Powerplant and Turbo Generator Cooling
Powerplant generators and turbine generators above 200MW output are typically filled with hydrogen.
Hydrogen is used to provide a low-drag atmosphere for the armature to rotate in and, because it has a high thermal conductivity, it also assists the cooling of the entire alternator.
It is important to maintain a high hydrogen purity to reduce frictional losses as well as to avoid forming explosive mixtures with air. The graph below illustrates the losses due to increased friction against hydrogen purity. The cost of an explosion is of course immense, as well as being life threatening.
Hitech make both fixed and portable gas analysers for this application and each cover every stage of purging and filling the generator as well as monitoring hydrogen purity in the running machine. They use thermal conductivity sensors which are highly stable and maintenance free. If you are unable to find an appropriate product, please call us on +44 (0)1582 456900 or email us.
K1650 – Thermal Conductivity Gas Monitor for Alternator Purge (Panel Mount)
The Alternator Purge Gas Monitor uses the proven katharometer sensor used in the Hitech K1550 analyser range ... view more
K6050 – Thermal Conductivity Gas Analyzer (Portable)
The analyser is supplied in a robust waterproof case with rechargeable battery power supply, which offers 6 hours of continuous operation ... view more
