In a turboshaft engine, which turbine powers the compressor?

In a turboshaft engine, which turbine powers the compressor?

• A. The gas generator turbine
• B. The power turbine
• C. The exhaust turbine
• D. The compressor turbine

Answer: (B)

The turbine that powers the compressor is the gas generator turbine. In a turboshaft, the compressor sits on the same shaft as the gas generator turbine, and the hot gases expanding through this turbine provide the energy to drive the compressor and sustain the high-pressure air flow needed for combustion. After passing the gas generator turbine, the remaining energy in the gas expands through the power turbine, which drives the output shaft (the rotor) via a gearbox. The power turbine is not responsible for powering the compressor; its job is to produce shaft power for the load.

The turbine that powers the compressor is the gas generator turbine. In a turboshaft, the compressor sits on the same shaft as the gas generator turbine, and the hot gases expanding through this turbine provide the energy to drive the compressor and sustain the high-pressure air flow needed for combustion. After passing the gas generator turbine, the remaining energy in the gas expands through the power turbine, which drives the output shaft (the rotor) via a gearbox. The power turbine is not responsible for powering the compressor; its job is to produce shaft power for the load.