How is the compressor of a gas turbine typically driven?

The compressor of a gas turbine is typically driven by the turbine itself. In a gas turbine system, the turbine and compressor are interconnected. As the turbine burns fuel and creates high-temperature, high-pressure gases, these gases expand through the turbine, causing it to spin. This rotational energy from the turbine is then transferred to the compressor, which draws in ambient air and compresses it before it enters the combustion chamber.

This configuration is efficient because the same energy that powers the turbine to produce thrust is also used to drive the compressor, effectively utilizing the energy produced during combustion. This synergy is what makes gas turbines an effective choice for various applications, including power generation and aircraft propulsion.

Using an electric motor, hydraulic pressure, or an external fan to drive the compressor would not be as efficient or practical in the context of a gas turbine's design and operation. The direct coupling of the turbine and compressor maximizes the energy transfer and maintains the system's overall efficiency.