Energy Application
The application of geosynthetics in the energy field is rapidly expanding, and its functions of anti-seepage, reinforcement, isolation, and drainage provide key technical support for traditional and new energy infrastructure.
The following are its core application scenarios and technical analysis in the energy field:
In traditional energy: oil and gas storage and transportation and waste control
1. Pipeline and tank engineering
Foundation reinforcement: Geogrids enhance the bearing capacity of soft soil foundations and prevent oil and gas pipelines from settling and deforming.
Seepage and corrosion prevention: HDPE geomembrane (1.0~2.5mm thickness) is used as a double-layer liner for oil storage tanks to block the leakage of hydrocarbon pollutants (permeability coefficient ≤10⁻¹³ m/s).
2. Energy waste storage
Landfill liner system: Bentonite waterproof blanket (GCL) + HDPE geomembrane constitutes a composite barrier to isolate hazardous materials such as coal fly ash and nuclear waste.
Leachate drainage: Geonets quickly collect pollutants and reduce environmental risks.
In renewable energy: wind power, solar energy, hydropower
1. Wind power foundation engineering
Onshore wind turbines: Geocells are filled with sand and gravel to improve the stability of the tower foundation in soft soil areas (bearing capacity increased by 40%+).
Offshore wind power:
Anti-scouring: Three-dimensional geotextile mats (such as ACB® system) protect pile foundations and resist sea currents with a velocity of >3m/s.
Cable protection: Geotextiles wrap submarine cables to prevent mechanical damage.
2. Photovoltaic power station construction
Ground photovoltaic:
Anti-wind and sand: Woven geotextiles cover the surface to reduce sand and dust erosion of photovoltaic panels (extend service life by 20%).
Drainage system: Geocomposites quickly divert rainwater to prevent foundation softening.
Floating photovoltaic: High-strength polyester geomembrane (tensile strength ≥50kN/m) as a floating waterproof layer, weather resistance of more than 25 years.
3. Hydropower and energy storage facilities
Dam anti-seepage: PVC geomembrane (thickness ≥2mm) is used for the upper reservoir of pumped storage power stations, with a leakage of <1L/㎡·d.
Channel lining: geomembrane + geotextile composite structure, reducing water loss (water saving rate > 90%).
In emerging energy: hydrogen energy, geothermal energy and biomass energy
1. Hydrogen energy storage and transportation
Salt cave hydrogen storage liner: modified HDPE geomembrane (hydrogen embrittlement resistant formula) seals underground hydrogen storage caverns, with a pressure tolerance of > 10MPa.
Hydrogen pipeline protection: geotextile buffer layer reduces the risk of mechanical excavation damage.
2. Geothermal development
Wellbore isolation: high temperature resistant geomembrane (> 120℃) wraps geothermal wells to prevent high temperature fluids from corroding the surrounding soil.
Thermal energy collection area anti-seepage: inhibit the diffusion of heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury in geothermal fluids.
3. Biomass energy
Biogas tank sealing: 1.5mm HDPE geomembrane constructs anaerobic fermentation tanks, with a methane collection efficiency of > 95%.
Energy crop base: geotextile controls soil erosion and ensures the stability of straw/algae planting fields.
