All About Gas Turbines
Gas turbines are some of the most frequently used devices for powering modern vehicles. They convert the potential energy of gas into mechanical energy in the form of the rotary movement as well as electrical energy. As such, gas turbines are used in gas-powered vehicles in tandem with other machinery to thrust them forward and power their electronics. In this blog we will be discussing the different parts of a gas turbine and how they work in harmony to create the combustion engine in many of our modern vehicles.
What Are the Different Parts of a Gas Turbine?
While many variations exist, most gas turbines have the same key components which aid in converting the fuel into thrust and electrical power. First, there is the air compressor, which consists of spinning blades on a rod that force the air through tight spaces so that its pressure rises to the necessary amount. Then, there is the combustion chamber where fuel is mixed with the high-pressure air and burned to produce explosive thrust. Another key set of parts are the turbines. Both a high-pressure turbine and a low pressure-turbine are used to accomplish different parts of the machine cycle. The high-pressure turbine is mounted to the same shaft of the compressor, and it is responsible for running it as well as generating electricity for the vehicle. After air has been run through the high-pressure turbine, it reaches the combustion chamber and then the low-pressure turbine, where the explosive power of expanding gas is translated into rotary movement which will directly propel the aircraft forward.
In an effort to increase fuel efficiency, several modifications exist that are often used in high-powered vehicles like jet airliners. As the air compression process creates a lot of heat, intercoolers are sometimes used to cool and therefore further condense the air as it passes through the compressor. In doing so, the air will be of an even greater pressure with more oxygen to burn to increase overall efficiency. To complete this cycle, a regenerator is often used in tandem with an intercooler to reheat the denser air before it enters the combustion chamber.
How Do Gas Turbines Work?
Gas turbines are a type of internal combustion engine that relies on compression and combustion for explosive power. First, air is pulled into the compressor where the spinning blades whip the air, heating and compressing it. Next, the air is transferred to the combustion chamber where it is mixed with a precise amount of fuel. As the compressed air mixes with the fuel, the mixture is ignited, generating an explosive expansion of gas which pushes a piston in the chamber. As this piston is raised and lowered each time the gas combusts and leaves in the form of exhaust, it turns a crankshaft and creates rotary movement in the low-pressure turbine. The rotary movement of the high-pressure turbine used in the compressor is simultaneously used to keep the magneto running at the appropriate rpm to create a direct current to be stored in the battery and used to power onboard electronics.
Conclusion
Gas turbines are some of the most recognizable engine types available, and they have been used for well over a century in a majority of our modern vehicles, including gas-powered aircraft. If you are an aircraft owner or operator searching for high-quality aviation parts, Aerospace Aviation 360 is ready to assist you with all the components you require. Browse our online catalog of available parts and let our representatives find a strategic solution for your operation’s requirements when you send an Instant RFQ form for any items of interest.
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