Difference between revisions of "PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator"
(Fixed basic issues, added on trivia, because the New Horizons craft has the same appearance of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator.) |
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The RTG provides constant and reliable [[electricity]] for spacecraft. Its weight/power ratio is a lot worse than that of solar panels (unless you are very far away from the sun - Dres and beyond), but RTGs have the advantage that they do not require direct sunlight, so they still work when on the night side of a planet. | The RTG provides constant and reliable [[electricity]] for spacecraft. Its weight/power ratio is a lot worse than that of solar panels (unless you are very far away from the sun - Dres and beyond), but RTGs have the advantage that they do not require direct sunlight, so they still work when on the night side of a planet. | ||
| − | The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on those used on the [[w:Pioneer 10|Pioneer 10]] and [[w:Pioneer 11|11]] probes. | + | The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on those used on the [[w:Pioneer 10|Pioneer 10]] and [[w:Pioneer 11|11]] probes. |
== Usage == | == Usage == | ||
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* Providing power while stowed in a fairing or cargo bay. | * Providing power while stowed in a fairing or cargo bay. | ||
| − | 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 | + | 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 useless mass than an equivalent in power single [[Fuel Cell]] after about 1.5 hours of operation while 24 RTGs win over a [[Fuel Cell Array]] after about 2 hours of operation. |
== Product description == | == Product description == | ||
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== Trivia == | == Trivia == | ||
| − | The description contains a reference to ''The Martian'', where Mark Watney used | + | 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. | ||
== Changes == | == Changes == | ||
Revision as of 15:12, 26 July 2019
| 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 RTG provides constant and reliable electricity for spacecraft. Its weight/power ratio is a lot worse than that of solar panels (unless you are very far away from the sun - Dres and beyond), but RTGs have the advantage that they do not require direct sunlight, so they still work when on the night side of a planet.
The design of the PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator is based on those used on the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes.
Contents
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 useless mass than an equivalent in power single Fuel Cell after about 1.5 hours of operation while 24 RTGs win over a Fuel Cell Array after about 2 hours of operation.
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 |
” |
Trivia
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.
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
