What is the purpose of the gas turbine compressor?

The purpose of the gas turbine compressor is to increase the pressure of the incoming air. This is a fundamental function in the operation of a gas turbine, as compressing the air raises its pressure and density, allowing for a more efficient combustion process when the compressed air is mixed with fuel. This increase in pressure enhances the overall performance of the turbine by increasing the amount of energy that can be extracted during the expansion phase, ultimately contributing to greater thrust or power output.

While cooling the air, mixing fuel with air, and extracting energy from exhaust gases are important processes in a gas turbine system, they are not the primary function of the compressor itself. The compression phase is essential for preparing the air for combustion, thereby making it critical to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the gas turbine cycle.