Numerical analysis of hydrothermal coupling effects on two-phase closed thermosyphon roadbed cooling in extremely cold regions

Huijie Li, Yan Lv, Wei Wang, Chunsi Wang, Ruiyang Xu and Han Wang

Energy, 2025, vol. 333, issue C

Abstract: Roadbeds in extremely cold regions are prone to frost heave and thaw settlement due to temperature fluctuations and construction disturbances. The installation of thermosyphon systems has proven effective in mitigating frost damage. However, the specific impacts of thermosyphon systems on the temperature, moisture, and stress fields of roadbeds remain insufficiently understood. This study developed a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) model for thermosyphon-enhanced roadbeds using secondary development of the COMSOL multiphysics platform, integrating real-world site conditions. The model was employed to analyze variations in temperature, moisture, and frost heave and thaw settlement induced by thermosyphon installation. Numerical simulation results were validated against field monitoring data, demonstrating high accuracy. A combined approach of simulation and field data was used to evaluate the cooling performance of thermosyphon systems under varying soil moisture content and installation configurations. The results indicate that the numerical simulation accurately captures the influence of thermosyphon systems on the temperature field of roadbeds, with strong agreement between simulated and observed data. While a 2m thermosyphon spacing achieved the most effective cooling, a 4m spacing provided a more practical and cost-effective solution. Furthermore, the coupled THM numerical simulations offer valuable insights for optimizing thermosyphon installation in permafrost roadbeds.

Keywords: Permafrost roadbed stability; Thermosyphon system; Thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling; Numerical modeling; Frost heave processes; Thaw settlement behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:333:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225029287

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137286

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