How is power extracted in a gas turbine?

Power is extracted in a gas turbine primarily by expanding the hot gases through the turbine blades. In a gas turbine, air is compressed, mixed with fuel, and then combusted at high temperatures and pressures. This combustion generates high-velocity exhaust gases. As these gases flow through the turbine blades, their pressure and kinetic energy are converted into mechanical energy, which drives the turbine shaft. The expansion of the gases through the turbine is a crucial process that allows for the conversion of thermal energy into useful mechanical power, making it an integral component of the gas turbine's operation.

The process is efficient because the high-energy gases perform work on the blades, causing them to spin. This spinning action can then be harnessed to drive a generator or other machinery. The effectiveness of this power extraction is highly dependent on the design of the turbine and the conditions of the gas flow, which are optimized to maximize efficiency and power output.