Which component in a gas turbine system is responsible for burning the fuel?

• A. Compressor
• B. Fuel Nozzle
• C. Combustor
• D. Turbine

Answer: (C)

In a gas turbine, the burning of fuel happens in the combustor (combustion chamber). After air is compressed by the compressor, it flows into the combustor where fuel is injected through the fuel nozzle and mixed with the high-pressure air. An ignition system starts the flame, and the combustor maintains combustion to convert the chemical energy of the fuel into heat energy, creating a hot, high-pressure gas. This hot gas then expands through the turbine to produce work. The fuel nozzle’s job is to introduce and atomize fuel into the air stream, not to burn it. The turbine’s job is to extract energy from the expanding hot gases, and the compressor’s job is to raise the air pressure.