Kentec targets BESS fire risks in China with regional expansion
Iain Hoey
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Kentec appoints Frank Tan as Asia Pacific Business Development Manager
Kentec has announced a new strategic hire as it expands its fire detection and suppression offering for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in China.
According to Kentec, Frank Tan has been appointed as Business Development Manager for the Asia Pacific region, with a specific focus on growing the company’s presence in the Chinese BESS sector.
Kentec stated that Tan brings over 30 years of experience in fire safety and detection, having previously held roles at Johnson Controls, VESDA, Airsense and SDHY.
Frank Tan to lead regional growth across BESS and detection markets
The company said Tan will lead efforts to strengthen Kentec’s presence across Asia Pacific.
He is a graduate of the University of Science and Technology in Beijing and holds an MBA from Donghua University in Shanghai.
Kentec added that Tan is a Registered Electrical Engineer and Registered Fire Engineer, and a member of the Technical Committee for technical specification for aspirating smoke detection (ASD) fire alarm systems of electrical factories.
Derrick Hall, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kentec, said: “Frank brings invaluable knowledge and experience of the market in China and the wider region, and will help drive Kentec’s growth in the fast-moving battery energy storage sector, where fire presents a considerable risk for BESS operators.”
Kentec develops dedicated fire safety solutions for BESS installations
Kentec reported that its expansion follows increased demand for fire protection solutions in battery storage sites across China, which it described as remote and often unmanned, creating additional challenges for detection and suppression.
The company stated that it has developed a tailored solution to address fire hazards in BESS applications.
According to Kentec, this system includes an early warning function to detect threats in advance and help mitigate the risk of major incidents.
New flammable gas sensor aims to support early hazard identification
Kentec confirmed that it is preparing to launch a flammable gas sensor designed for BESS environments.
It explained that the sensor identifies gases associated with fire risk and functions without requiring calibration throughout its lifespan, helping reduce servicing costs.
The company noted that the sensor integrates with Kentec’s ZXT and other extinguishing and releasing panels to provide alerts when potentially explosive gases are detected.
According to Kentec, this allows operators to act in advance using venting or other control measures before suppression systems are triggered.
Kentec targets BESS fire risks in China with regional expansion: Summary
Kentec has appointed Frank Tan as Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific.
The appointment is part of Kentec’s expansion into the Chinese BESS market.
Tan has over 30 years of experience in fire safety and detection.
He has previously worked at Johnson Controls, VESDA, Airsense and SDHY.
He holds qualifications as a Registered Electrical Engineer and Registered Fire Engineer.
Kentec reported that fire risks in battery storage systems are increasing in China.
The company said many sites are remote and unmanned, raising challenges for fire detection.
Kentec stated that it has developed a solution specific to BESS environments.
It is preparing to launch a flammable gas sensor for early hazard detection.
The sensor integrates with Kentec’s extinguishing and releasing systems.
Kentec confirmed that the sensor does not require calibration over its life span.
The company said the sensor provides early alerts before fire or explosion occurs.