What portion of power is typically used to drive the compressor in a gas turbine engine?

What portion of power is typically used to drive the compressor in a gas turbine engine?

• A. 75%
• B. 25%
• C. 50%
• D. 90%

Answer: (A)

In a gas turbine engine, the turbine’s output is mainly used to drive the compressor—the compressor is the primary mechanical load requiring energy to raise the air pressure for combustion. About three-quarters of the shaft power is typically consumed by the compressor, which is roughly 75%. The remaining power goes to drive accessories (fuel pumps, generators, etc.) and to account for losses in the system. So the best answer is 75%. The other options would imply too little or too much energy going to the compressor relative to the usual balance between compressor work and accessory/other loads.

In a gas turbine engine, the turbine’s output is mainly used to drive the compressor—the compressor is the primary mechanical load requiring energy to raise the air pressure for combustion. About three-quarters of the shaft power is typically consumed by the compressor, which is roughly 75%. The remaining power goes to drive accessories (fuel pumps, generators, etc.) and to account for losses in the system.

So the best answer is 75%. The other options would imply too little or too much energy going to the compressor relative to the usual balance between compressor work and accessory/other loads.