Hydrogen is used in thermal power plants for alternator cooling. Alternators running in a hydrogen atmosphere operate more efficiently and enjoy a longer life. With its high thermal conductivity, hydrogen has the ability to absorb heat, permitting the alternator to operate at cooler temperatures.

In addition because of low density of hydrogen there is less drag, thereby reducing the losses caused by friction. Typically thermal power plants do not require large inventories of hydrogen, making Hydrogenics HySTAT™ Hydrogen Station the perfect solution.

The power plant in Varna, Bulgaria is a thermal power plant with a total electrical capacity of 1,260 MW. In total there are 6 generator units each producing approximately 210 MW of electricity. Each unit uses hydrogen gas to cool the generator, thereby improving the plant's overall efficiency.

We have supplied two Hydrogen Generation Modules produced by the leading global developer Hydrogenics Corporation to the Varna Power Plant. Each module produces approximately 10 Nm³/h of hydrogen on site using the process of water electrolysis. This systems produce and store the hydrogen at 10 bar in pressure vessels located outside the building. When hydrogen is required it is sourced from the storage unit. As storage is depleted the HySTAT™ unit refill it with hydrogen. The entire process is monitored from a control room.