Power storage cells/capacitors

[wbnc]

I am curious. Would it be possible to add a way to store power ahead of time, in some sort of storage cell, capacitot

basically the ship puts, X points of power into the cell/capacitor, and when it is needed for jump, drive, weapons etc...it is drawn out. Once the reserve is empty all power has to be drawn from a main system.

considerations needed to be looked over

1) Points of Storage Per ton
2) cost Per ton
3) Rate of charge/discharge
4) Storage time limits
5) Effect on Ships sensor signature/being detected by hostile sensors.

I know that capacitors are mentioned in relation to black globes I believe... but they are basally only used as sumps for incoming damage with no details other than cost, per ton, and total storage capacity..and that they might get "blowed up real good" if the get overcharged by incoming fire.

 

[phavoc]

I am curious. Would it be possible to add a way to store power ahead of time, in some sort of storage cell, capacitot

basically the ship puts, X points of power into the cell/capacitor, and when it is needed for jump, drive, weapons etc...it is drawn out. Once the reserve is empty all power has to be drawn from a main system.

considerations needed to be looked over

1) Points of Storage Per ton
2) cost Per ton
3) Rate of charge/discharge
4) Storage time limits
5) Effect on Ships sensor signature/being detected by hostile sensors.

I know that capacitors are mentioned in relation to black globes I believe... but they are basally only used as sumps for incoming damage with no details other than cost, per ton, and total storage capacity..and that they might get "blowed up real good" if the get overcharged by incoming fire.

In theory, yes. Most likely superconductor-style capacitors would be available. They could already be incorporate into your weapon systems, as the requirement to fire the laser would need to peak, then draw down over time (pulse laser especially). If you recall from the old MT books, the tanks and such had capacitors that were used for ammuntion - recharging them from the onboard reactor took hours.

I don't think that having capacitors would make the ship any more detectable with sensors. Unless you are in Star Trek, and then the sensors can detect a mouse farting at 2 light years.

Yes, black globes used to specifically state that they had capacitors and enemy fire against the shield was transferred into the capacitors (which could also then be tapped to even power your jump drive).

 

[Chas]

It should certainly be possible. It's almost in reach now and will be within 50 years... throw out a large solar nanotechnology panel, effectively a large solar sail, grab a bunch of super capacitors and get a bit closer to the sun...

 

[AndrewW]

High Efficiency Batteries where added. Don't know if they'll make it into the final document though.

 

[Condottiere]

Denser energy storage and more energy efficient machines.

Though weapon systems tend to rely on the application of a lot of energy on whatever happens to be on the wrong end of the tube.

 

[MongooseMatt]

High Efficiency Batteries where added. Don't know if they'll make it into the final document though.

Will be in the next update!