A gas turbine extracts energy from a flow of hot gas produced by combustion of gas or fuel oil in a stream of compressed air. It has an upstream air compressor (radial or axial flow) mechanically coupled to a downstream turbine and a combustion chamber in between. "Gas turbine" may also refer to just the turbine element.
Energy is released when compressed air is mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustor. The resulting gases are directed over the turbine's blades, spinning the turbine, and mechanically powering the compressor. Finally, the gases are passed through a nozzle, generating additional thrust by accelerating the hot exhaust gases by expansion back to atmospheric pressure.
Energy is extracted in the form of shaft power, compressed air and thrust, in any combination, and used to power aircraft, trains, ships, electrical generators, and even tanks.
2007-11-15 03:16:25
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answer #1
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answered by jytopy 4
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*…A Combustion Gas Turbine, like any other internal combustion engine, is a machine which converts the Thermal Energy of burning fuel into useful power which, in turn is converted into Mechanical Energy.
Just like a windmill, waterwheel or steam turbine, a combustion gas turbine depends on the flow of fluid for its driving force.
The driving fluid in this case, is very high temperature, compressed air.
*…The Air Compressor
This is generally an ‘Axial Flow Compressor’ and can be classed as the exact opposite of a turbine. (A turbine needs high energy fluid flow to cause rotation).
An Axial Flow compressor needs a mechanical driver for its operation.
The Combustion Chamber
The compressed air from the axial flow compressor is piped to the combustion chamber(s). The turbine we are discussing has Six (6) identical combustion chambers - three on each side. Each chamber consists of the following: -
*…1..The Fuel Burner. -Using Natural gas, no atomiser is required - the fuel however must have all liquid knocked out.
*…2..Swirl Vanes. -These are installed at the point of fuel injection in order to get thorough mixing of the fuel and Primary Air, (air for the combustion - 15 to 20% of the compressor discharge). This is done to prevent Hot-Gas Pockets in the hot-gas path to protect the metal of the turbine from excessive heat.
*…3..The Burner Basket. - This is fitted around the burner and contains holes through which the Secondary Air (about 30% of the air), passes into the burning gases to ensure complete combustion of the fuel.
*…4..The Igniters. - Spark plugs are used for the initial ignition of the fuel/air mixture.
The hot gases from the combustor mix with the remaining air from the compressor (about 50%). This is called 'Tertiary Air' and cools the gases to a safe turbine inlet temperature at about 850 °C.
The hot, expanding gases pass into a 'Transition Piece' which ensures the final mixing of the gases. The hot gases now pass to the fixed nozzle guide-vanes which direct the gas flow through the turbine assembly.
Between the combustion chambers, 'Cross-fire' tubes are installed to ensure combustion in all chambers. (A flame detector system exists which will instantly shut down the fuel supply and therefore the turbine, should a flame failure occur in a chamber).
2007-11-15 04:39:57
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answer #2
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answered by Norrie 7
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Take a look at the article below, it has a good description and explanatory illustrations, I could cut and paste their answer, but that would be dishonest and a waste of time.
2007-11-15 03:31:01
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answer #3
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answered by Chris H 6
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