Gas Turbine
The gas turbine engineering plant represents an innovative concept for shipboard power plants. US Naval vessels use aircraft derivative gas turbine engines for both main propulsion and ship's service electrical power. A high degree of plant automation is achieved with an integrated system of control and monitoring consoles.
The advantages of a gas turbine plant as compared to a steam plant of comparable horsepower include:
- Weight reduction of 70%
- Simplicity (fewer propulsion auxiliaries)
- Reduced manning due to automated propulsion plant control
- Quicker response time
- Faster acceleration/deceleration
In a gas turbine engine the compression, combustion and expansion take place continuously in different chambers. Gas turbine engines operate on the Brayton Cycle (open engine cycle).
Sources and Methods
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/eng/.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, February 27, 1999 7:56:20 AM