In the marine gas turbine engine shown in the illustration, the HP turbine 1st stage nozzle vanes are cooled by which of the following? Illustration GT-0020

Correct Answer: Option D — 16th stage compressor air.

In the GE LM2500, the high-pressure turbine nozzle vanes are subjected to extreme combustion temperatures. To prevent thermal degradation, 16th-stage compressor discharge air is bled off and routed through internal cooling passages in the vanes. This cooling air maintains material integrity, ensuring the turbine can operate at high power settings.