What is a gas turbine primarily used for?

A gas turbine is primarily used for electrical generation with natural gas because it operates on the principles of thermodynamics, specifically the Brayton cycle. In this cycle, natural gas is combusted in the turbine, causing high-temperature and high-pressure gases to expand through the turbine blades. This expansion drives the turbine, which is mechanically connected to a generator that produces electricity. Gas turbines are favored for their efficiency in converting fuel into electricity, their relatively low emissions compared to other fossil fuel technologies, and their ability to provide peaking power to meet demand fluctuations.

This application also aligns with modern practices where gas turbines are used both as standalone units and in combined cycle configurations, where waste heat is recovered to generate additional electricity through a steam turbine, maximizing energy output and efficiency. Other options, such as heating water or cooling air, do not represent the primary function of a gas turbine, as those tasks are typically managed by different types of systems. Pumping fluids is also unrelated to the main function of a gas turbine, which is centered on energy conversion and electrical generation.