About this lesson
The axial compressor of a gas turbine squeezes large volumes of air through many rows of blades. Each stage adds only a little pressure, so many stages are stacked.
How it works
- Air is filtered at the inlet so dust does not erode the blades.
- The air may be cooled before the compressor to raise its density.
- Rotating blades push the air and rotor blades add speed; stationary blades turn it into pressure.
- Stage by stage the air pressure and temperature rise.
- The compressed air goes to the combustion chamber.