Proposal of Crop Drying by Analysis of Grain Farms Within Close Proximity of Menengai Geothermal Resource in Kenya via Remote Sensing

Abstract

The direct use of geothermal energy is highly dictated by economics, thermal needs and the quality of thermal energy available. Several economic parameters that dictate the viability of direct utilization of geothermal resources are sustainable thermal energy demand, brine piping routes that encourage brine flow via gravity and an efficient flow rate of brine to match the thermal demand as well as short brine piping distances. The current research work analyses thermal demand near geothermal resources via remote sensing of agricultural activities and urban development. Clustering of crop types and crop-calendars will help analyze the viability of crop drying, greenhouse warming and aquaculture using geothermal energy. Urban density clustering aided in decision making on cascaded use of geothermal energy from industrial processing of agricultural goods to urban-heating and recreational spas. This research seeks to identify and match thermal needs to available geothermal resources via GIS mapping. The results show that the Menengai prospect is best suited for crop drying, industrial processing, spa and district heating. Priority being in that order.