Control of gas turbine combustion temperature by compressor bleed air

This invention relates to gas turbine control technology and, more specifically, to the maintenance of high combustor temperatures in gas turbines for low emissions operation, particularly under part load or turndown conditions. A method of operating a combustor in a gas turbine that receives combustion air from a compressor includes a) controlling combustion temperature as a function of compressor discharge air bled from the compressor by determining a minimum amount of compressor discharge air required for maintaining a predetermined minimum combustion temperature; and b) bleeding compressor discharge air in excess of the minimum amount from the compressor via a control valve.