A hydrogen turboexpander-generator or generator loaded expander for hydrogen gas is an axial flow turbine or radial expander for energy recovery through which a high pressure hydrogen gas is expanded to produce work that is used to drive a electrical generator. It replaces the control valve or regulator where the pressure drops to the appropriate pressure for the low pressure network.
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Per stage 200 bar is handled with up to 15,000 kW power and a maximum expansion ratio of 14, the generator loaded expander for hydrogen gas is fitted with automatic thrust balance, a dry gas seal and a programmable logic control with remote monitoring and diagnostics.[1]
The hydrogen turboexpander-generators are used for hydrogen pipeline transport in combination with hydrogen compressors and for the recovery of energy in underground hydrogen storage. A variation are the compressor loaded turboexpanders which are used in the liquefaction of gases such as liquid hydrogen[2]