Dissertation Proposal

University of Central Lancashire School of Engineering Division of Fire Safety Engineering FV3900 Fire Science Dissertation Proposal Form FV3500 Fire Studies Dissertation Proposal Form Read: Breach, M (2009) Dissertation Writing for Engineers & Scientists, Pearson, Prentice Hall, ISBN 978-1-4058-7278-2 STUDENT'S NAME : STUDENT'S REGISTRATION NUMBER: COURSE: SUBMISSION DATE: You must complete all three parts to this form:  Part 1: The Proposal (not to exceed 2,000 words, excluding references)  Part 2: Ethics Checklist  Part 3: Risk Assessment (if carrying out experiments, fieldwork, travel or lone working) YOU MUST OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR YOUR PROPOSAL, ETHICS AND RISK ASSESSMENT BEFORE CARRYING OUT ANY DATA COLLECTION ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR DISSERATION. A THESIS SUBMITTED WITHOUT FORMAL APPROVAL WILL NOT BE ASSESSED. Part 1: The Proposal

1. Proposed Dissertation Title Assessing the Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicle Fires and Firefighting Measures 2. Research Rationale With the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) heralds a new age in transportation. EVs' high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, however, make them particularly vulnerable to fire. Since the combustion products and firefighting techniques may introduce new environmental contaminants, it is essential to comprehend how EV fires affect the environment. 3. Aim(s) and Objectives T O EVALUATE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF EV FIRES AND THE EFFICACY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF CURRENT FIREFIGHTING MEASURES . O BJECTIVES : 1. T O CHARACTERIZE THE EMISSIONS AND POLLUTANTS RESULTING FROM EV FIRES . 2. T O ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SUBSTANCES USED IN EV FIRE SUPPRESSION . 3. T O IDENTIFY AND EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CURRENT FIREFIGHTING PROTOCOLS FOR EV FIRES . 4. T O PROPOSE GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE EV FIRE MANAGEMENT . 4. A Brief Literature Review Literature Review: Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicle Fires and Firefighting Measures Due in large part to the high voltage lithium-ion batteries they use, the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable replacement for combustion engine cars has created significant difficulties for emergency response and safety. Comprehensive research is necessary to address the growing concern about the possible environmental implications of electric vehicle fires, including the effects of combustion products and firefighting techniques.

heavy metals and a spectrum of other hazardous compounds. The distinction between the combustion output of EVs and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles is stark, with EV fires producing a unique set of pollutants that bear a different profile of environmental toxicity (Petrauskienė et al., 2020). Despite this growing body of evidence, there remains a paucity of research on the enduring environmental repercussions of these emissions. The scarcity of longitudinal studies tracking the ecological footprint of EV fire incidents suggests a pronounced gap in current scientific literature. This gap underscores the need for extended research endeavours to thoroughly assess the long-term environmental outcomes following EV battery combustion events. Understanding the complete spectrum of environmental impacts from these fires is critical, not only for public health and safety but also for the formulation of robust EV fire management strategies. Environmental Impact Assessment The methodology for gauging the environmental impact of electric vehicle (EV) battery fires is still developing. Existing assessment frameworks, originally designed for chemical spills and industrial accidents, fall short when confronted with the specialized circumstances of EV fires. The emissions from EV fires possess a unique composition that existing protocols do not fully encompass. Moreover, the conditions under which EV fires occur can vary widely, from urban settings to remote locations, each with distinct environmental considerations. Hannan et al. (2021) point out that the current models for environmental impact assessments need significant refinement to adequately capture the range of pollutants released during EV battery fires. Tailoring these models to the specific context of EV fires is essential, as is considering the different environments affected by such incidents. This adjustment will guarantee a more accurate comprehension of the ecological effects of EV fires, enabling the creation of more potent mitigation and environmental protection plans. Firefighting Protocols for EV Fires The methods used to put out EV fires have changed as our knowledge of the dangers has grown. Balcombe and Morag (2023) emphasized the necessity for specialist training and equipment in light of the shortcomings of conventional firefighting procedures when used to electric vehicle (EV) fires. The possibility of re-ignition, the need for large volumes of water, and the difficulty of reaching the

battery compartment are some of the special difficulties. According to case studies, inadequate methods may have a substantial negative influence on the environment in addition to making it more difficult to contain the fire (Sun et al., 2020). Environmental Impact of Firefighting Measures Interventions in firefighting related to electric vehicle (EV) fires have consequences that go beyond just putting out the flames right away. The deployment of chemical suppressants and the substantial water quantities typically employed can inadvertently introduce new environmental hazards. Such measures often result in runoff that carries potentially toxic chemicals into surrounding soil and water systems, raising concerns about the broader ecological footprint of firefighting efforts. The compounds in these firefighting agents, while effective in dousing the flames, may themselves be detrimental to environmental health, potentially affecting ecosystems and human populations alike. However, the research exploring the enduring effects of these substances post-firefighting is insufficient. Ponomarenko et al. (2019) have highlighted this oversight, indicating a clear gap in the understanding of the long-term environmental consequences of firefighting chemicals used on EV fires. It emphasizes how important it is to do focused research on the consequences of these firefighting techniques in order to make sure that extinguishing electric vehicle fires in an ecologically sound and efficient manner. Gaps in the Literature A review of the literature indicates a major deficiency in comprehensive, interdisciplinary research evaluating the total environmental effect of electric vehicle fires and firefighting tactics. To provide a comprehensive knowledge of the effects of EV fires, research integrating the domains of fire chemistry, environmental toxicity, and emergency response is required. Furthermore, recommendations for ecologically friendly firefighting techniques tailored to electric vehicle mishaps are lacking, which is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of these kinds of occurrences (Mellert et al., 2020).

 Estimated cost for lab space rental and usage: £15,000 per annum. 2. Environmental Testing Laboratory:  Access to a lab capable of analysing soil and water samples for chemical and toxicological content.  Estimated cost for lab space rental and usage: £20,000 per annum. Equipment: 1. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS):  For the analysis of organic compounds in fire emissions and soil/water samples.  Estimated cost: £60,000 for purchase or £10,000 per annum for lease. 2. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS):  For detecting and quantifying metals.  Estimated cost: £80,000 for purchase or £12,000 per annum for lease. 3. Toxicity Testing Kits:  To evaluate the ecological and health risks of collected samples.  Estimated cost: £5,000 for a comprehensive set of tests. 4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  For safety during sample collection and laboratory work.  Estimated cost: £2,000 for initial supply and replacements. 5. GPS and GIS Technology:  For accurate site mapping and sample collection.  Estimated cost: £5,000 for high-quality devices and software licenses. Permissions/Authorizations: 1. Access to Fire Incident Sites:  Agreements with local fire departments and property owners to access sites for sample collection.  Costs may vary, potentially including legal fees for agreements: estimated at £3,000. 2. Environmental Sampling Permissions:  Permissions from environmental protection agencies for the collection of soil and water samples.  No direct cost is assumed, but administrative fees may apply: estimated at £1,000.

3. Data Sharing Agreements:  Arrangements with fire departments and environmental agencies for the sharing of incident reports and environmental data.  Estimated cost for legal and administrative handling: £2,000. Total Estimated Monetary Costs:  Facility Rental and Usage: £35,000 per annum.  Equipment Purchase or Lease: Up to £140,000 for purchase or £22,000 per annum for lease.  Testing Kits and PPE: £7,000.  GPS/GIS Technology: £5,000.  Permissions and Legal Fees: £6,000.  Miscellaneous and Contingencies: £5,000. Overall Total (for Purchasing Equipment): £198,000 + £35,000 (annual facility rental) + miscellaneous costs. Overall Total (for Leasing Equipment): £35,000 + £22,000 (annual equipment lease) + annual costs for testing, technology, permissions, and miscellaneous expenses. 8. References Balcombe, E.B. and Morag, N., 2023. What Strategic Adaptation to Technology Would Benefit Firefighters Responding to and Preparing for Electric Vehicle Emergencies?. Hannan, M.A., Al-Shetwi, A.Q., Begum, R.A., Ker, P.J., Rahman, S.A., Mansor, M., Mia, M.S., Muttaqi, K.M. and Dong, Z.Y., 2021. Impact assessment of battery energy storage systems towards achieving sustainable development goals. Journal of Energy Storage , 42 , p.103040. Huang, Y., Yona, A., Takahashi, H., Hemeida, A.M., Mandal, P., Mikhaylov, A., Senjyu, T. and Lotfy, M.E., 2021. Energy management system optimization of drug store electric vehicles charging station operation. Sustainability , 13 (11), p.6163.

project will be my own. SIGNED DATE FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Date Received: Further details required YES/NO Approved by Dissertation Committee YES/NO Supervisor approved YES/NO Student notified: Date: Part 2: Ethics Checklist Part 3: Risk Assessment (if carrying out experiments, fieldwork, travel or lone working)