This research explored the thermal property of a warm spring in Nigeria as a potential source of thermal electricity generation. Ikogosi warm spring is located in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The spring consists of cool and warm water flowing at a very close proximity while each maintains its thermal property. For a long time ago, the water from the spring has been used as therapeutic cure of some diseases such as rheumatism and guinea-worm in addition to its tourism while other people used the water as battery electrolyte. This research however harnessed the thermal property of the spring for power generation to show the huge potential it holds in terms of energy generation. The temperature of water samples collected randomly from the spring at different points was measured with thermometer. The thermoelectric voltage was measured with Seebeck thermoelectricity experiment using copper and platinum as conductors. The temperature measurement of the warm spring shows the highest and lowest values of 345.1 and 342.6 K respectively. On the other hand, the temperature of the cool spring varied between 309.8 to 309.9 K along the spring. The minimum and maximum value of the thermoelectric voltage is 1.31 and 1.41 mV respectively. Having identified energy problem as one of the constraints to economic development in Nigeria, then study of this nature will not only save the country from irregular supply of electricity but will also boost the tourism potential of the area while small and medium scale business enterprises of the country will be promoted.

1. http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 250 editor@iaeme.com
International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET)
Volume 10, Issue 05, May 2019, pp. 250-257, Article ID: IJMET_10_05_025
Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijmet/issues.asp?JType=IJMET&VType=10&IType=5
ISSN Print: 0976-6340 and ISSN Online: 0976-6359
© IAEME Publication
HARNESSING THE GEOTHERMAL
PROPERTIES OF IKOGOSI WARM SPRING
FOR POWER GENERATION FOR
ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Afolabi Yakibi Ayodele
Department of Business Administration, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
Gbadebo Taofeek Yusuf
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Nigeria
Jacob Olusola Agboola
Department of Office Technology and Management, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Nigeria
Patrick Olajide Oladele
Department of Business Administration, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This research explored the thermal property of a warm spring in Nigeria as a
potential source of thermal electricity generation. Ikogosi warm spring is located in
Ekiti State, Nigeria. The spring consists of cool and warm water flowing at a very
close proximity while each maintains its thermal property. For a long time ago, the
water from the spring has been used as therapeutic cure of some diseases such as
rheumatism and guinea-worm in addition to its tourism while other people used the
water as battery electrolyte. This research however harnessed the thermal property of
the spring for power generation to show the huge potential it holds in terms of energy
generation. The temperature of water samples collected randomly from the spring at
different points was measured with thermometer. The thermoelectric voltage was
measured with Seebeck thermoelectricity experiment using copper and platinum as
conductors. The temperature measurement of the warm spring shows the highest and
lowest values of 345.1 and 342.6 K respectively. On the other hand, the temperature of
the cool spring varied between 309.8 to 309.9 K along the spring. The minimum and
maximum value of the thermoelectric voltage is 1.31 and 1.41 mV respectively.
Having identified energy problem as one of the constraints to economic development
in Nigeria, then study of this nature will not only save the country from irregular
supply of electricity but will also boost the tourism potential of the area while small
and medium scale business enterprises of the country will be promoted.
Keywords: Electricity, Ikogosi, Power, Temperature, Thermoelectricity, Warm
spring.

2. Afolabi Yakibi Ayodele, Gbadebo Taofeek Yusuf, Jacob Olusola Agboola,
Patrick Olajide Oladele
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 251 editor@iaeme.com
Cite this Article: Afolabi Yakibi Ayodele, Gbadebo Taofeek Yusuf, Jacob Olusola
Agboola, Patrick Olajide Oladele, Harnessing the Geothermal Properties of Ikogosi
Warm Spring for Power Generation for Entrepreneurship Development, International
Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 10(5), 2019, pp. 250-257.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/issues.asp?JType=IJMET&VType=10&IType=5
1. INTRODUCTION
Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural renewable energy resources which if harnessed could
rescue the country from the present unpalatable energy challenge. The United Nation
Economic Commission for Africa in 2016 estimated about as untapped
renewable energy in Nigeria. However, one of the barriers to these untapped resources is lack
of general knowledge regarding the huge potentials of these untapped energy sources.
Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa; only about of the people are
connected to energy grid (Ramli and Saleh, 2013). Even, those connected hardly enjoy
hours uninterrupted power supply per day (Aliyu, Ramli and Saleh). Nigeria has a population
of million (National Population Commission, 2017) and has an installed capacity of
(Fashola, 2017). A large portion of this generation comes from coal, hydroelectric-
c power and natural gas (fig.1). Yet, about is required to adequately light up
Nigeria (World Energy Outlook, 2014).
Figure 1 Energy Sources in Nigeria (Energy Commission of Nigeria, 2017)
This implies that about of additional energy is needed to light up the country.
One of the clean energy sources capable of building up this gap is geothermal energy going
by its abundance in Nigeria. This energy source is cheap and clean but its potential is not yet
known in Nigeria. Recently, some African countries woke up from slumber and identified the
potentials of this geothermal energy. Efforts are underway in these countries to utilize the
opportunity for electricity generation. For instance, Kenya has installed about of
geothermal and an additional generation of is under development (World Energy
Outlook, 2014). The target is to develop more than by . Similarly, Ethiopia is
Hydropower,
7.90%
Wind, 2.90%
Oil, 0.70%
Natural gas,
25%
Coal, 42%
Others renewable,
1.80%
Nuclear, 19.30%

3. Harnessing the Geothermal Properties of Ikogosi Warm Spring for Power Generation for
Entrepreneurship Development
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 252 editor@iaeme.com
aiming at generating additional one gigawatt of energy through geothermal source through the
Corbetti Power Project (World, Energy Outlook, 2014).
Unfortunately, the attention of Nigerian government is only centered towards energy from
hydroelectric power (HEP) and solar electricity despite the huge potentials of geothermal
resources. and geothermal energy resources in Nigeria, only kanji dam is explored and
represents about 7.9 % of Nigerian installed capacity while the Federal Government of
Nigeria is presently making efforts to convert the Gembu waterfall in Taraba state to HEP
(Premium Times, 2017). Other waterfalls merely serve as tourist centers.
However, Ikogosi warm spring located in Ekiti State, southwestern is among the
geothermal energy which is yet to be harnessed and hence lying fallow in Nigeria. Many
researchers have worked on this spring though, but vast majority of them are either based on
its tourism potential or chemical composition (Olowookere, Olusayo, Ayeni, Imole, 2018);
Ismail, Ayobami., Mohammed, Olanrewaju, Okoloba, and Alfa, 2015; Ikudayisi, Adeyemo,
Adeyemo, 2015; Michael, Owens, and Ayofe, 2014; Ogundana, and aladejana, 2014; Ojo, and
Agbede, 2014; Talabi, 2013; Oladipo, Oluyemi, Tubosun, Fasisi, and Ibitoye, 2005; Kayode,
2011; Rogers, Imevbore, and Adegoke, 1969).
Yet, none of these researches alluded to its electrical potential. The spring holds a great
potential for electricity generation due to the cool and warm springs flowing side by side and
meet at a confluence (Ismail, et al, 2015). This unique quality makes the springs become a
well known tourist centre in Nigeria. The temperature difference of the cool and warm spring
is of particular interest for electricity generation through “the Seebeck thermoelectricity”. The
host community of the Ikogosi spring is increasingly witnessing large number of tourists all
over the world, thus putting unprecedented stress on the available power. However, lack of
sustainable energy has been identified as one of the constraints to entrepreneurship
development of south western Nigeria, the host community if Ikogosi warm spring inclusive
(Afolabi, 2016). This problem is worse in Ikogosi, host community of the warm spring as the
town witness large population of tourists, business owners and researchers from various parts
of the world. Most of the people in the area depend on diesel-driven generators because
conventional power is restored only for 4-5 hours daily.
However, the objective of this research is to utilize the geothermal property of the Ikogosi
warm spring to generate electric power to support entrepreneurship development of the area
and the county at large. A cheap and renewable energy of this nature will be adequate to
support and promote entrepreneurship development of the area and the country at large.
2. METHODS/EXPERIMENTAL
2.1. Description of the Sample Location
The spring is located in Ikogosi, a small town in Ekiti State in southwestern Nigeria located
on lat 7o
35'N and long 5o
00' E. It is situated between the lofty, steep-sided and heavily
wooded north-south trending hills about 27.4 km east of Ilesha in Osun State, and about 10.5
km south-east of Effon Alaye (Ismail, et al, 2015). The town has two seasons namely: the
rainy season, which lasts from April to October and, the dry season which lasts from
November to March. The area is characterized by annual rainfall of 1500 mm, high relative
humidity between 70 to 85 % with average annual temperature of 28 °C (Talabi, 2013). The
Ikogosi springs have been known for ages and are responsible for tourism potential of the city
with a large population of people drawn to the town annually on tourism. The source of the
warm spring is located on the top of a rock within the premises of Ikogosi warm spring tourist
center, while the cold spring source is about 2 miles to the tourist center (Kayode, 2011). The

4. Afolabi Yakibi Ayodele, Gbadebo Taofeek Yusuf, Jacob Olusola Agboola,
Patrick Olajide Oladele
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 253 editor@iaeme.com
two springs meet within the tourist center to give a lukewarm temperature. Fig. 2 shows the
various locations and features of the Ikogosi warm and cool spring.
2.2. Samples Collection and Experimental Set Up
The water samples were taken randomly from various points along the cool and warm spring
starting from a point close to the source of each spring to their meeting point. The temperature
was recorded using experimental thermometer. The temperature gradient was found from (1).
Temperature gradient = ( ) (1)
The voltage was measured from Seebeck thermoelectricity experiment. Thomas Johann
Seebeck in 1981 reported that “the conversion of temperature difference to electric current
and vice-versa is termed as thermoelectric effect”
Figure 2 Various locations and features of Ikogosi spring
He found that a circuit with two different metals with different temperature junctions
would deflect a compass magnet. This could lead to induced electric current and electric
potential or voltage. To measure this voltage, “one must use a second conductor material
which generates a different voltage under the same temperature gradient. Otherwise, if the
same material is used for measurement, the voltage generated by the measuring conductor
would simply cancel that of the first conductor”. However, due to consideration of this factor,
platinum and copper conductors were used as connecting in this experiment.
The principle behind the Seebeck effect is stated in (2):
( ) (2)
Where,
Voltage difference between two dissimilar metals
= Seebeck coefficient
Temperature difference between hot and cold junctions
Therefore, the voltage of the temperate gradient of the cool and warm springs is thus
measured using the above theory.

5. Harnessing the Geothermal Properties of Ikogosi Warm Spring for Power Generation for
Entrepreneurship Development
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 254 editor@iaeme.com
Fig. 3 shows the schematic circuit for measurement of the thermoelectric voltage. It
consists of two different conductors, copper and platinum conductors joined together at warm
and cool junctions. A multimeter was joined at the other end for measurement of the thermo
voltage.
Figure 3 Measurement of voltage using Seebeck thermoelectricity
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Thermal Property
Table shows the temperature of water taken randomly along each of the cool and warm
springs.
Table 1 Temperature of cool and warm spring
Temperature of cool spring
(Kelvin)
Temperature of warm spring
(Kelvin)
309.8 342.6
309.9 343.1
309.8 343.8
309.8 344.1
309.9 344.9
309.8 345.1
From the table, it is seen that the temperature difference along the warm spring is higher
and decreases from the point close to the source down to their meeting point. The temperature
ranges from 345.1 to 342.6 K. For cool spring, the temperature at any point is either 309.8 or
309.9 K.
However, the value of temperature difference between the cool and warm (temperature
gradient) is a strong factor in determining the amount of voltage to be generated Morrison et
al. 2016). Therefore, more efforts may be required in the future to manipulate the spring for
further increase in the temperature gradient. Perhaps finding the true cause of the temperature
difference between the two springs may assist in this effort. Several reports have been written
about the origin and causes of variation in the thermal property of the Ikogosi spring. Roger
(1969) reported that the difference in the thermal property could be due to the circulation of
normal ground water to a depth of one to several feet which may increase the temperature of
the water. This assertion was supported by another researcher who added that “the deeper a
body of water goes underground, the hotter it becomes and if by chance it is forced back to

6. Afolabi Yakibi Ayodele, Gbadebo Taofeek Yusuf, Jacob Olusola Agboola,
Patrick Olajide Oladele
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 255 editor@iaeme.com
the surface through some earth fault, the temperature becomes relatively high” (Ojo and
Agbede, 2014). There are other reports which are contradictory, for instance, Oladipo (2006)
reported that "the solubility of most salts tends to increase with temperature; solubility of
certain salts in water may increase the spring’s temperature”, while Ikudayisi, Adeyemo,
Adeyemo (2015) reported that the springs originate from six sources and the water with
temperature of around 36°C originates in the rain forest of Ikogosi town”. By and large, there
are other unscientific reports on the variation in the temperature of the spring. The local
mythological story has it that “the spring came about when two wives of a great hunter, one
being temperamental and the other being quiet, transformed into the hot and cold temperature
waters after their husband rebuked them for quarreling”(Oreva, 2017). Be that as it may, the
spring presently has temperature gradient high enough to generate electricity whose value can
be improved with active research in the future.
3.2. Power Generation and Measurement
Table 2 shows the temperature gradient as well as their corresponding voltage measured from
Seebeck thermoelectricity. It is observed that the voltage increases as the temperature gradient
increases. The minimum and maximum values of thermo voltage are 1.31 and 1.41 mV
respectively.
Table 2 Temperature gradient and voltage
Temperature gradient
(Kelvin)
Voltage (mV)
32.8 1.31
33.2 1.33
34.0 1.36
34.3 1.37
35.0 1.40
35.3 1.41
From this analysis, it is obvious that temperature gradient is vital for increasing the
thermoelectric voltage. The theory behind the conversion can be explained in terms of
average kinetic theory of an electron and electron density.
In the thermoelectricity conversion process, the average kinetic energy is the same
throughout the conductor, thus balancing the metal ion density which will be electrically
neutral at every point on the average. As one end is heated with warm spring, the average
kinetic energy of electrons is reduced hence giving rise to an electron charge density gradient
along the conductor. Therefore, cancellation of the electron and metal ion charge densities at
each point along the conductor no longer take place thus giving rise to a net charge density
gradient along the conductor (John McVirgo, 2014).
It is through this process that electric field that opposes any further average diffusion of
electrons at every point at equilibrium are generated thus giving rise to a thermo voltage as
shown in fig. 4. Then, the voltage across the ends will now depend on the type of conductor
used because of its physical properties. This influences electrons mobility and eventual
density in equilibrium when one end is heated. The materials that will be most suitable must
have low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity. Hence, copper and platinum
used here have high electrical conductivity but fair thermal conductivity and hence they are
not the best materials for the experiment. A new class of materials (semiconductor Seebeck
based thermoelectric generator) which have these characteristics are currently being
investigated (fig. 4). Our research group is currently developing thermoelectric generators
(TEG) for this kind of application.

7. Harnessing the Geothermal Properties of Ikogosi Warm Spring for Power Generation for
Entrepreneurship Development
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 256 editor@iaeme.com
Figure 4 Semiconductor Seebeck based thermoelectric generator (Morrison et al. 2016)
Therefore, two important factors have been identified as routes to improving the thermo
electric voltage in the future. The first one is to find ways of manipulating the springs to
increase its temperature gradient and second, to employ novel semiconductor materials with
low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity. Hence, the power generation
technology will be increasingly updated and improved upon until it’s sufficient for the entire
community and the country at large. If these objectives are achievable, sustainable power will
be available in addition to the huge tourism potential of the area.
4. CONCLUSION
Nigeria is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources which are yet to be harnessed.
Among these resources is Ikogosi spring in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It consists of warm and cool
spring flowing side by side with different temperature. This unique quality has made people
of the area use it as tourist and therapeutic centers. In this research, its thermal property was
explored and converted to electricity. The temperature, which is an important factor in the
thermal-voltage conversion, was first studied. The minimum and maximum values of the
temperature of water collected from the warm spring are 342.6 K and 345.1 K respectively
while that of the cool spring slightly varied between 309.8 to 309.9 K along the spring.
Seebeck thermoelectric measurement shows the value of voltage which ranged from 1.31 and
1.41 mV. These values can be improved upon in the subsequent research if novel
semiconductor materials are used and thermal gradient of the spring increased. Achieving
these objectives will promote the tourism potential of the Ikogosi community and also solve
the problem of irregular supply of the area.
REFERENCES
[1] Bin Ismail HN, Ayobami OK, Mohammed KA, Olanrewaju GY, Okoloba V and Alfa, MS
(2015) Ikogosi warm water results: what you don't know? Institute of Interdisciplinary
Business Research 4(9): 280-303.
[2] Dosso, B (2016) Report for Nigeria. The ECA, Data Centre. Available via
http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2017/06/un-discovers-a-untapped-energy-sources-in-
nigeria/. Accessed 24 Aug 2018.
[3] Ikudayisi A, Adeyemo F, Adeyemo J (2015) Chemical and hydro-geologic analysis of
Ikogosi warm spring water in Nigeria. International Journal of Geological and
Environmental Engineering 9 (9): 1126-1130.

8. Afolabi Yakibi Ayodele, Gbadebo Taofeek Yusuf, Jacob Olusola Agboola,
Patrick Olajide Oladele
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 257 editor@iaeme.com
[4] Kayode B (2011) Tourism potentials of Ekiti state, Nigeria. Jorind 9(2), 23-28.
[5] Michael AE, Owens A, and Ayofe MK (2014) Structural mapping of Ikogosi warm spring
area aeromagnetic derivatives and Euler depth estimates. International Journal of Natural
and Applied Sciences: 3(2):15-20.
[6] Morrison et al. (2016) Demonstration of polycrystalline coatings on glass for spin seebeck
energy harvesting. Physical Rapid Research Letters, 1862-6270.
[7] Ogundana, AK and Aladejana, JA, (2014) Geophysical and hydro chemical evaluation of
spring water potential and quality within the basement complex of southwestern Nigeria.
IJES 3 (5): 45-55.
[8] Ojo, O.M and Agbede, OA (2014) Assessment of Ikogosi warm spring water quality in
Ekiti state, south western Nigeria. Sci-Afric Journal of Scientific Issues, Research and
Essays 2 (3): 116-123.
[9] Olowookere A, Olusayo O, Ayeni AO, Imole PO (2018) Respondent's perception on
demographic and socio-economic characteristics of Ikogosi warm spring for
environmental sustainability. Sociology and Anthropology 6 (1):64-73.
[10] Oladipo AA, Oluyemi EA, Tubosun IA, Fasisi MK and Ibitoye FI (2005) Chemical
examination of Ikogosi warm spring in south western Nigeria. Journal of Applied
Sciences, 5 (1): 75-79.
[11] Oreva DA (2017) Paragon of nature's magic. Available via
https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel-arts-culture/what-you-need-to-know-about-
ikogosi-warm-spring-id7355033.html. Accessed 28 Aug 2018.
[12] Premium Times (2017) Nigeria’s current electricity generating capacity is 6,803 MW-
Fashola. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/240258-nigerias-current-
Electricity-generating-capacity-6803-mw-fashola.html.Assessed 24 Aug 2018.
[13] Rogers AS, Imevbore AMA, and Adegoke, OS (1969) Physical and chemical properties of
the Ikogosi warm spring, south western Nigeria. Journal of Mining Geology. 4: 69- 81.
[14] Talabi A.O (2013) Hydrogeochemistry and stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) assessment of
Ikogosi spring waters. American Journal of Water Resources. 1 (3): 25-33.
[15] World Energy Outlook (2014) African energy outlook. International Energy Agency.
Available via
https://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/WEO2014.pdf. Accessed S
23 Aug 2018.
[16] McVirgo in Stack Physics (2014) Available via
(https://physics.stackexchange.com/users/1345/john- mcvirgo), How is voltage generated
due to difference in temperature in a thermocouple? URL (version: 2014-07-26). Accessed
25 Aug 2018.
[17] Nigeria Population. (2018-09-17). Retrieved 2018-10-27, from
http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/nigeria/.