Difference between revisions of "PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator"
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+ | {{:PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator/Box}} | ||
+ | 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. | |
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+ | == Usage == | ||
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+ | 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 cell|fuel cells]]. Which one is better depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb two RTGs use less 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. | ||
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+ | == Product description == | ||
{{Quote | {{Quote | ||
− | |Through exploitation of the natural decay of Blutonium-238, this elegantly simple power generator can provide consistent, stable power for decades. | + | |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 Protonic Electronics}} | + | |Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics}} |
+ | |||
+ | == Trivia == | ||
+ | The description contains a reference to ''The Martian'', where Mark Watney used a RTG to provide heating in order to save power. | ||
+ | |||
== Changes == | == Changes == | ||
− | ; | + | ;[[1.2]] |
+ | * Moved from Utility to Electrical | ||
+ | ;[[0.19]] | ||
+ | * Mass reduced from 0.175 to 0.08, power output reduced from 1 E/s to 0.75 E/s. | ||
+ | ;[[0.18]] | ||
* Initial Release | * Initial Release | ||
{{Parts}} | {{Parts}} |
Revision as of 08:07, 14 May 2018
PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator | ||
Generator by Ionic Symphonic Protonic Electronics | ||
Radial size | Tiny | |
Cost | (total) | 23 300.00 |
Mass | (total) | 0.08 t |
Drag | 0.2 | |
Max. Temp. | 1200 K | |
Volume | ? | |
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 |
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 use less 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 a RTG to provide heating in order to save power.
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