Power generation: Difference between revisions

'''[[Power]] generation''' is vital to a healthy ship as most equipment in the game requires power to operate. The [[Getting_Started#Power|most basic power system]] consists only of a [[reactor]] and a [[loader]], with a steady supply of [[fuel]] canisters. However, this system's shortcomings become apparent as a ship's power requirements grow, and keeping a constant flow of power becomes more important.

One of the first shortcomings players are likely to notice is a loss of power when a fuel canister runs dry, and it takes time for a crew member to retrieve a new tank. This delay will depend on the availability of crew members to retrieve a new tank and the distance between the fuel storage and the loader. This kind of delay can cause significant problems during a time-sensitive mission.

The issue can be solved by introducing a [[tank]] and a [[battery]] into the system. The tank can store more fuel, and crew members will continue to replace fuel canisters until the tank is full. This means that fuel will be available even as a canister is replaced. It takes some time for a battery to fill and distribute power, but once it has started, it will provide a constant power flow to the equipment until it drains completely. The battery will constantly refill from available power sources. As reactors take time to increase or decrease power production, batteries help to keep sudden increases in power demand from overwhelming them.