Experimental Proof of a Solar-Powered Heat Pump System for Soil Thermal Stabilization

Abstract

We suggested earlier a new sustainable method for permafrost thermal stabilization that combines passive screening of solar radiation and precipitation with active solar-powered cooling of the near-surface soil layer thus preventing heat penetration in depth. Feasibility of this method has been shown by calculations, but needed experimental proof. In this article, we are presenting the results of soil temperature measurements obtained at the experimental implementation of this method outside of the permafrost area which actually meant higher thermal loads than in permafrost area. We have shown that near-surface soil layer is kept frozen during the whole summer, even at air temperatures exceeding +30 °C. Therefore, the method has been experimentally proven to be capable of sustaining soil frozen. In addition to usual building and structures’ thermal stabilization, the method could be used to prevent the development of thermokarst, gas emission craters, and landslides; greenhouse gases, chemical, and biological pollution from the upper thawing layers, at least in the area of human activities; protection against coastal erosion, and permafrost restoration after wildfires. Using commercially widely-available components, the technology can be scaled up for virtually any size objects.

Keywords

• solar energy
• permafrost
• geothermal energy
• seasonally thawed layer
• thermosyphon
• heat flux