Honeywell acquires Li-ion Tamer business in battery fire safety deal

Honeywell has announced the acquisition of the Li-ion Tamer fire detection business from Nexceris.

According to Honeywell, the acquisition strengthens its Building Automation segment and follows a five-year collaboration with Nexceris focused on lithium-ion battery safety.

The Li-ion Tamer technology detects off-gas emissions that typically precede thermal runaway, offering early warning for battery fires.

Honeywell said the technology will be integrated into its existing fire detection and life safety portfolio.

The company added that the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to its financial results.

Off-gas sensors provide early thermal runaway detection

The Li-ion Tamer system is designed to detect the release of gases that occur before a lithium-ion battery experiences thermal runaway.

Honeywell stated that this early warning capability can provide facilities with up to 30 minutes of lead time before a fire starts, allowing for proactive safety measures.

The company reported that this detection method is already used by battery manufacturers to protect critical infrastructure.

It said the technology applies across sectors using battery systems, including renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and data centres.

Honeywell added that as global demand for lithium-ion batteries grows, safety mechanisms such as off-gas detection will become more important in preventing large-scale incidents.

Integration with Honeywell Building Automation

The Li-ion Tamer product line will be incorporated into Honeywell’s Building Automation unit.

According to the company, this move enables customers to combine early gas detection with existing fire and smoke detection technologies.

Honeywell stated that its current portfolio includes VESDA, which provides early smoke detection, and Connected Life Safety Services, which supports digital monitoring via the Honeywell Forge IoT Platform.

The company explained that combining these technologies will support the management of fire detection systems through enhanced connectivity, data collection, and compliance tools.

It added that the Li-ion Tamer system holds more than 30 global patents.

Honeywell outlines broader acquisition strategy

Honeywell noted that the Li-ion Tamer deal aligns with its broader portfolio strategy.

Since December 2023, the company has announced a series of acquisitions aimed at expanding its automation, energy, and industrial safety offerings.

Honeywell stated that it has completed or announced acquisitions valued at $13.5 billion, including Civitanavi Systems, CAES Systems, and the LNG business from Air Products.

In the same period, the company divested its Personal Protective Equipment business, which was sold to Protective Industrial Products.

Honeywell added that it is progressing with its plan to spin off its Aerospace Technologies and Solstice Advanced Materials units, creating three distinct publicly listed companies.

Honeywell emphasises fire detection growth in energy storage

Billal Hammoud, President and CEO of Honeywell’s Building Automation segment, said: “Li-ion Tamer’s early warning technology has been revolutionary for our customers and partners over the last five years.

“It provides detection of battery off-gassing before a thermal runaway occurs.

“As lithium-ion battery use grows rapidly across data centres, EV infrastructure, and grid-scale energy storage, the risk of fire is increasing in parallel.

“Building on our legacy partnership, the acquisition of this product suite will position Honeywell as a leader in early gas detection and battery fire prevention.

“We expect this tuck-in acquisition to further bolster growth of our fire detection business.”

Honeywell acquires Li-ion Tamer battery fire detection technology: Summary

Honeywell has acquired the Li-ion Tamer business from Nexceris.

The technology provides off-gas detection for lithium-ion battery systems.

It is used to identify early signs of thermal runaway before a fire starts.

The system offers up to 30 minutes of warning before ignition.

Honeywell stated the acquisition builds on a five-year partnership with Nexceris.

The product line will join Honeywell’s Building Automation segment.

Honeywell’s fire detection range also includes VESDA and Connected Life Safety Services.

The Li-ion Tamer system holds over 30 global patents.

The deal is expected to be immediately accretive to Honeywell’s financials.

Honeywell is continuing a broader portfolio strategy that includes $13.5 billion in acquisitions.

The company recently sold its Personal Protective Equipment business.

It is also progressing with plans to spin off two major business units.