Difference between revisions of "Energy Generation"
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The [[Habitat]] '''generates its electrical power''' via three main sources: its fusion reactors, its fuel cell, and storage batteries | The [[Habitat]] '''generates its electrical power''' via three main sources: its fusion reactors, its fuel cell, and storage batteries | ||
| − | ==The Habitat | + | ==The Habitat Reactors== |
| − | The Habitat's main source of power is its fusion | + | The [[Habitat]]'s main source of power is its pair of fusion reactors. The tokamak-style reactors use the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusion_power deuterium-tritium reaction] to generate power; at their nominal operating load, they can generate 3.5 GW, although they can provide 4.5 GW indefinitely without overheating and upwards of 5 GW for short bursts. The reactors are supplied with fuel from the main fuel tanks, which contain 78 t of lithium and 22 t of deuterium. |
==The Habitat Fuel Cells== | ==The Habitat Fuel Cells== | ||
| − | The Habitat's secondary power source consists of an array of fuel cells which supply power for the Habitat's [[Internal Systems]] and [[Communications Systems]] off of the 120 V secondary bus. The fuel cell consumes 190 kg of hydrogen and 1710 kg of oxygen per hour to generate 52 kW for this bus; the fuel consumption doubles when the fuel cell is used to start the Habitat | + | The [[Habitat]]'s secondary power source consists of an array of fuel cells which supply power for the Habitat's [[Internal Systems]] and [[Communications Systems]] off of the 120 V secondary bus. The fuel cell consumes 190 kg of hydrogen and 1710 kg of oxygen per hour to generate 52 kW for this bus; the fuel consumption doubles when the fuel cell is used to start the [[Habitat]] reactors, at which point it must produce 100 kW. This greater load results in the fuel cell overheating after a minute or so, and so cooling breaks must be worked into the ignition timeline. |
==Storage Batteries== | ==Storage Batteries== | ||
Revision as of 12:32, 30 June 2007
The Habitat generates its electrical power via three main sources: its fusion reactors, its fuel cell, and storage batteries
The Habitat Reactors
The Habitat's main source of power is its pair of fusion reactors. The tokamak-style reactors use the deuterium-tritium reaction to generate power; at their nominal operating load, they can generate 3.5 GW, although they can provide 4.5 GW indefinitely without overheating and upwards of 5 GW for short bursts. The reactors are supplied with fuel from the main fuel tanks, which contain 78 t of lithium and 22 t of deuterium.
The Habitat Fuel Cells
The Habitat's secondary power source consists of an array of fuel cells which supply power for the Habitat's Internal Systems and Communications Systems off of the 120 V secondary bus. The fuel cell consumes 190 kg of hydrogen and 1710 kg of oxygen per hour to generate 52 kW for this bus; the fuel consumption doubles when the fuel cell is used to start the Habitat reactors, at which point it must produce 100 kW. This greater load results in the fuel cell overheating after a minute or so, and so cooling breaks must be worked into the ignition timeline.
Storage Batteries
Backup power for the secondary and tertiary buses is provided by two 10,000 Amp-hour batteries which recharge from the buses when not in use.
