Simple Brayton (gas turbine) cycle: typical performance How are the thermal efficiency and the work ratio of a simple (un-regenerated, un-intercooled, un-reheated) gas turbine cycle generally characterized? Choose the best description.

Concept/Approach

• In a simple Brayton cycle, a large fraction of turbine work is consumed by the compressor, yielding a low work ratio (W_net/W_T).
• Without regeneration/reheat/intercooling, the thermal efficiency is also modest.

Typical trendIncreasing pressure ratio raises efficiency up to an optimum, but simple cycles still remain “low” compared with improved cycles.

Final AnswerLow