In the combustion section, which combination is mixed and ignited to create power?

In the combustion section, which combination is mixed and ignited to create power?

• A. Air and Water
• B. Air and Fuel
• C. Fuel and Oil
• D. Air and Exhaust

Answer: (B)

Power production from combustion comes from burning a fuel with an oxidizer. The oxidizer is typically air, which provides the oxygen needed for the fuel to burn. In the burner, fuel and air are mixed to form a combustible mixture, then ignited. The heat released drives the working fluid (steam or high-pressure combustion gases) to move a turbine and generate power. Water cannot serve as the oxidizer; it neither supports flame nor supplies oxygen and often cools the mixture. Mixing two fuels (fuel and oil) lacks a proper oxidizer, so sustained combustion won’t occur. Exhaust already contains combustion products with little usable oxygen, so it won’t ignite to produce more power. Therefore, the combination that is mixed and ignited to create power is air and fuel.

Power production from combustion comes from burning a fuel with an oxidizer. The oxidizer is typically air, which provides the oxygen needed for the fuel to burn. In the burner, fuel and air are mixed to form a combustible mixture, then ignited. The heat released drives the working fluid (steam or high-pressure combustion gases) to move a turbine and generate power. Water cannot serve as the oxidizer; it neither supports flame nor supplies oxygen and often cools the mixture. Mixing two fuels (fuel and oil) lacks a proper oxidizer, so sustained combustion won’t occur. Exhaust already contains combustion products with little usable oxygen, so it won’t ignite to produce more power. Therefore, the combination that is mixed and ignited to create power is air and fuel.