Guide to power: Difference between revisions

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= Introduction =
= Introduction =
Understanding the intricacies of the power dynamic in the station is key to keeping the station in order. Many, especially the [[Head of Personnel|HoP]], believe that the [[Captain]] is the seat of power on the station. This is untrue as having the Captain wired into the station's power grid provides minimal power at best.  
Understanding the intricacies of the power dynamic in the station is key to keeping the station in order. Many, especially the [[Head of Personnel|HoP]], believe that the [[Captain]] is the seat of power on the station. This is untrue as having the Captain wired into the station's power grid provides minimal power at best.  


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== Singularity Engine ==
== Singularity Engine ==
[[File:Singularity_engine.png|thumb|300px]]
The singularity engine is the primary source of power on the station. By harnessing radiant energy produced by a locally-controlled cosmic [[Singularity]] (otherwise known as a man-made black hole), and converting the radiation to electrical power via [[#Radiation Collectors|Radiation Collectors]], an enormous amount of energy can be generated for the station.
The singularity engine is the primary source of power on the station. By harnessing radiant energy produced by a locally-controlled cosmic [[Singularity]] (otherwise known as a man-made black hole), and converting the radiation to electrical power via [[#Radiation Collectors|Radiation Collectors]], an enormous amount of energy can be generated for the station.


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| L2 || TBD
| L2 || TBD
|-
|-
| L3 || ≥3.33MW
| L3 || ≥3.33 MW
|-
|-
| L4 || ≥3.33MW
| L4 || ≥3.33 MW
|}
|}


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== Solar Arrays ==
== Solar Arrays ==
''See [[Solars]]''


The solar arrays act as a secondary power source. They are composed of 60 panels per array and there are 4 arrays on the station. Each panel can produce 1.5kW of power for a total of 90kW per array.  
[[File:Solars.png|thumb|300px]]
''See [[Solars]].''
 
The solar arrays act as a secondary power source. They are composed of 60 panels per array and there are 4 arrays on the station. Each panel can produce 1.5 kW of power for a total of 90 kW per array.  


The solar arrays only produce power when directly facing the local star. (The star is off-screen from the station and cannot be located by the player directly.) A solar tracking module can wired into the solar array circuitry and, with the help of a solar power console, the solar panels can be made to automatically track the local star, which maximizes the power generation for each panel. However, as the station revolves around the star (which, again, is unseen by the player), the solar arrays often land in the shadow of the station which prevents solar power generation at the affected arrays. This effectively gives the solar arrays a solar day-night cycle, where it generates power during the day cycle and does not generate power during the night cycle. Because of the solar cycle, a given array will be able to generate power about 50% (estimated but unconfirmed) of the time, which can be translated to an average 45kW per unit time, rather than the full 90kW.
The solar arrays only produce power when directly facing the local star. (The star is off-screen from the station and cannot be located by the player directly.) A solar tracking module can wired into the solar array circuitry and, with the help of a solar power console, the solar panels can be made to automatically track the local star, which maximizes the power generation for each panel. However, as the station revolves around the star (which, again, is unseen by the player), the solar arrays often land in the shadow of the station which prevents solar power generation at the affected arrays. This effectively gives the solar arrays a solar day-night cycle, where it generates power during the day cycle and does not generate power during the night cycle. Because of the solar cycle, a given array will be able to generate power about 50% (estimated but unconfirmed) of the time, which can be translated to an average 45 kW per unit time, rather than the full 90 kW.


The solar panels themselves can be, and often are, broken by debris floating in space. Each broken panel reduces the total power generation of the array.
The solar panels themselves can be, and often are, broken by debris floating in space. Each broken panel reduces the total power generation of the array.
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! per panel !! per array !! per array
! per panel !! per array !! per array
|-  
|-  
| 1500W (1.5kW) || 90000W (90kW) || 45000W (45kW)
| 1500 W (1.5 kW) || 90000 W (90 kW) || 45000 W (45 kW)
|}
|}


=== Connecting Solars to the Grid ===
=== Connecting Solars to the Grid ===
There are two main schools of thought when wiring the solar arrays:  
There are two main schools of thought when wiring the solar arrays:  


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Distributing solar power through the SMESs is the generally preferred method of wiring the solars, mainly because it provides a steady power output and requires no extra wiring. One benefit of the pre-laid wiring to the SMES is that during a night cycle of the solar array the Engineer does not need insulated gloves to wire the solar array.
Distributing solar power through the SMESs is the generally preferred method of wiring the solars, mainly because it provides a steady power output and requires no extra wiring. One benefit of the pre-laid wiring to the SMES is that during a night cycle of the solar array the Engineer does not need insulated gloves to wire the solar array.


While the maximum power generation of a given solar array is 90kW, it is advised to set SMES inputs to slightly lower level to account for solar panels that might break during the course of the shift.   
While the maximum power generation of a given solar array is 90 kW, it is advised to set SMES inputs to slightly lower level to account for solar panels that might break during the course of the shift.   
For example, setting the SMES input levels to 85.5kW may not collect all 90kW produced by the array, but allows for the SMES to charge even when up to three panels get broken on the array.   
For example, setting the SMES input levels to 85.5 kW may not collect all 90 kW produced by the array, but allows for the SMES to charge even when up to three panels get broken on the array.   
Otherwise, should the Engineer set SMES input levels to 90kW and should a single panel get hit by space debris and break, the array will always produce less than 90kW, so the SMES with a required 90kW input will not charge.   
Otherwise, should the Engineer set SMES input levels to 90 kW and should a single panel get hit by space debris and break, the array will always produce less than 90 kW, so the SMES with a required 90 kW input will not charge.   
    
    
The output on the SMES should be at most 50% of the input level due to the revolution of the station around the local star (percentage estimated but unconfirmed). Since the solar has to collect enough energy in the day cycle of the array to output for both day and night, it's usually good to round down a little more. Additionally, if the solar is initially wired during its day cycle, it typically won't be able to collect enough to keep it charged for the first night cycle, resulting in a little bit of lag in the output of the solars.   
The output on the SMES should be at most 50% of the input level due to the revolution of the station around the local star (percentage estimated but unconfirmed). Since the solar has to collect enough energy in the day cycle of the array to output for both day and night, it's usually good to round down a little more. Additionally, if the solar is initially wired during its day cycle, it typically won't be able to collect enough to keep it charged for the first night cycle, resulting in a little bit of lag in the output of the solars.   
For example, if the input is set to 85500W (85.5kW), the output shouldn't be bigger than 42750W (42.75kW). Typically, 40kW is a good round number for long-term power output.   
For example, if the input is set to 85500 W (85.5 kW), the output shouldn't be bigger than 42750 W (42.75 kW). Typically, 40 kW is a good round number for long-term power output.   
    
    
If more power storage is desired, say in the initial stage of the set-up, the engineer may want to reduce or even eliminate power output for the first few solar cycles, before setting the long-term power output.  
If more power storage is desired, say in the initial stage of the set-up, the engineer may want to reduce or even eliminate power output for the first few solar cycles, before setting the long-term power output.  
    
    
Once all four Solar SMESs are adequately charged and outputting long-term power, they will provide a very dependable power output with almost no oversight needed. In our example, the station would receive 160kW (4 arrays x 40kW SMES output) from solars, which is usually more than enough to sustain the station on its own without the singlo. This system is also modular, so that even if only three out of four Solar SMESs are used, the total power output is reduced accordingly but still completely steady.
Once all four Solar SMESs are adequately charged and outputting long-term power, they will provide a very dependable power output with almost no oversight needed. In our example, the station would receive 160 kW (4 arrays x 40 kW SMES output) from solars, which is usually more than enough to sustain the station on its own without the singlo. This system is also modular, so that even if only three out of four Solar SMESs are used, the total power output is reduced accordingly but still completely steady.


That being said, if unchecked, power sinks can drain the solar SMESs, which if depleted would need to go through a solar cycle again before being able to provide steady, adequate power to the station.   
That being said, if unchecked, power sinks can drain the solar SMESs, which if depleted would need to go through a solar cycle again before being able to provide steady, adequate power to the station.   
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The biggest failure of the Solar SMES system is more often the fault of the Engineer, not the power sink. A rookie Engineer usually sets input levels and output levels too high or too low to meaningfully sustain the station, and/or fails to re-set the SMESs to a more adequate output level after initially charging the SMES.
The biggest failure of the Solar SMES system is more often the fault of the Engineer, not the power sink. A rookie Engineer usually sets input levels and output levels too high or too low to meaningfully sustain the station, and/or fails to re-set the SMESs to a more adequate output level after initially charging the SMES.
    
    
'''Pros:''' steady power supply, no additional wiring necessary, stores power, modular, does not require insulated gloves<br />
'''Pros:''' Steady power supply, no additional wiring necessary, stores power, modular, does not require insulated gloves.
'''Cons:''' lag due to first night cycle and initial SMES charging, prone to being set up improperly, some power loss to correct for potentially broken panels, can be drained by power sinks
 
'''Cons:''' Lag due to first night cycle and initial SMES charging, prone to being set up improperly, some power loss to correct for potentially broken panels, can be drained by power sinks.


==== Wiring to the Grid ====
==== Wiring to the Grid ====
Wiring the solar arrays directly to the grid is often used as a more straight-forward approach to hooking up the solars, which benefits the Engineer by bypassing the intricacies of the SMES and generating a generally larger power output but at the expense of a less steady, less modular electrical source. This is often helpful in the emergency circumstance when the singlo is loose or otherwise not available, effectively making the solar arrays the primary power source.
Wiring the solar arrays directly to the grid is often used as a more straight-forward approach to hooking up the solars, which benefits the Engineer by bypassing the intricacies of the SMES and generating a generally larger power output but at the expense of a less steady, less modular electrical source. This is often helpful in the emergency circumstance when the singlo is loose or otherwise not available, effectively making the solar arrays the primary power source.


To achieve this, the Engineer usually just wires together the cable leading from the array directly to the cable leading out from the solar maintenance room. Typically, insulated gloves are a necessity since the Engineer will need to tap the solar power lines into the main power grid. However, as easy as that sounds, rookie Engineers tend to mangle the wiring so much that the array power lines never make it to the grid.
To achieve this, the Engineer usually just wires together the cable leading from the array directly to the cable leading out from the solar maintenance room. Typically, insulated gloves are a necessity since the Engineer will need to tap the solar power lines into the main power grid. However, as easy as that sounds, rookie Engineers tend to mangle the wiring so much that the array power lines never make it to the grid.


Once all the arrays are wired, and because of the day-night cycle, on average, about two solar arrays worth of power will be generated at any given time, equating to about 180kW of power. However, the exact number will fluctuate depending on how much light reaches individual panels. Additionally, if not all of the solars are wired to the grid, the output will be drastically lower and may cause brown outs in the station.   
Once all the arrays are wired, and because of the day-night cycle, on average, about two solar arrays worth of power will be generated at any given time, equating to about 180 kW of power. However, the exact number will fluctuate depending on how much light reaches individual panels. Additionally, if not all of the solars are wired to the grid, the output will be drastically lower and may cause brown outs in the station.   
    
    
On the plus side, wiring the solars directly to the grid prevents wiring sabotage since anyone cutting the wires also needs insulated gloves. Also, power sinks pose little risk as the solar power is immediate and not distributed from an SMES.
On the plus side, wiring the solars directly to the grid prevents wiring sabotage since anyone cutting the wires also needs insulated gloves. Also, power sinks pose little risk as the solar power is immediate and not distributed from an SMES.


'''Pros:''' straight-forward explanation, avoids setting SMES, deters sabotage, acts as primary power source, not prone to power sinks<br />
'''Pros:''' Straight-forward explanation, avoids setting SMES, deters sabotage, acts as primary power source, not prone to power sinks.
'''Cons:'''  minor fluctuations in power if fully implemented, severe fluctuations if incompletely implemented, requires insulated gloves, often incorrectly wired
 
'''Cons:'''  Minor fluctuations in power if fully implemented, severe fluctuations if incompletely implemented, requires insulated gloves, often incorrectly wired.


==== Dual-Wiring: The Best of Both Worlds ====
==== Dual-Wiring: The Best of Both Worlds ====
There is another, less used option that utilizes the benefits from both wiring ideologies while mitigating the risk: dual-wire the solar arrays both to the Solar SMESs and directly into the grid at the same time.
There is another, less used option that utilizes the benefits from both wiring ideologies while mitigating the risk: dual-wire the solar arrays both to the Solar SMESs and directly into the grid at the same time.


Initially, the Engineer would want to charge the SMESs enough to where they could give an adequate supply of power. Then, if the Engineer is skilled enough at wiring, both the SMES and the solar arrays can be wired to the grid at the same time. Since the station only draws about 150kW, but the solars wired to grid produce 180kW, there's a spare 30kW to split between the Solar SMESs for recharging. Setting all four Solar SMESs to charge at 6kW is feasible (reduced from 7.5kW to account for broken solar panels). The output setting on the SMES can be any value so long as the station draws full power from the solars wired directly. This effectively makes the Solar SMESs a backup power source.
Initially, the Engineer would want to charge the SMESs enough to where they could give an adequate supply of power. Then, if the Engineer is skilled enough at wiring, both the SMES and the solar arrays can be wired to the grid at the same time. Since the station only draws about 150 kW, but the solars wired to grid produce 180 kW, there's a spare 30 kW to split between the Solar SMESs for recharging. Setting all four Solar SMESs to charge at 6 kW is feasible (reduced from 7.5 kW to account for broken solar panels). The output setting on the SMES can be any value so long as the station draws full power from the solars wired directly. This effectively makes the Solar SMESs a backup power source.


The drawbacks though are that the Solar SMES input levels should not be put higher than 6kW since a Solar SMES located at an array going through the night cycle will attempt to draw power from a Solar SMES higher upstream in the [[#power queue]], cannibalistically draining that SMES.  
The drawbacks though are that the Solar SMES input levels should not be put higher than 6 kW since a Solar SMES located at an array going through the night cycle will attempt to draw power from a Solar SMES higher upstream in the [[#power queue]], cannibalistically draining that SMES.  


Also, the 2 conventional Backup SMESs can't be charged for the same reason of the power queue. However, since the 4 Solar SMESs act as backups, this trade-off is in favor of the dual-wiring of the solars.
Also, the 2 conventional Backup SMESs can't be charged for the same reason of the power queue. However, since the 4 Solar SMESs act as backups, this trade-off is in favor of the dual-wiring of the solars.
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The drawback that all solars must be wired directly to the grid to prevent severe fluctuation. The same is not true of the SMES-side of this set-up. Each SMES acts like an independent backup, so any undesired SMESs don't have to be set, making the system semi-modular.
The drawback that all solars must be wired directly to the grid to prevent severe fluctuation. The same is not true of the SMES-side of this set-up. Each SMES acts like an independent backup, so any undesired SMESs don't have to be set, making the system semi-modular.


'''Pros:''' acts primary and backup power source, deters sabotage, resistant to power sinks, semi-modular, resistant to brownouts<br />
'''Pros:''' acts primary and backup power source, deters sabotage, resistant to power sinks, semi-modular, resistant to brownouts
 
'''Cons:''' severe fluctuations if incompletely implemented, requires insulated gloves, often incorrectly wired, requires initial charging and follow up on the SMESs before implementation
'''Cons:''' severe fluctuations if incompletely implemented, requires insulated gloves, often incorrectly wired, requires initial charging and follow up on the SMESs before implementation


== Gas Turbine Generator ==
== Gas Turbine Generator ==


[[File:Incinerator.png|thumb]]
''See: [[Incinerator]]''
''See: [[Incinerator]]''


The gas turbine generator is a tertiary power source that was recently installed in the incinerator. By utilizing the temperature differential between very hot air and very cold air, the turbine generator is able to create a nominal amount of electricity. The hot air is created by burning plasma and oxygen gas mixtures. The cold air is creating by passing air through cooling tubes located in space.  
The gas turbine generator is a tertiary power source that was recently installed in the incinerator. By utilizing the temperature differential between very hot air and very cold air, the turbine generator is able to create a nominal amount of electricity. The hot air is created by burning plasma and oxygen gas mixtures. The cold air is creating by passing air through cooling tubes located in space.  


Although it's usually the last power source set up on the station, it's the only power source that can be accessed by Atmospherics. Also, they're the only ones who can turn on and mix the gas feed needed to sustain the generator without the use of gas canisters. The exact gas mixture for optimal power generation is unknown at this point, but some Engineers have reported values as high as 100kW and in typical Engineer fashion forgot to write down their recipe. Be prepared to field questions from <s>overprotective</s> proactive [[AI]]s who notice plasma in the mixtank.
Although it's usually the last power source set up on the station, it's the only power source that can be accessed by Atmospherics. Also, they're the only ones who can turn on and mix the gas feed needed to sustain the generator without the use of gas canisters. The exact gas mixture for optimal power generation is unknown at this point, but some Engineers have reported values as high as 100 kW and in typical Engineer fashion forgot to write down their recipe. Be prepared to field questions from <s>overprotective</s> proactive [[AI]]s who notice plasma in the mixtank.


== Portable Generators ==
== Portable Generators ==
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== SMES ==
== SMES ==
[[File:SMES_Charging.gif]]


A Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Cell is the spess version of a giant rechargeable battery. The standard set-up for an SMES involves:
A Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Cell is the spess version of a giant rechargeable battery. The standard set-up for an SMES involves:
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=== SMES Properties ===
=== SMES Properties ===


SMES have a modifiable storage capacity, dependent on the [[power cell]]s installed in the SMES upon fabrication. All SMESs present at the beginning of a typical shift have a default capacity of 3.33MW.
SMES have a modifiable storage capacity, dependent on the [[power cell]]s installed in the SMES upon fabrication. All SMESs present at the beginning of a typical shift have a default capacity of 3.33 MW.


{| class ="wikitable"
{| class ="wikitable"
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|}
|}


SMES input (charging) and output levels can be modified using [[capacitor]]s. All SMESs present at the beginning of a typical shift have a basic capacitor with default i/o levels of 200kW.  
SMES input (charging) and output levels can be modified using [[capacitor]]s. All SMESs present at the beginning of a typical shift have a basic capacitor with default i/o levels of 200 kW.  


{| class ="wikitable"
{| class ="wikitable"
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! Capacitor !! Max Input Level !! Max Output Level
! Capacitor !! Max Input Level !! Max Output Level
|-  
|-  
| [[Capacitor|Basic]] || 200000W (200kW) || 200000W (200kW)
| [[Capacitor|Basic]] || 200000 W (200 kW) || 200000 W (200 kW)
|-
|-
| Advanced  || 400000W (400kW) || 400000W (400kW)
| Advanced  || 400000 W (400 kW) || 400000 W (400 kW)
|-
|-
| Super  || 600000W (600kW) || 600000W (600kW)
| Super  || 600000 W (600 kW) || 600000 W (600 kW)
|}
|}


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== APCs ==
== APCs ==


APCs, or Automated Power Controllers, are found in or, more likely, in maintenance just outside every room with power.
[[File:APC2.gif]]
 
Actions available on the APC:
* ''Main Breaker: On/Off'' - Toggles power to the room
* ''Equipment: Auto/On/Off'' - Toggles power to computers, doors, and other electronic equipment.
* ''Lighting: Auto/On/Off'' - Toggles power to lighting in the area.
* ''Environmental: Auto/On/Off'' - Toggles power to the ventilation in the area, as well as the [[Air Alarm]].
* ''Cover Lock: Engaged/Disengaged'' - Provides a cover to protect the battery.


Remember, 'Auto' power settings slowly cuts off each breaker when power runs low in this order:<br><30 % = Equipment off, <15% = Lighting and Environment off.</b>
APCs, or Automated Power Controllers, are found in or, more likely, in maintenance just outside every room with power. They can be used to turn on or off the room equipment, lightning and environmental (a.k.a. ventilation) systems.


===Replacing the APC's Battery:===
[[APC|More information about how to use them can be found here.]]
 
To replace the APC battery, you need an ID with sufficient access to unlock the APC itself. An engineer's ID will suffice.<br>
 
#[[File:Id_regular.png|link=Identification_Card]] Swipe ID with ''power equipment'' access to unlock the interface.
#Open the panel and disengage the cover lock.
#[[File:Crowbar.png|link=#Crowbar]] Use a crowbar on the APC to open the cover.
#[[File:Hud-hands.gif]] Take the battery out with a free hand.
#[[File:Power_cell.png|link=#Power_Cell]] place in the new battery.
#[[File:Crowbar.png|link=#Crowbar]] Close the cover again with your crowbar.
# Re-engage the cover lock.
#[[File:Id_regular.png|link=Identification_Card]] Swipe ID to secure the interface.


= Concepts =
= Concepts =


== System Power ==
== System Power ==
System power is the amount of power available to the station at any given time. Power is made available through charged SMESs outputting power and through immediate power from power sources wired directly to the grid.
System power is the amount of power available to the station at any given time. Power is made available through charged SMESs outputting power and through immediate power from power sources wired directly to the grid.


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!colspan = 3|Isolated SMESs
!colspan = 3|Isolated SMESs
|-
|-
|NA ||Gravity SMES || Gravity Generator Chamber
|N/A ||Gravity SMES || Gravity Generator Chamber
|-
|-
|NA ||AI SMES || AI Chamber
|N/A ||AI SMES || AI Chamber
|-
|-
|NA ||Mining Output SMES || Mining Outpost
|N/A ||Mining Output SMES || Mining Outpost
|-
|-
|NA ||North Mining Output SMES || North Mining Outpost
|N/A ||North Mining Output SMES || North Mining Outpost
|-
|-
|NA ||West Mining Output SMES || West Mining Outpost
|N/A ||West Mining Output SMES || West Mining Outpost
|}
|}


=== Power Output and the Power Queue ===
=== Power Output and the Power Queue ===


The most visible effect of the power queue is that if there is not enough output power available on the grid because a component with higher rank is requesting it, then a lower rank component will not charge. For example, if the Backup SMESs are set to input 200kW each from the grid and the APCs draw 150kW, but the grid only provides 250kW total, then the second Backup SMES will not charge and around two out of three APCs will go unpowered as well.
The most visible effect of the power queue is that if there is not enough output power available on the grid because a component with higher rank is requesting it, then a lower rank component will not charge. For example, if the Backup SMESs are set to input 200 kW each from the grid and the APCs draw 150 kW, but the grid only provides 250 kW total, then the second Backup SMES will not charge and around two out of three APCs will go unpowered as well.


=== SMES Charging and the Power Queue ===
=== SMES Charging and the Power Queue ===
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[[File:SMES_Room_markup.png|thumb|right|400px|The three Singlo SMESs in the SMES Room.]]
[[File:SMES_Room_markup.png|thumb|right|400px|The three Singlo SMESs in the SMES Room.]]


Similarly, if a higher rank component has a high enough output level to handle the station's power draw, then the station will draw all of its power from the higher rank component instead of splitting the draw with a lower rank component. This phenomenon is seen often when the singlo is set up. An unaware Engineer will purposefully set all three Singlo SMESs to output at a very high value, say 100kW, or 300kW, thinking that this will be more than enough to power the station. While this is technically correct, it isn't advised since it slows down the time it takes until all SMESs are completely full.
Similarly, if a higher rank component has a high enough output level to handle the station's power draw, then the station will draw all of its power from the higher rank component instead of splitting the draw with a lower rank component. This phenomenon is seen often when the singlo is set up. An unaware Engineer will purposefully set all three Singlo SMESs to output at a very high value, say 100 kW, or 300 kW, thinking that this will be more than enough to power the station. While this is technically correct, it isn't advised since it slows down the time it takes until all SMESs are completely full.


An example is the best way to see this. The total power draw on the station is usually near 150kW. This means the station will draw 100kW from Singlo SMES #1, 50kW from Singlo SMES #2, and 0kW from Singlo SMES #3, resulting in different charging rates of the SMESs. Since SMESs have a capacity of 3,333,333W (3.33MW) and assuming an input level of 200kW, it should take 33.3 cycles before all the SMESs are completely charged (9.99MW total power stored).
An example is the best way to see this. The total power draw on the station is usually near 150 kW. This means the station will draw 100 kW from Singlo SMES #1, 50 kW from Singlo SMES #2, and 0 kW from Singlo SMES #3, resulting in different charging rates of the SMESs. Since SMESs have a capacity of 3,333,333 W (3.33 MW) and assuming an input level of 200 kW, it should take 33.3 cycles before all the SMESs are completely charged (9.99 MW total power stored).


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Singlo SMES Non-optimized Charging for 150kW Power Draw
|+ Singlo SMES Non-optimized Charging for 150 kW Power Draw
!colspan = 4| !! colspan = 3|Charge at n Cycles
!colspan = 4| !! colspan = 3|Charge at n Cycles
|+
|+
! Singlo Cell !! Input Level !! Draw !! Charge Rate !! 17 !! 23 !! 34
! Singlo Cell !! Input Level !! Draw !! Charge Rate !! 17 !! 23 !! 34
|-
|-
| SMES #1 || 200kW || 100kW || 100kW || 1.70MW || 2.30MW || ''3.33MW''
| SMES #1 || 200 kW || 100 kW || 100 kW || 1.70 MW || 2.30 MW || ''3.33 MW''
|-
|-
| SMES #2 || 200kW || 50kW || 150kW || 2.55MW || ''3.33MW'' || ''3.33MW''
| SMES #2 || 200 kW || 50 kW || 150 kW || 2.55 MW || ''3.33 MW'' || ''3.33 MW''
|-
|-
| SMES #3 || 200kW || 0kW || 200kW || ''3.33MW'' || ''3.33MW'' || ''3.33MW''
| SMES #3 || 200 kW || 0 kW || 200 kW || ''3.33 MW'' || ''3.33 MW'' || ''3.33 MW''
|-
|-
|'''Total''' || '''600kW''' || '''150kW''' || '''450kW''' || '''7.58 MW''' || '''8.96MW''' || '''''9.99MW'''''
|'''Total''' || '''600 kW''' || '''150 kW''' || '''450 kW''' || '''7.58 MW''' || '''8.96 MW''' || '''''9.99 MW'''''
|}
|}


A better way is to set output levels on Singlo SMESs #1 and #2 to a third of the total power draw of the station (here, 50kW), while allowing the remainder (also, 50kW) to draw from Singlo SMES #3, which would be set higher than that to account for power fluctuations. For the same case where the total draw was 150kW, we would set SMES #1 and #2 to 50kW and SMES #3 to something higher like 200kW. This would have all three SMESs charged in 22.2 cycles -- 33% faster than the situation above.
A better way is to set output levels on Singlo SMESs #1 and #2 to a third of the total power draw of the station (here, 50 kW), while allowing the remainder (also, 50 kW) to draw from Singlo SMES #3, which would be set higher than that to account for power fluctuations. For the same case where the total draw was 150 kW, we would set SMES #1 and #2 to 50 kW and SMES #3 to something higher like 200 kW. This would have all three SMESs charged in 22.2 cycles -- 33% faster than the situation above.


[[File:SMES_Output_v_Cycles_to_Full_v01.png|thumb|400px|right|The optimal number of cycles it takes to charge the singlo SMESs is dependent on both not outputting too little, and not outputting too much.]]
[[File:SMES_Output_v_Cycles_to_Full_v01.png|thumb|400px|right|The optimal number of cycles it takes to charge the singlo SMESs is dependent on both not outputting too little, and not outputting too much.]]


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Singlo SMES Optimized Charging for 150kW Power Draw
|+ Singlo SMES Optimized Charging for 150 kW Power Draw
!colspan = 4| !! colspan = 2|Charge at n Cycles
!colspan = 4| !! colspan = 2|Charge at n Cycles
|+
|+
! Singlo Cell !! Input Level !! Draw !! Charge Rate !! 17 !! 23
! Singlo Cell !! Input Level !! Draw !! Charge Rate !! 17 !! 23
|-
|-
| SMES #1 || 200kW || 50kW || 150kW || 2.55MW || ''3.33MW''
| SMES #1 || 200 kW || 50 kW || 150 kW || 2.55 MW || ''3.33 MW''
|-
|-
| SMES #2 || 200kW || 50kW || 150kW || 2.55MW || ''3.33MW''
| SMES #2 || 200 kW || 50 kW || 150 kW || 2.55 MW || ''3.33 MW''
|-
|-
| SMES #3 || 200kW || 50kW || 150kW || 2.55MW || ''3.33MW''
| SMES #3 || 200 kW || 50 kW || 150 kW || 2.55 MW || ''3.33 MW''
|-
|-
|'''Total''' || '''600kW''' || '''150kW''' || '''450kW''' || '''7.65 MW''' || '''''9.99MW'''''
|'''Total''' || '''600 kW''' || '''150 kW''' || '''450 kW''' || '''7.65 MW''' || '''''9.99 MW'''''
|}
|}


= ENGINEERING WHY ARE WE LOSING POWER =
= ENGINEERING WHY ARE WE LOSING POWER =
Sooner or later, on every barely functional space station, the power will go out. This is where you -- YES, YOU, YOU LAZY FUCK -- come in! Power can go out for many reasons. Your first port of call should be the Power Monitoring console in engineering, assuming it still exists. Then, ask yourself what's going on:
 
Sooner or later, on every barely functional space station, the power will go out. This is where you - YES, YOU, YOU LAZY FUCK - come in and call out to recall that shuttle because you can fix it! Power can go out for many reasons. Your first port of call should be the Power Monitoring console in engineering, assuming it still exists. Then, ask yourself what's going on:


*'''Power goes out everywhere, in under 10 seconds or so?''' This is most likely a power sink. Power sinks have the odd quirk of still powering the area they are placed in, so your best bet is to get searching for somewhere where the lights are still on, or if it's in maint, where you don't have to crowbar the doors.
*'''Power goes out everywhere, in under 10 seconds or so?''' This is most likely a power sink. Power sinks have the odd quirk of still powering the area they are placed in, so your best bet is to get searching for somewhere where the lights are still on, or if it's in maint, where you don't have to crowbar the doors.
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