26 - Gas turbine types and applications

Abstract

This chapter describes gas turbine function and types. Single and multiple shaft gas turbines are reviewed. The comparison of a typical condensing steam turbine and an industrial type gas turbine is presented. The major difference is that a steam turbine is an external combustion engine, while a gas turbine is an internal combustion engine. The motive fluid for a steam turbine is generated external to the engine, whereas in the case of a gas turbine, the motive fluid is generated internal to the engine. A gas turbine engine is a dynamic internal combustion engine. The process in this case is continuous and not intermittent, as is the case for the automotive engine. Both engines have compression, combustion, and exhaust sections. The similarity of these engines is that both require starters, ignition sources, inlet air filters, inlet fuel systems, cooling systems, and monitoring systems. The chapter describes the industrial type gas turbines and aero-derivative type gas turbines while focusing on gas turbine drive configurations and gas turbine cycles.