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BIP in Safety of Underground Transport Infrastructure

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The BIP addresses the critical challenges posed by the transition toward sustainable and low-carbon mobility systems. Modern powertrains increasingly rely on renewable fuels, electrification, and hydrogen, requiring a profound transformation of energy and transport infrastructure, particularly in constrained and safety-critical environments such as tunnels and
underground systems.

 

Students participating to the BIP will achieve 3 ECTS.

Politecnico di Torino - DENERG, Italy (coordinator)
  • Prof. Davide Papurello
Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
  • Prof. Christian Zirker
Graz University of Technology, Austria 
  • Prof. 
Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Poland 
  • Prof. Maciej Sobótka

Virtual component: from 6/07/2026 to 10/07/2026

In-presence component: from 13/07/2026 to 17/07/2026 (5 days)
The in-presence component will take place in Turin (TO)

Partner Universities students

Contact the International Mobility/Erasmus+ office of your university
 

Politecnico di Torino students

TBD

Teaching methods

The BIP combines synchronous and asynchronous online lectures, real-world case studies, technical exercises, and project-based learning in international and multidisciplinary teams.

Online teaching activities 

The virtual activities of the BIP constitute the initial phase of the programme and are designed to provide students with the theoretical and methodological foundations necessary to address the in-person activities. The main objectives of the virtual component are:

  • introduce participants to the fundamental principles of underground transport infrastructures and innovative energy systems
  • examine safety aspects related to the use of new energy carriers (electrification, renewable fuels, hydrogen)
  • provide a systemic understanding of the interaction between vehicles and infrastructures
  • develop analytical skills for risk assessment in confined environments such as tunnels and underground systems

During the virtual component, the following main topics are covered:

  • fundamentals of underground transport systems and energy infrastructures
  • safety of alternative propulsion systems
  • characteristics and critical issues of new energy carriers
  • European case studies in rail and road transport
  • regulatory framework and safety standards at the European level.
In-presence teaching activities (5 days)

Participants work in international teams to develop engineering solutions for real tunnel safety challenges, supported by direct mentoring from academic staff. The onsite phase concludes with group presentations, peer review sessions, and a final discussion, fostering applied learning, collaboration, and professional communication skills. The in-presence component includes a technical visit to the Tunnel firefighters in Aosta.

Upon successful completion of the BIP, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the operating principles and construction features of underground infrastructure relevant to modern powertrain
    systems
  • Analyze safety requirements and risk factors in tunnels associated with vehicles using alternative energy sources, including renewable fuels, batteries, and hydrogen
  • Evaluate the interaction between energy carriers, vehicles, and refueling/charging infrastructure from a system and safety
    perspective
  • Apply engineering principles to develop preliminary project solutions addressing infrastructure and tunnel safety challenges
  • Collaborate effectively in international and multidisciplinary teams to plan, develop, and present project-based engineering solutions
  • Communicate technical concepts, safety considerations, and project outcomes clearly to a professional and intercultural audience

The course is fully aligned with the strategic vision of the DENERG Department of Excellence, contributing directly to its three multisectoral research directions aimed at accelerating the energy and environmental transition. In particular, the course supports:

  • the development of a more circular and energy-efficient system, through the analysis of infrastructure operation and optimization;
  • the electrification of energy demand, with a focus on charging infrastructure, electromechanical installations, and compliance with the European taxonomy; 
  • the promotion of renewable and low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen, addressing safety, risk mitigation, and infrastructure integration for hard-to-decarbonize transport sectors.

The program integrates theoretical lectures, applied case studies, and project-based learning in international and multidisciplinary teams, fostering system-level thinking and practical engineering skills. Onsite activities at Politecnico di Torino further
strengthen the link between education, research, and innovation, exposing students to real laboratories, facilities, and technical visits.

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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.