Study of Forced Convective Geothermal Grain Drying and Cooling in Menengai Well 3

Authors

  • Levi M. Kulundu Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation
  • Hiram M. Ndiritu Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • Gareth M. Kituu Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • James K. Kimotho Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Keywords:

All-heat system, moisture content, forced convective cooling, energy savings

Abstract

Geothermal energy provides an efficient means for grain drying without significant environmental pollution. However, one of the challenges encountered in geothermal grain drying is eliminating the final moisture points. In this research, forced convective grain drying and cooling were studied to quantify the resulting energy savings. Two experiments were conducted to compare the rate of moisture reduction for an all-heat system and the use of forced convective cooling. In the first experiment, heating stopped at 2% above the desired grain moisture content, and then ambient air was pumped into the grain buffer. In the second experiment, continuous grain drying was conducted until the desired moisture content was attained. The study indicates that the use of forced convective geothermal grain drying and cooling results in 19.62% energy savings.

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Published

2022-09-08

How to Cite

Kulundu, L. M., Ndiritu, H. M., Kituu, G. M. ., & Kimotho, J. K. (2022). Study of Forced Convective Geothermal Grain Drying and Cooling in Menengai Well 3. JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING, 7(2), 89–95. Retrieved from https://jsre.jkuat.ac.ke/index.php/jsre/article/view/142

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2022): JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2022 Levi M. Kulundu, Hiram M. Ndiritu, Gareth M. Kituu, James K. Kimotho

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