Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include systems, computer program products, and related methods for managing the purging of a hydrogen-cooled dynamoelectric machine. In various embodiments, a system is disclosed including at least one computing device configured to perform the following: obtain an indication of a fault in an alternating current (AC) power supply to a hydrogen-cooled dynamoelectric machine system; determine a reserve power characteristic of a reserve energy storage device in response to obtaining the indication of the fault in the AC power supply; and extend a pre-purge cycle for the hydrogen-cooled dynamoelectric machine system based upon the reserve power characteristic of the reserve energy storage device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include systems, computer program products, and related methods for managing the purging of a hydrogen-cooled dynamoelectric machine. In various embodiments, a system is disclosed including at least one computing device configured to perform the following: obtain an indication of a fault in an alternating current (AC) power supply to a hydrogen-cooled dynamoelectric machine system; determine a reserve power characteristic of a reserve energy storage device in response to obtaining the indication of the fault in the AC power supply; and extend a pre-purge cycle for the hydrogen-cooled dynamoelectric machine system based upon the reserve power characteristic of the reserve energy storage device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes: a casing for surrounding at least a portion of a rotor, and enclosing a volume of a cooling gas thereabout, the casing including a plurality of static seals; an end housing at each end of the casing, each end housing including a seal system through which the rotor extends, wherein a portion of cooling gas escapes from the casing to at least one seal area; and a source of cooling gas fluidly coupled to the casing by a cooling gas regulator. The system may further include: a scavenging system coupled to each end housing for removing a gas mixture therefrom including a portion of escaping cooling gas; a sensor for determining a purity of the cooling gas in the casing; and a static seal leak detector that generates an alarm indicative of a leak in at least one of the plurality of static seals.

Abstract: A tool for evaluating operation of a generator is provided. Diagnostic data is obtaining from a sensor in a generator. An associated computer system evaluates the diagnostic data to determine whether an anomaly exists in the data. If an anomaly exists, the computer system can provide a fault code that indicates a nature of an error in the generator that caused the anomaly.

Abstract: Detection of, among other things, seal leakage(s) and/or seal oil contamination for a gas cooled generator are provided. Detectors according to some embodiments of the invention provide mechanisms of early detection of cooling gas, e.g., hydrogen, leakage through leakage sources as well as low purity and high cooling gas consumption problems in a gas cooled generator.

Abstract: A tool for evaluating operation of a generator is provided. Diagnostic data is obtaining from a sensor in a generator. An associated computer system evaluates the diagnostic data to determine whether an anomaly exists in the data. If an anomaly exists, the computer system can provide a fault code that indicates a nature of an error in the generator that caused the anomaly.

Abstract: A coolant flow reduction monitoring system for a rotary electric machine having stator coils within a plurality of slots of a stator thereof is provided. The stator coils are cooled by a coolant flowing in a plurality of passages provided in the stator coils. The system includes an outlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant outlet temperature of the coolant in an outlet of at least one of the plurality of passages, a slot temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in at least one slot at a location along a length of each slot and outside of the stator coils, and an inlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant inlet temperature of the coolant. A coolant flow reduction monitor generates an alarm indicating a coolant flow reduction based on the at least one coolant outlet temperature, the at least one slot temperature and the coolant inlet temperature.

Abstract: Detection of, among other things, seal leakage(s) and/or seal oil contamination for a gas cooled generator are provided. Detectors according to some embodiments of the invention provide mechanisms of early detection of cooling gas, e.g., hydrogen, leakage through leakage sources as well as low purity and high cooling gas consumption problems in a gas cooled generator.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes: a casing for surrounding at least a portion of a rotor, and enclosing a volume of a cooling gas thereabout, the casing including a plurality of static seals; an end housing at each end of the casing, each end housing including a seal system through which the rotor extends, wherein a portion of cooling gas escapes from the casing to at least one seal area; and a source of cooling gas fluidly coupled to the casing by a cooling gas regulator. The system may further include: a scavenging system coupled to each end housing for removing a gas mixture therefrom including a portion of escaping cooling gas; a sensor for determining a purity of the cooling gas in the casing; and a static seal leak detector that generates an alarm indicative of a leak in at least one of the plurality of static seals.

Abstract: A liquid pressure monitoring system for a circuit of a machine is provided. The system includes a flow meter configured to measure a flow rate of liquid flowing through the circuit, the circuit including a strainer and a cooling section, at least one sensor configured to measure a pressure of at least one portion of the circuit; and a monitoring component for generating an alarm, in response to a value based on the measured pressure exceeding an expected pressure drop, wherein the expected pressure drop is based on the flow rate and at least one flow coefficient.

Abstract: A coolant flow reduction monitoring system for a rotary electric machine having stator coils within a plurality of slots of a stator thereof is provided. The stator coils are cooled by a coolant flowing in a plurality of passages provided in the stator coils. The system includes an outlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant outlet temperature of the coolant in an outlet of at least one of the plurality of passages, a slot temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in at least one slot at a location along a length of each slot and outside of the stator coils, and an inlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant inlet temperature of the coolant. A coolant flow reduction monitor generates an alarm indicating a coolant flow reduction based on the at least one coolant outlet temperature, the at least one slot temperature and the coolant inlet temperature.

Abstract: A hardware-software user connectivity control method and apparatus which provides a secure controlled access arrangement that enables only authorized users to obtain access to stored proprietary information and processing tools/applications on a computer-implemented global monitoring system/network (GMS) used to monitor and diagnose steam turbine power generator equipment and plants. An authentication challenging application (ACA) in the GMS sends a challenge sequence of code/numbers via a non-secure communications link/channel to an authentication response application (ARA) resident on a user/customer computer system. The ARA must respond via the same communications link/channel with an expected response code/number sequence to enable the user's access to the GMS otherwise the communications link/session is terminated. The ARA may optionally be stored on a portable flash memory dongle gaining direct access to the GMS locally.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a fuel cell system includes comparing at least one parameter of the fuel cell system to a predetermined signature to identify an entity of the fuel cell system, which possibly caused a fault condition in the fuel cell system. The technique includes operating the fuel cell system to change the parameter(s); and in response to this operation, the technique includes determining whether the identified entity caused the fault condition.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and associated methods of manufacture for fuel cell systems designed for modular application. As an example, a fuel cell system is provided that includes an enclosure housing a fuel cell stack, a power conditioning circuit, and a control circuit. The power conditioning circuit has a first input connector electrically coupled to the fuel cell stack. The power conditioning circuit is adapted to convert a direct current flow from the fuel cell stack to a conditioned alternating current flow having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 120 volts). The conditioned current flow is provided to an outlet connector of the power conditioning circuit located along a first portion of the enclosure. The power conditioning circuit further includes a second input connector located along a second portion of the enclosure. The second input connector is adapted to receive an external current flow.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and associated methods of manufacture for fuel cell systems designed for modular application. As an example, a fuel cell system is provided that includes an enclosure housing a fuel cell stack, a power conditioning circuit, and a control circuit. The power conditioning circuit has a first input connector electrically coupled to the fuel cell stack. The power conditioning circuit is adapted to convert a direct current flow from the fuel cell stack to a conditioned alternating current flow having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 120 volts). The conditioned current flow is provided to an outlet connector of the power conditioning circuit located along a first portion of the enclosure. The power conditioning circuit further includes a second input connector located along a second portion of the enclosure. The second input connector is adapted to receive an external current flow.