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Cross-season antifreeze performance of tunnels with surrounding rock solar storage technology

Author

Listed:
  • Yu, Zihao
  • Zhang, Guozhu
  • Wang, Hao
  • Wang, Zhongtao

Abstract

Numerous tunnels in cold regions suffer from frost damage due to extreme climatic conditions. To mitigate this damage, a cross-seasonal antifreeze system (SGTA system) is proposed, which can automatically heat the tunnel during the cold season by storing solar energy in the deeper surrounding rock in advance. This study develops a 3D numerical model to demonstrate the feasibility and antifreeze effectiveness of this SGTA system. Meanwhile, the influences of energy storage timing, TPCT lengths, and TPCT proportions on the antifreeze effect are investigated through numerical simulation, and the optimal parameters are determined. The influence mechanism and the system advantages are discussed by comparing the results of numerical calculations. The key finding of this study indicates that the optimal end time for energy storage is when the haunch temperature of the tunnel without the SGTA system falls below 0 °C, and the optimal TPCT proportion is 1:1:1 of the evaporator, adiabatic section, and condenser. The antifreeze effect of the SGTA system increases and then decreases with TPCT length, with the optimal at 2.5 m TPCT. The appropriate time, TPCT length, and TPCT proportion are all designed to increase the freeze protection effect of this system by reducing the dissipation of stored solar heat energy. The SGTA system can reduce the minimum energy storage period by 15 % of the GHEs system.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Zihao & Zhang, Guozhu & Wang, Hao & Wang, Zhongtao, 2026. "Cross-season antifreeze performance of tunnels with surrounding rock solar storage technology," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PH).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:ph:s0960148125022979
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124633
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