Wind-driven device for cooling permafrost.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 37985667.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-023-43375-z and PMC identifier 10662160.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Preserving permafrost subgrade is a challenge due to global warming, but passive cooling techniques have limited success. Here, we present a novel wind-driven device that can cool permafrost subgrade by circulating coolant between the ambient air and the subgrade. It consists of a wind mill, a mechanical clutch with phase change material, and a fluid-circulation heat exchanger. The clutch engages and disengages through freezing and melting phase change material, while the device turns off when the outside air temperature exceeds a certain threshold, preventing heat from penetrating the subgrade. Two-year observations demonstrate that the device effectively cooled permafrost measuring 8.0 m in height and 1.5 m in radius by 0.6-1.0 °C, with an average power of 68.03 W. The device can be adapted for cooling embankments, airstrip bases, pipe foundations, and other structures. Further experimentation is required to evaluate its cooling capacity and long-term durability under various conditions.