Power Generators are devices much larger than parabatteries. A power generator produces a certain number of SEU every hour it operates. However, there is a maintenance cost to run the generator, and it needs an outside energy source of some kind: solar, nuclear, hydrodynamic, thermal, etc.[1][2][3]
The weight and size of generators is not stated in the rulebooks.[4]
Energy Weapons cannot be directly connected to a power generator due to the danger of feedback and the nature of the flow of energy turned into SEUs.[5] Only an active-matrix energy storage system, like a parabattery or a power back or belt pack can store the energy long enough for the weapon to draw upon it without danger of feedback. All power generators may be used to recharge any active-matrix energy storage device.
| Generator | SEUs/Hour | Cost (Cr) | Maintenance[6] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 500 | 10,000 | 100 Cr/day |
| Type 2 | 1,000 | 20,000 | 200 Cr/day |
| Type 3 | 2,000 | 40,000 | 400 Cr/day |
| Type 4 | 4,000 | 80,000 | 800 Cr/day |
It should be noted that larger types exist, doubling in cost, output and maintenance requirements for every full rating level. These units are essentially immobile (though on occasion they are mounted on ships or vehicles).
Conversely, smaller units exist, halving cost, output and maintenance requirements for every full rating level, but with increasingly less efficiency. It should be noted that while the generator itself may be smaller, the power source (fuel or renewable) does not shrink as much.[7]
Uses[]
Power generators are so ubiquitous as to be practically invisible to the average citizen, providing cheap, plentiful power on demand regardless of location.
Most apartment buildings are fabricated with a power generator of sufficient capacity to provide basic power to all its tenants.
Spaceships[]
All Spaceships (excluding Shuttles and Fighters) include a power generator as part of their standard equipment (i.e. it is included in the hull/engine price) with a matching Parabattery to provide emergency power when needed. This generator/battery system's size depends on the hull size of the ship in question:
- HS 1-6 = Type I
- HS 7-12 = Type II
- HS 13-18 = Type III
- HS 18-20 = Type IV
Maintenance costs are included in the operating costs of the spaceship.
In addition to this generator, ships with particularly powerful ship computers (Level 5-6) must install a separate power generator to suit the specific needs of the computer.[8] This generator (and any attached parabatteries) is not included in the ship's construction cost and its maintenance requirements are paid separately from the ship's operating costs.
Notes[]
- ↑ The type of energy source to be used by the generator must be specified at time of purchase and may not be changed.
- ↑ In cases where this energy source must be specified ahead of time, the credits should be spent as "fuel". If a non-fuel, renewable source is selected (such as wind or solar), the credits spent represent the amount of time it will run before the need for maintenance shuts it down.
- ↑ Non-fuel, renewable energy source generators may have their maintenance cost paid in work wage by a Technician, based on the daily wage table in Alpha Dawn. For example; a Level 1 tech (50 Cr/day) dedicating one entire work day (10 hours) to work on a Type I generator will be able to get it to work for 10 hours (half a day) before it shuts down again.
- ↑ It is reasonable to assume that the size/weight relationship is maintained throughout the various types. Not including external fuel stores, non-renewable generators weigh, on average, 100 kg, 200 kg, 400 kg and 800 kg for types I-IV, respectively. Renewable energy source generators weigh (on average) 250 kg, 500 kg, 1,000 kg and 2,000 kg, respectively and have several times the volume of their fuel-dependent counterparts.
- ↑ Type I generators produce under 1 SEU (0.833) every 6-second turn, Type II, III and IV produce 1.66 SEU, 3.33 SEU and 6.66 SEU per turn, respectively.
- ↑ One Day, for maintenance purposes, equals 20 Hours of continuous operation. These costs may be calculated per hour of operation simply by dividing daily maintenance costs by 20; I = 5 Cr/hr, II = 10 Cr/hr, III = 20 Cr/hr, IV = 40 Cr/hr.
- ↑ See table below.
- ↑ Level 1-4 computers must also have their own parabatteries, for use when main power is off-line.
Additional Generator Types[]
| Generator | SEUs/Hour | SEU/second | Cost (Cr) | Weight (kg) Standard |
Weight (kg) Renewable |
Hourly Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type AAA | 25 | 0.006944~ | 625 | 8 | 18 | 0.5 Cr/hr |
| Type AA | 60 | 0.0166~ | 1,250 | 15 | 35 | 0.75 Cr/hr |
| Type A | 125 | 0.034722~ | 2,500 | 25 | 65 | 1.25 Cr/hr |
| Type 0 | 250 | 0.6944~ | 5,000 | 50 | 125 | 2.5 Cr/hr |
| Type 1 | 500 | 0.1388~ | 10,000 | 100 | 250 | 5 Cr/hr |
| Type 2 | 1,000 | 0.277~ | 20,000 | 200 | 500 | 10 Cr/hr |
| Type 3 | 2,000 | 0.55~ | 40,000 | 400 | 1,000 | 20 Cr/hr |
| Type 4 | 4,000 | 1.11~ | 80,000 | 800 | 2,000 | 40 Cr/hr |
| Type 5 | 8,000 | 2.22~ | 160,000 | 1,600 | 4,000 | 80 Cr/hr |
| Type 6 | 16,000 | 4.44~ | 320,000 | 3,200 | 8,000 | 160 Cr/hr |