A Multiphysics Simulation Study of the Thermomechanical Coupling Response of Energy Piles

Abstract

The global demand for energy is on the rise, accompanied by increasing requirements for low-carbon environmental protection. In recent years, China’s “double carbon action” initiative has brought about new development opportunities across various sectors. The concept of energy pile foundation aims to harness geothermal energy, aligning well with green, low-carbon, and sustainable development principles, thus offering extensive application prospects in engineering. Drawing from existing research globally, this paper delves into four key aspects impacting the thermodynamic properties of energy piles: the design of buried pipes, pile structure, heat storage materials within the pipe core, and soil treatment around the pile using carbon fiber urease mineralization. Leveraging the innovative mineralization technique known as urease-induced carbonate mineralization precipitation (EICP), this study employs COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software to analyze heat transfer dynamics and establish twelve sets of numerical models for energy piles. The buried pipe design encompasses two types, U-shaped and spiral, while the pile structure includes concrete solid energy piles and tubular energy piles. Soil conditions around the pile are classified into undisturbed sand and carbon fiber-infused EICP mineralized sand. Different inner core heat storage materials such as air, water, unaltered sand, and carbon fiber-based EICP mineralized sand are examined within tubular piles. Key findings indicate that spiral buried pipes outperform U-shaped ones, especially when filled with liquid thermal energy storage (TES) materials, enhancing temperature control of energy piles. The carbon fiber urease mineralization technique significantly improves heat exchange between energy piles and surrounding soil, reducing soil porosity to 4.9%. With a carbon fiber content of 1.2%, the ultimate compressive strength reaches 1419.4 kPa. Tubular energy piles mitigate pile stress during summer temperature fluctuations. Pile stress distribution varies under load and temperature stresses, with downward and upward friction observed at different points along the pile length. Overall, this research underscores the efficacy of energy pile technologies in optimizing energy efficiency while aligning with sustainable development goals.