Which of the following advantages are obtained from a gas turbine cycle using an intercooler?

In a gas turbine cycle, the use of an intercooler can significantly enhance performance. The primary function of an intercooler is to cool the compressed air before it enters the combustion chamber.

Cooled air has a lower temperature and density, which means it occupies less specific volume. This reduction in specific volume allows for a greater mass flow rate of air through the system, which leads to improved mixing with fuel and higher overall efficiency in the combustion process.

One of the direct advantages of using an intercooler is that it increases the thermal efficiency of the cycle. The cooled and denser compressed air can hold more heat energy without excessive pressure loss, allowing for better energy recovery from the combustion gases.

Therefore, the reasoning behind choosing the correct answer stems from the overall improvement in thermal efficiency that results from utilizing an intercooler, directly contributing to enhanced performance in a gas turbine cycle. The combined benefits of reduced specific volume and greater heat recovery through cooling further reinforce this efficiency.