Numerical study on cooling characteristics of two-phase closed thermosyphon embankment in permafrost regions

Abstract The two-phase closed thermosyphon (TPCT) is an effective heat transfer device decreasing the ground temperature around it in cold season, but not absorbing heat energy in warm season. In this paper, in order to research the efficiency of the TPCT applied to the embankment in permafrost regions, a three-dimension model for the TPCT embankment was presented based on the work characteristics of the TPCT and on the related heat transfer theories. The numerical results showed that 1) the model can reasonably solve the coupled heat transfer problem of air-TPCT-soil for TPCT embankment; 2) the TPCT embankment is effective to protect the underlying permafrost and to ensure the stability of roadway in permafrost regions; furthermore, it could play rapidly a cooling effect and approach a thermal balance state after 5 years of construction; and 3) the TPCT, if combined with other engineering methods such as insulation, crushed rock, etc., can be an more effective engineering measure to ensure the stability of roadway engineering in warm permafrost regions.