Tunnel energy storage coating construction plan

Can energy tunnels store thermal energy?

This study indicates storage efficiencies of energy tunnels of up to about 70%. Therefore, energy tunnels have marked potential to store massive amounts of thermal energy in the shallow subsurface for subsequent reuse.

Can underground tunnels be used as heat exchangers?

This paper presents an unprecedented investigation of the thermal energy storage potential of underground tunnels used as heat exchangers, often called energy tunnels, with a focus on seasonal, medium-temperature thermal energy storage applications. The study is divided into two parts.

Why are energy tunnels important?

A significant feature of energy tunnels, similar to other underground infrastructures, is that they are characterized by a relatively low surface-area-to-volume ratio [ , , ] – a valuable attribute for the effective storage of thermal energy.

How do energy tunnels work?

In fact, through diverse shapes in contact with the ground (e.g., prisms with cylindrical, egg-shaped, squared, or rectangular cross-sections), energy tunnels and other underground infrastructures involve an unchartered energy performance for heat storage.

What is a complex tunnel system?

Complex tunnel system: The underground components can become extremely complex with the powerhouse cavern, waterway tunnels and shafts, drainage galleries, manifolds, surge facilities, and access tunnels. With the powerhouse usually being on the critical path, access tunnels to the powerhouse need to have the quickest access.

What types of applications can energy tunnels serve?

From this perspective, similar to more conventional ground diffusive storage systems, energy tunnels and other underground infrastructures can serve three different types of applications ( Fig. 1 ), once thermally insulated from the internal built environment that they host (e.g., subway and train lines, subway and train stations, and car lanes).