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How does a gas turbine spin?
As hot combustion gas expands through the turbine, it spins the rotating blades. The rotating blades perform a dual function: they drive the compressor to draw more pressurized air into the combustion section, and they spin a generator to produce electricity.
How is fuel ignited in a gas turbine?
This can be achieved by using a spark plug, a laser shot or a secondary igniter producing a source of hot gases. II – Flame ignition: the hot gases produced by the igniter must evaporate the liquid fuel (if it is present), heat the gas and initiate the first flame in the burners surrounding the igniter.
How does a gas turbine start?
Gas turbine engines come in many shapes and sizes. The electric motor spins the main shaft until there is enough air blowing through the compressor and the combustion chamber to light the engine. Fuel starts flowing and an igniter similar to a spark plug ignites the fuel.
What fuel does a gas turbine use?
While gas turbines are often advertised as having fuel flexibility, about 90 percent of gas turbines worldwide operate on natural gas or liquefied natural gas (LNG) because of its purity and ease of combustion. Only about 400 GE gas turbines globally operate on crude, naphtha or heavy fuel oils.
What is the classification of gas turbine?
Gas turbine engines fall into two broad classifications: the aircraft jet engine and the industrial (or “heavy duty”) engine.
How does an ignition system work in a gas turbine?
Ignition systems Gas turbines unlike piston engines employ a continuous combustion process to provide the heat input that releases energy in to the engine working cycle. Once ignited the fuel burns continuously until the engine is shut down, at this point the combustion is extinguished by cutting off the fuel supply.
What are the components of a gas turbine?
Gas turbines, which are also known as combustion turbines, are composed of a gas compressor, a downstream turbine, and a combustion chamber known as the combustor. Air is drawn into the compressor where it meets with fuel, most commonly natural gas.
What do you need to start a gas turbine?
When a gas turbine is started, a means of igniting the fuel is required, in most cases this is provided by an electric spark. One or more igniter plugs (Spark Plugs) are placed in the combustion chamber usually close to a fuel burner nozzle.
Why is the spinning of a turbine so important?
Because the spinning stage of turbine operation is so crucial to the creation of energy, it is important for power plants to have consistent control operations on their turbines, rotors, and facilities. For more information about how Petrotech provides intelligent control systems for power generation plants, explore our featured white papers.