ABSTRACT
Mineshaft thermal energy storage (MSTES) is a novel energy storage technology to help achieve net zero target. Ensuring its long-term functionality and stability is crucial for sustainable energy storage and supply. However, its working environment is complicated, imposing fluctuating temperatures and chemical corrosion on legacy infrastructures. Under such conditions, concrete mineshaft linings may experience degradation over time, compromising the structural performance and reducing the service life. To explore the deterioration mechanisms of concrete under MSTES environments, this study proposes a new experimental strategy to replicate the temperature fluctuation, water environment and chemical corrosion in MSTES environment. X-ray computed tomography is used to identify the microstructural and microcrack evolution before and after tests. By correlating mechanical properties, fracturing evolution and microstructural characteristics, the results can improve our understanding of failure mechanisms of concrete under MSTES conditions and further help estimate the serviceability and durability of MSTES facilities.
