What is the primary function of the ignition system in a gas turbine?

The primary function of the ignition system in a gas turbine is to initiate combustion of the fuel-air mixture. This is a critical function for starting the engine and ensuring that combustion occurs efficiently. When the gas turbine is brought to operational conditions, the ignition system provides the necessary spark or heat to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.

Once ignition occurs, the flame should be sustained by the continuous flow of fuel and air, allowing the gas turbine to operate smoothly. The ignition system is designed to be highly reliable, as it is essential for the starting cycle and ensuring that the combustion process initiates properly.

While sustaining combustion at high altitudes, cooling the combustion chamber, and monitoring exhaust temperature are all important aspects of gas turbine operation, they do not pertain to the primary role of the ignition system. The ignition system's main focus is solely on getting the combustion process started effectively.