Startup Using Sound Waves for Fire Suppression Secures $15 Million Funding

According to CoinWorld:

Sonic Fire Tech, a U.S. fire technology startup, has completed a $15 million funding round led by O.H.I.O. Fund, with participation from Khosla Ventures. The company stated that the new funds will be used to expand its team and advance product testing and certification processes.

Funding Focused on Testing and Approval
Headquartered in Ohio, Sonic Fire Tech had previously completed a $3.5 million seed round in October last year. The company indicated that its current focus is on completing a series of experimental tests to obtain relevant certifications from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The NFPA is responsible for establishing model fire codes that are adopted by fire departments across various regions in the U.S. Co-founder and CEO Geoff Bruder stated that conventional approval processes typically take about three years, but he expects the progress of their solution to be faster.

System Suppresses Fires Using Infrasound
This system does not rely on water or chemical extinguishing agents; instead, it operates through sound wave generators installed in ceiling ducts. When sensors in the room detect a fire, the device activates and releases infrasound at approximately 20 Hz towards the fire source.

The company claims that the system can intervene within seconds, reducing common cleanup and repair issues associated with traditional water or chemical extinguishing methods. According to them, this also means lower collateral damage from false alarms, as the system does not leave large residuals after activation.

Commercial Kitchens and Battery Scenarios in Focus
The company believes that commercial kitchens are one of the more promising application scenarios, as cleanup and repairs after a fire often take a long time. The insurance industry has also begun to pay attention to the application prospects of such systems, and the company is discussing with insurance institutions the possibility of offering premium discounts in the future.

In lithium-ion battery fire tests, the system currently cannot directly extinguish the fire source, but the company claims it has shown the ability to control the spread, particularly in limiting further diffusion between cells. Besides commercial buildings, the company is also developing versions aimed at residential and renovation projects.