What is the final step in the sequence of starting a gas turbine?

The final step in the sequence of starting a gas turbine is loading. After completing the previous stages—which include preparation for startup, warming up the turbine, and cranking and lighting off the fuel—the gas turbine is ready to accept load. Loading refers to the process of bringing the turbine online and increasing its output to meet the demands of the electrical grid or specific applications. This stage ensures the turbine operates within its optimal performance parameters and safely delivers power.

In the startup sequence, ensuring proper warmup is critical for minimizing thermal stress and optimizing lubrication, while cranking and lightoff are critical for initiating combustion. However, it is the loading phase that signifies the transition from startup to operational status, making it the final step in this comprehensive process. This understanding highlights the importance of each stage leading up to loading, emphasizing the careful orchestration required for a successful gas turbine startup.