<p>Hydrogen has been used to cool large electric generators since 1937. This is done because of the properties of Hydrogen. It is the lightest (least dense) gas and the gas has a very high specific heat, Cp. These two properties make the gas ideal for this use, minimizing windage losses and providing maximum cooling. Even though the generator is pressurized during operation, air and water vapor commonly contaminate the Hydrogen, reducing the effectiveness of the Hydrogen for cooling and increasing the windage losses.</p><p>This paper details the impact of water vapor and air contamination on the performance of hydrogen cooled generators. While safety remains the main reason to mantain high purity levels within a Hydrogen Cooled Generator, the consequences of these contaminants on the generator efficiency&nbsp;are also discussed.&nbsp;Typical contaminant concentrations of each gas are shown with the corresponding change in the density and specific heat of the generator gas based on the percentage of contamination. &nbsp;The calculations presented on this paper, detail the impact air and water vapor have on the generator gas density and specific heat in normal operating ranges of today’s generators. The calulations show the benefits that can be recognized by removing the water vapor from the generator gas.</p>

Effects of Contaminants on Hydrogen Gas for Hydrogen Cooled Generators

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/POWER/POWER2021/volume/85109

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