Difference between revisions of "PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator"
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{{:PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator/Box}} | {{:PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator/Box}} | ||
− | The RTG provides constant and reliable [[electricity]] for spacecraft. | + | The '''PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator''' (RTG) is an electric generator that provides constant and reliable [[electricity]] for spacecraft. Although its weight/power ratio is worse than that of solar panels near Kerbin, it has the advantage of not requiring direct sunlight, allowing it to work on the night side of a planet or very far from [[Kerbol]]. |
− | + | == Product description == | |
+ | {{Quote | ||
+ | |Through exploitation of the natural decay of Blutonium-238, this elegantly simple power generator can provide consistent, stable power for decades. Not to be used for providing heating during emergency rover excursions. | ||
+ | |manufacturer=ISPE}} | ||
== Usage == | == Usage == | ||
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The alternative when there is too little sunlight is to use [[Fuel cell|fuel cells]]. Which one is better depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb, two RTGs is equivalent in power to a single [[Fuel Cell]] after about 1.5 hours of operation, while 24 RTGs is equivalent to a [[Fuel Cell Array]] after about 2 hours of operation. | The alternative when there is too little sunlight is to use [[Fuel cell|fuel cells]]. Which one is better depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb, two RTGs is equivalent in power to a single [[Fuel Cell]] after about 1.5 hours of operation, while 24 RTGs is equivalent to a [[Fuel Cell Array]] after about 2 hours of operation. | ||
− | + | The electric output of the most common electricity source, solar panels, decreases according to the inverse square law. This means that the constant mass/power ratio of the RTG overtakes the mass/power of the fully illuminated [[OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels]] at around 38,944GM from Kerbol, or slightly before reaching Dres. However, the RTG's cost/power ratio only overtakes the OX-4L at around 152,474GM, farther than the orbit of Eeloo. | |
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== Trivia == | == Trivia == | ||
− | The description contains a reference to ''The Martian'', where Mark Watney used an RTG to provide heating in order to save power. | + | *The description contains a reference to ''The Martian'', where Mark Watney used an RTG to provide heating in order to save power. |
− | * There are also two parts on the [[w:New Horizons]] probe that has the same appearance in-game. | + | *The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on the [[w:Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power|SNAP]] RTG used on the [[w:Pioneer 10|Pioneer 10]] and [[w:Pioneer 11|11]] probes. |
+ | :* There are also two parts on the [[w:New Horizons|New Horizons]] probe that has the same appearance in-game. | ||
== Changes == | == Changes == |
Revision as of 02:36, 29 July 2021
PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator | ||
Generator by Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics | ||
Radial size | Tiny, Radial mounted | |
Cost | (total) | 23 300.00 |
Mass | (total) | 0.080 t |
Drag | 0.2 | |
Max. Temp. | 1200 K | |
Impact Tolerance | 7 m/s | |
Research | Experimental Electrics | |
Unlock cost | 58 000 | |
Since version | 0.18 | |
Part configuration | RTG.cfg | |
Electricity generated | 0.75 ⚡/s | |
Optimum Temp | 350 K | |
Shutdown Temp | 10000 K | |
Max Cooling | 0 kW | |
Packed volume | 90 l |
The PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) is an electric generator that provides constant and reliable electricity for spacecraft. Although its weight/power ratio is worse than that of solar panels near Kerbin, it has the advantage of not requiring direct sunlight, allowing it to work on the night side of a planet or very far from Kerbol.
Contents
Product description
“ | Through exploitation of the natural decay of Blutonium-238, this elegantly simple power generator can provide consistent, stable power for decades. Not to be used for providing heating during emergency rover excursions. — Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics |
” |
Usage
The Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is useful for purposes such as:
- Traveling so far away from the sun that solar panels become insufficient.
- Operating energy-consuming equipment on the night-side of a celestial body.
- Removing the need to take special action to replenish electrical power stores.
- Emergency backup for a stronger primary power supply.
- Providing power while stowed in a fairing or cargo bay.
The alternative when there is too little sunlight is to use fuel cells. Which one is better depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb, two RTGs is equivalent in power to a single Fuel Cell after about 1.5 hours of operation, while 24 RTGs is equivalent to a Fuel Cell Array after about 2 hours of operation.
The electric output of the most common electricity source, solar panels, decreases according to the inverse square law. This means that the constant mass/power ratio of the RTG overtakes the mass/power of the fully illuminated OX-4L 1x6 Photovoltaic Panels at around 38,944GM from Kerbol, or slightly before reaching Dres. However, the RTG's cost/power ratio only overtakes the OX-4L at around 152,474GM, farther than the orbit of Eeloo.
Trivia
- The description contains a reference to The Martian, where Mark Watney used an RTG to provide heating in order to save power.
- The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on the SNAP RTG used on the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes.
- There are also two parts on the New Horizons probe that has the same appearance in-game.
Changes
- Moved from Utility to Electrical
- Mass reduced from 0.175 to 0.08, power output reduced from 1 E/s to 0.75 E/s.
- Initial Release