2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

CIVE5161M Energy Geotechnics

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr F. Loveridge
Email: f.a.loveridge@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module will enable students to engage directly in the developing field of energy geotechnics. It will include both fundamental knowledge and practical applications. Topics include (i) ground as a source of energy; (ii) ground as a storage medium and (iii) structures for ground energy. These topics will be supported by cross cutting themes of (i) coupled processes, including thermo-hydraulic couplings and thermo-mechanical couplings, and (ii) site investigation requirements for energy geotechnics.

Objectives

This module aims to equip students with state-of-the-art knowledge related to the developing field of energy geotechnics.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the module students will be able to:

1. Develop and apply a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of scientific and engineering principles to problems related to ground thermal energy storage, underground nuclear waste storage, carbon capture and storage underground, and foundations for energy structures (M1);

2. Apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other physical science and engineering disciplines (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M1);

3. Formulate and analyse complex problems, identifying any constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations; safety, security and risk issues, before reaching substantive conclusions (M2);

4. Identify, extract, combine and critically evaluate different data and literature sources for use in solving unfamiliar problems, taking account of uncertainty and data limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2, M4);

5. Select, evaluate and apply different mathematical models, analytical and numerical models to analysis of complex problems in energy geotechnics, while understanding and communicating their limitations (M1, M3);

6. Demonstrate an understanding of, and the ability to apply, an integrated or systems approach to solving complex problems related to energy geotechnics (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M2, M6);

7. Use laboratory skills to generate material properties data for use in analysis (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M12);

8. Function effectively as an individual, using feedback to improve performance (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M16);

9. Communicate complex problems, uncertainty and risks, and justify engineering solutions and their limitations (AHEP 4 Learning Outcome M17);

This module contributes to the AHEP4 learning outcomes M1, M2, M3,M4 M6, M12, M16 and M17.

Skills outcomes
Academic:

a). The ability to plan time, prioritise tasks and organise academic and personal commitments effectively;

b). An ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of complex problems.

Digital:

c). The ability to find, evaluate, organise and share information across a variety of formats, ensuring the reliability and integrity both of the sources used;

d). The ability to communicate and collaborate constructively and professionally with peers through a variety of digital tools and networks in order to share data and resources;

e). The ability to use digital technology and techniques to create digital items (e.g. spreadsheets), and the willingness to engage with new practices and perspectives to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.

Enterprise:

f). The ability to search for, evaluate and use appropriate and relevant information sources to help strengthen the quality of academic work and independent research;

g). Creating commitment from others, valuing ideas, collaborating and networking.

Sustainability Skills:

h). Applies different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainable development problems; develops viable, inclusive and equitable solutions; utilises appropriate competencies to solve problems; develops innovative and creative solutions.

Work ready:

i). The ability to prioritise, work efficiently and productively and to manage your time well in order to meet deadlines;

j). The ability to take a logical approach to solving problems; resolving issues by tackling from different angles, using both analytical and numerical skills. The ability to understand, interpret, analyse and manipulate analytical and numerical data;

k). The ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding and anticipate problems. To use reasoning and judgement to identify needs, make decisions, solve problems, and respond with actions;

l). The ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of self and others; to be able to build rapport, relationships and network with others.

Syllabus

Fundamental processes in energy geotechnics, the nature of the energy challenge, wind turbine foundations, ground thermal energy storage, nuclear waste disposal, carbon capture and storage, energy geo-storage, site investigation for energy geotechnics.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
On-line Learning	1	2.00	2.00
Group learning	1	5.00	5.00
Lecture	6	3.00	18.00
Practical	2	4.00	8.00
Seminar	2	3.00	6.00
Private study hours			111.00
Total Contact hours			39.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

The assignment for this module is to assess a case study of a ground energy project including the necessary ground investigation, the design of the energy scheme and the prediction of the output from the scheme. The assignment will be carried out in two parts, the first formative part will focus on the characteristics of the scheme to identify the assumptions and alternative schemes. The second, summative part will be a design report outlining the scheme. This will require extensive critical background reading on the specific case study as well as the general technical literature.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored through debate, tutorial sessions and on line assessment. The coursework includes a major formative exercise to ensure that students have undertaken enough research to complete the design project.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	An assessment of a ground energy project	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:12:17

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