The Power Grid
The Power Grid
The power grid is divided into two networks, the Basic Power network and the Advanced Power network.
Basic Power and Advanced Power:
- Basic Power - Is low capacity power distribution integrated into the hull, capable of powering facilities with low power needs. As such, the distribution of Basic Power is automatic and covers the whole ship.
- Addvanced Power - Is power transmitted from a node, needed for facilities with a higher power demand.
The power grid consists of:
- Power Generators - These are the power generator facilities and others like the solar panel.
- Power distribution modules - These are the power nodes, distributing advanced power within areas and also storing a small amount of power.
- Power storing modules - This is the power capacity node (Battery), capable of storing a substantial amount of advanced power and distributing it when needed.
- Power consumers - All the facilities requiring power to operate, with power consuming spikes depending on their functionality. Most facilities only need basic power (Low capacity power distribution integrated into the hull), while industry and ship-to-ship battle related facilities require advanced power (high capacity power transmitted from a node)
The strength of the power grid seen in the power view mode refers to how much power is currently stored in a tile. Power generators, power nodes and power capacity nodes create fields of stored power, which can be monitored in the power view mode.
Think of each node being a "power storage node", which can further distribute it to other nodes and facilities in its area. Therefore, the reach of one power generator will depend on how the nodes are utilized at the path towards another destination. If power is being distributed to many facilities or other nodes leading to other destinations along the path, then the strength will dwindle down faster.
Power Nodes
Power nodes are capable of both distributing power further to three other power nodes, and storing a small amount of power in their built-in battery. The power nodes are capable of distributing power in a wireless way within a certain area, providing all facilities with power within that area.
Power nodes come in different shape and forms:
- The Large Power Node - This is the sturdiest of the power nodes, with the widest power distribution area and capable of also storing a decent amount of power. However, it also takes up valuable space.
- The Small Power Node - This is the medium range power node. Takes less space than the large power node.
Step-by-Step to set up the power grid
- Build a power generator / Ensure you have a power generator built.
- Expand the power grid with a power node - The power generator will distribute power to facilities close to it, but in order to expand the power grid you need to build power nodes.
- Make sure to place the power node close enough to the power generator to allow a possible linking to take place. You can see the possible links as green lines to nearby power generators and power nodes when placing the power node to be constructed.
- Rinse and repeat to expand the power grid even further!
Troubleshooting
- If the power grid starts flickering/running out of power in some areas it means the generator is not capable of creating enough supply for the demand. This can be improved by building another power generator. One power generator will only be capable of sustaining a certain amount of power need.
