Li-Ion Tamer: Off-Gas Detection for Thermal Runaway Prevention
Suppression Systems, Inc. (SSI) provides the Li-Ion Tamer Off-Gas Detection System — the industry-leading technology for early warning of lithium-ion battery failures. This system identifies volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during cell venting, giving 2 to 30 minutes of advance notice before thermal runaway. It is a vital safety component for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), UPS banks and critical power rooms, and industrial installations.
The Lithium-Ion Challenge: Understanding Thermal Runaway
Thermal runaway is a self-heating reaction that can drive cell temperatures from 80 °C to 1000 °C within seconds. Once initiated, it’s nearly impossible to stop. Conventional detectors only react after smoke or heat appears — when mitigation is too late.
The Li-Ion Tamer detects the earliest sign of failure — cell off-gassing — before visible smoke or heat, giving operators time to trigger clean agent suppression, isolate power feeds, and prevent catastrophic events.
The Li-Ion Tamer Solution: Off-Gas Detection Technology
Li-Ion Tamer by Xtralis (Honeywell) uses sensors that monitor for specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during cell venting — the critical precursor to thermal runaway. Because these VOCs are present across all chemistries (NMC, LFP, NCA), the system is chemistry-agnostic and reliable for modern battery technologies.
- Distributed Sensor Network: Rack-level coverage pinpoints the origin of failure.
- Independent Controller: Communicates with Autocall control panels or BMS for real-time alerts and shutdowns.
- System Integration: Connects directly with suppression systems and explosion isolation equipment.
Applications for Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway Prevention
SSI integrates Li-Ion Tamer in critical environments where battery safety and continuity matter most:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Prevent cascading thermal events and module-to-module fire spread.
- Data Centers & UPS Rooms: Detect electrolyte venting before equipment damage or outages.
- EV Charging Stations & Microgrids: Identify off-gas events inside charging enclosures.
- Battery Manufacturing & Testing Facilities: Safeguard personnel and production assets from cell venting incidents.
For high-hazard installations, combine Li-Ion Tamer with thermal imaging monitoring and video fire detection for comprehensive protection across both incipient and flaming stages.
NFPA 855 Compliance & Integrated Mitigation Action
NFPA 855 requires early detection to reduce the impact of thermal runaway in energy storage systems. SSI’s design team configures Li-Ion Tamer as part of a compliant Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA), ensuring automatic actions such as power isolation and agent discharge.
- NFPA 855 Compliance: Meets single-cell failure and HMA standards.
- Integration Ready: Links to Advanced Detection and Explosion Protection Systems.
- Independent Detection: Operates outside of the BMS for redundant safety coverage.
SSI – Your East Coast Li-Ion Safety Specialists
From New York to Virginia, Suppression Systems, Inc. delivers full-service design, installation, and maintenance of Li-Ion Tamer Off-Gas Detection Systems. Our engineers integrate with existing alarm panels, suppression networks, and early detection technologies to create a unified, code-compliant protection ecosystem.
- Certified installation and testing of Li-Ion Tamer sensors and controllers.
- Annual service and maintenance for NFPA 855 and insurance compliance.
- Integration with thermal, video, and clean-agent suppression solutions.
Great Knowledge, Great Service…It’s That Simple!