges government support for fire response at battery farms

by Featured NewsSafetyUtilities

Norfolk votes to request government funding for battery fire response

Norfolk County Council has voted to ask the UK government to fund specialist fire service equipment and training for responding to battery energy storage system (BESS) incidents.

According to the BBC, the decision follows an increase in local BESS planning applications, which councillors say has outpaced the emergency services’ capacity to respond to fire risks.

Council leader Kay Mason Billig said BESS installations present a safety challenge and called on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to involve fire services in planning decisions.

Mason Billig added that national safety standards should be introduced and that current fire and rescue provision lacks adequate funding and equipment.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero responded that battery storage fires are rare and that safety regulations already exist.

Concerns raised about lack of fire service consultation

Kay Mason Billig told councillors she is concerned that there is no legal requirement for fire services to be consulted on BESS proposals.

She said a surge in battery site applications had been observed and warned that the fire service is not being adequately prepared for the associated risks.

Mason Billig said: “They present a real challenge to our fire and rescue services who are expected to respond to these highly complex incidents with no additional funding, training or equipment from the government or developers.”

She added that she wants the government to establish national safety standards for these systems.

Forty councillors supported the motion, with 11 abstaining and none opposing. Mason Billig will now write to Energy Secretary Ed Milliband.

BESS technology described as an emerging fire risk

Battery energy storage systems are used to hold electricity from solar, wind and fossil fuels for later use.

These systems use lithium-ion batteries housed in container-like units. The UK government plans to increase storage capacity from 4.5 GW in 2024 to 27 GW by 2030.

While the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero described BESS fires as rare, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has called them “an emerging risk”.

The systems are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive, but no single authority currently sets uniform safety standards.

One proposed site in Rushall, near Diss, was recently put on hold by developers.

Debate over risk level and appropriate response

Catherine Rowett, leader of the Green group on Norfolk County Council, supported tighter controls but warned against overstating the danger.

Rowett said: “We should resist the temptation to overstate the risks from BESS installations because local residents are receiving sensationalist misinformation that are causing many to fear for their lives.”

She added that some fire incidents occurred at sites using outdated technology.

Rowett supported the call for greater fire service funding and clearer planning requirements, but cautioned against “scaremongering”.

Government and fire service respond to council motion

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “Battery fires at storage sites are rare in the UK and we already have high safety standards in place to ensure batteries are safe throughout their lifespan.”

They added: “Every battery storage facility we construct helps protect families from future energy shocks.”

A spokesperson for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said it supports the move for earlier involvement in planning.

The spokesperson said: “We would welcome closer fire service involvement in these sites as a positive step towards greater public safety in an emerging technology.”

Norfolk council calls for fire service support on battery farm planning: Summary

Norfolk County Council voted to request government support for fire service readiness at BESS sites.

Council leader Kay Mason Billig raised concerns about the lack of fire service consultation on planning decisions.

She said battery farms present complex fire risks without extra funding or equipment for emergency responders.

The council will now write to Energy Secretary Ed Milliband with a formal request.

BESS technology stores energy from renewable and non-renewable sources for later use.

Installations use lithium-ion batteries housed in container-like structures.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service described the technology as an emerging fire risk.

Catherine Rowett of the Green group supported safety measures but cautioned against alarmist rhetoric.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said battery fires are rare and existing safety standards are high.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said closer involvement in planning would support public safety.

There is currently no single authority setting nationwide BESS fire safety standards.

Is BESS best? Why battery energy storage systems can be a hazard to firefighters

by Breaking NewsSafety

By Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are a crucial component of the global energy transition, enabling grid stability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy, and providing backup power.

However, as their use becomes more widespread, the risks they pose, especially to firefighters, have come under increasing scrutiny.

While these systems promise environmental and economic benefits, they also introduce a complex set of hazards that can pose a challenge to even the most experienced emergency responders.

One of the most pressing concerns is the risk of thermal runaway.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in BESS, are susceptible to overheating.

When a cell fails, due to manufacturing defects, mechanical damage, or electrical faults, it can trigger a chain reaction of cell failures.

This phenomenon can cause intense fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish.

In some cases, BESS fires can smoulder or reignite for days, making containment a logistical and safety nightmare.

Firefighters are particularly vulnerable because these fires do not behave like typical structural or vehicle fires.

Standard suppression methods, including water or foam, may be ineffective or even dangerous when used on energised battery systems.

In some cases, applying water can lead to the production of hydrogen gas, creating an explosive environment.

Furthermore, the release of toxic gases, such as hydrogen fluoride, during a BESS fire presents serious respiratory and environmental hazards, especially in confined or urban spaces.

Complicating matters further is the limited access to system information during emergencies.

Firefighters often arrive at BESS incidents without real-time data about the state of charge, temperature, or fault locations within the battery array.

Without this critical intelligence, first responders are forced to make dynamic decisions with incomplete information, increasing the risk to both personnel and the public.

There is also a significant training gap.

Many fire services/departments, particularly in smaller or rural jurisdictions, are not adequately trained or equipped to deal with the unique risks from BESS incidents.

As the deployment of these systems accelerates, training and standardised protocols have not kept pace, leaving responders exposed to unfamiliar and potentially lethal hazards.

To mitigate these dangers, collaboration is key.

Manufacturers must design systems with firefighter safety in mind, including clear labelling, remote monitoring, emergency shutdown capabilities, and accessible fire response data.

Meanwhile, regulators and municipalities must push for mandatory training and updated fire codes specific to energy storage systems.

While BESS technologies are essential for a sustainable energy future, we must not overlook the safety of those who stand on the front lines.

By acknowledging and addressing the hazards these systems pose to firefighters, we can ensure progress doesn’t come at the cost of human lives.

Stay safe!

This was originally published in the July 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.