Hydrogen dew point in power generators

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the importance of monitoring hydrogen dew point in large power generators, specifically those with a capacity of 200 MW. Hydrogen, used as a cooling agent at temperatures between +45 to +75 °C, poses an explosion risk when mixed with atmospheric air. Monitoring the dew point is crucial as it indicates the level of air contamination and the potential for creating an explosive mixture. The conversation highlights the practicality of measuring dew point over total moisture content in the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hydrogen cooling systems in power generation
  • Knowledge of dew point measurement techniques
  • Familiarity with gas behavior and explosive mixtures
  • Awareness of moisture control in electrical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research hydrogen dew point measurement technologies
  • Explore the implications of moisture control in power generation
  • Learn about safety protocols for hydrogen cooling systems
  • Investigate the relationship between dew point and air contamination in gas systems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, safety officers, and maintenance personnel involved in the operation and monitoring of hydrogen-cooled power generators will benefit from this discussion.

abolfazlghasemi
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Large power generators (for example 200 MW) are cooled by H2 in gas form. H2 temperature is +45 to +75 "C. So why hydrogen dew point is important in generator while the lowest hydrogen temperature is 45 "C? And in some Power Stations is monitored online...
Thanks, a lot
 
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Welcome @abolfazlghasemi !

Hydrogen is an excellent cooling agent, but is highly explosive when mixed with air.
For that reason is very important to keep both separate.
Some atmospheric humid air can still slowly leak into the hydrogen occupied volumes.
Since it normally contains some water vapor diluted in it (absolute humidity), monitoring the dew point of the hydrogen can tell how much air contamination has happened and how closer to an explosive mix it has become.

Please, see:
https://greenrenpower.com.au/products-and-services/electrolysers/how-h2-cools-generators/

https://able.co.uk/media/2015/08/re...ment-for-electricity-generator-protection.pdf

:cool:
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: berkeman and Tom.G
I had always understood the varnish winding to be pretty hydrosopic - the issue is not dew point, but total moisture in the system. Dew point is easier to measure and monitor. BUt similarly - I could see it being easier to maesure Dew point then O2 as well - but it would have less correlation.
 

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