Letter: B

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Capability

The maximum load that an electrical apparatus can carry under specified conditions for a given period of time, without exceeding approved limits of temperature and stress.

Borescope inspection (BSI)

A nondestructive technique using a camera to see inside an engine without disassembling it. Done in the field or at a depot, a BSI enables detecting wear, cracks, pitting, corrosion, debris, or other conditions.

Brownout

A partial reduction in electrical power in a particular area, often planned by utilities to prevent grid overload.

Blade

An airfoil-shaped component in a gas turbine engine. The blades convert the kinetic and thermal energy of gas into mechanical, rotational energy to drive a shaft and, in turn, power a generator or the engine’s compressor.

Blackout

A complete loss of electrical power affecting a broad area, typically unplanned and caused by severe weather or equipment failure.

Base load

A facility with near-constant operation delivering electricity to the grid to meet steady, round-the-clock demand. Unlike peak load plants, baseload plants run night and day, using nuclear, natural gas, coal, or geothermal resources.