In a two-shaft gas turbine, the load turbine is located relative to the compressor turbine?

• A. Upstream
• B. Downstream
• C. In parallel
• D. Independent

Answer: (B)

In a two-shaft gas turbine, the flow path of hot gases passes through two turbines in sequence after combustion. The first turbine (the one tied to the compressor) drives the compressor shaft, and the remaining energy in the gas is then extracted by the second turbine, which drives the load. Because the gas has already passed the compressor-turbine stage, the load turbine sits downstream of the compressor turbine in the flow path. This arrangement also lets the two shafts run at different optimal speeds, thanks to the separation of the energy-using stages.