Supermatter Reactor - Revision history

Zha everything broken: Helium replaces Hydrogen as default gas as of #22013

2026-03-16T23:44:41Z

Helium replaces Hydrogen as default gas as of #22013

Zha everything broken: Updates Stirling engine interface image to reflect new UI

2026-03-05T22:42:13Z

Updates Stirling engine interface image to reflect new UI

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:42, 5 March 2026
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	===The Stirling engines===		===The Stirling engines===
	[[File:~~TEGUI~~.png\|right\|thumb\|Your typical Stirling engine UI in ~~an unpowered~~ state.]]Something much better understood compared to the SM are '''Stirling engines''', formerly referred to as thermoelectric generators or TEGs. The basic operating principle of any Stirling engine is that it uses the difference in temperature between gas to generate electricity, the result being power based on the difference and slightly colder/hotter gas. In practice, the Supermatter - when energized - will heat up its surrounding atmosphere to a rather high degree. These gases are then pumped into one of the turbines (the north one) on the Stirling engine, where it will exchange heat with the turbine on the opposite end (the south one) that ''hopefully'' has gas that is significantly colder. This turbine has gas being pumped in from a somewhat extensive radiator network in space, where it is slowly chilled. The two gases exchange heat with each other, producing energy, and the difference in temperature between the two is lowered slightly. Note that Stirling engines can safely produce up to five hundred kilowatts individually, beyond which they will begin to grow a little less consistent in their power generating capabilities. There is no danger in going above this threshold, however.		[[File:Sterling Engine UI.png\|right\|thumb\|Your typical Stirling engine UI in a state of moderate power output.]]Something much better understood compared to the SM are '''Stirling engines''', formerly referred to as thermoelectric generators or TEGs. The basic operating principle of any Stirling engine is that it uses the difference in temperature between gas to generate electricity, the result being power based on the difference and slightly colder/hotter gas. In practice, the Supermatter - when energized - will heat up its surrounding atmosphere to a rather high degree. These gases are then pumped into one of the turbines (the north one) on the Stirling engine, where it will exchange heat with the turbine on the opposite end (the south one) that ''hopefully'' has gas that is significantly colder. This turbine has gas being pumped in from a somewhat extensive radiator network in space, where it is slowly chilled. The two gases exchange heat with each other, producing energy, and the difference in temperature between the two is lowered slightly. Note that Stirling engines can safely produce up to five hundred kilowatts individually, beyond which they will begin to grow a little less consistent in their power generating capabilities. There is no danger in going above this threshold, however.

	A Stirling engine also needs some sense of flow in order to function, meaning a turbine's input and output sharing the same pipe network without something to break it up will function rather poorly, if it functions at all. In particular, the turbine's input requires gas to be moved towards it specifically. Most commonly, a pump of some sort can be found connecting much of the cold loop to a small section of pipe connected to the turbine's input. While it may not be obvious, the hot loop does actually possess a pump in the form of a vent constantly scrubbing gas from the air. A TEG turbine has specific sides that its input or output can be found on, which can be found by simply examining the turbine.		A Stirling engine also needs some sense of flow in order to function, meaning a turbine's input and output sharing the same pipe network without something to break it up will function rather poorly, if it functions at all. In particular, the turbine's input requires gas to be moved towards it specifically. Most commonly, a pump of some sort can be found connecting much of the cold loop to a small section of pipe connected to the turbine's input. While it may not be obvious, the hot loop does actually possess a pump in the form of a vent constantly scrubbing gas from the air. A TEG turbine has specific sides that its input or output can be found on, which can be found by simply examining the turbine.

Zha everything broken: TEGs have been renamed 'Stirling engines' in game as of #21933

2026-03-05T22:37:34Z

TEGs have been renamed 'Stirling engines' in game as of #21933

Show changes

Zha everything broken: Updated SOP (emitter recommended setup and maximum safe shot counts) to match current mechanics.

2026-02-09T00:23:31Z

Updated SOP (emitter recommended setup and maximum safe shot counts) to match current mechanics.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:23, 9 February 2026
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	#You should see the canisters beginning to empty. The indicator lights should begin to turn yellow, then red. All four TEG turbines are probably also spinning. You don't need to wait for them to be empty for the Supermatter to start properly, but there should be some gas in the pipes first.		#You should see the canisters beginning to empty. The indicator lights should begin to turn yellow, then red. All four TEG turbines are probably also spinning. You don't need to wait for them to be empty for the Supermatter to start properly, but there should be some gas in the pipes first.
	#Move over to <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span>, the giant laser facing the crystal, and click on it to turn it on. Do not stand in front of the emitter. Keep track of how many times it has fired; you can shift-click to examine the emitter to see how many shots it has fired.		#Move over to <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span>, the giant laser facing the crystal, and click on it to turn it on. Do not stand in front of the emitter. Keep track of how many times it has fired; you can shift-click to examine the emitter to see how many shots it has fired.
	#After at least ~~thirty-five~~ (35) shots, turn <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span> back off by clicking on it. This set-up, with no other upgrades performed, can have up to fifty (50) shots in the core at a time.		#After at least fifty (50) shots, turn <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span> back off by clicking on it. This set-up, with no other upgrades performed, can have up to fifty (120) shots in the core at a time.
	#Close the <span style="color:#0000ff">'''SM core blast doors'''</span> so that radiation doesn't spread to the rest of the engineering hallway.		#Close the <span style="color:#0000ff">'''SM core blast doors'''</span> so that radiation doesn't spread to the rest of the engineering hallway.
	Congratulations, you have successfully set up the engine, and everyone can enjoy their round on a powered ship! You're a hero! Unless you set something up wrong and now everything is either still out of power ''or'' in the process of exploding. For the former's case, refer to the [[#Maintenance and Repairs\|quick diagnostic list]]. In the latter's case, head to [[#Emergency!\|this section]].		Congratulations, you have successfully set up the engine, and everyone can enjoy their round on a powered ship! You're a hero! Unless you set something up wrong and now everything is either still out of power ''or'' in the process of exploding. For the former's case, refer to the [[#Maintenance and Repairs\|quick diagnostic list]]. In the latter's case, head to [[#Emergency!\|this section]].

Hollyhock: points phoron see also at new phoron page

2025-09-18T17:34:41Z

points phoron see also at new phoron page

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 18 September 2025
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	===[[File:Supermatter.png]]The Supermatter===		===[[File:Supermatter.png]]The Supermatter===
	<small>See also: [[~~Bluespace#Phoron\|~~Phoron]]</small><br>		<small>See also: [[Phoron]]</small><br>
	The Supermatter (often known as the SM) is a large crystal of tightly compacted Phoron with special properties. This particular crystal differs from typically large quantities of Phoron in that it is a semi-transparent yellow instead of an opaque purple, and it even glows. Another contrast is that the Supermatter is incredibly unstable, and is capable of vaporizing solid and liquid - and sometimes gaseous - matter in an instant (this includes you). It can even consume photonic energy in the form of lasers. This process usually results in the Supermatter becoming "energized", a state at which it will begin to slowly shed Phoron and oxygen particles (roughly at a ratio of ten moles of Phoron to one mole of oxygen, depending on the temperature of the environment), as well as radiate Gamma rays and produce incredible amounts of heat. It is also in this energized state that its visual appearance will distort in the minds of the beholder, assuming they are biologic (excepting Dionae), and will inexplicably stimulate the visual cortex of the brain to hallucinatory extremes. A footnote in its energized state is when high concentrations of oxygen are introduced, forcing the crystal to radiate a red glow instead of its usual yellow. Intermittently, the crystal will also cease glowing all together. This interaction between the SM and oxygen is poorly understood, but what is known is that the crystal will passively energize in its presence at a rate dependent on how much oxygen there is. Put simply, anything shot/thrown at the SM will energize it, producing heat and lethal amounts of radiation, and probably hallucinations.		The Supermatter (often known as the SM) is a large crystal of tightly compacted Phoron with special properties. This particular crystal differs from typically large quantities of Phoron in that it is a semi-transparent yellow instead of an opaque purple, and it even glows. Another contrast is that the Supermatter is incredibly unstable, and is capable of vaporizing solid and liquid - and sometimes gaseous - matter in an instant (this includes you). It can even consume photonic energy in the form of lasers. This process usually results in the Supermatter becoming "energized", a state at which it will begin to slowly shed Phoron and oxygen particles (roughly at a ratio of ten moles of Phoron to one mole of oxygen, depending on the temperature of the environment), as well as radiate Gamma rays and produce incredible amounts of heat. It is also in this energized state that its visual appearance will distort in the minds of the beholder, assuming they are biologic (excepting Dionae), and will inexplicably stimulate the visual cortex of the brain to hallucinatory extremes. A footnote in its energized state is when high concentrations of oxygen are introduced, forcing the crystal to radiate a red glow instead of its usual yellow. Intermittently, the crystal will also cease glowing all together. This interaction between the SM and oxygen is poorly understood, but what is known is that the crystal will passively energize in its presence at a rate dependent on how much oxygen there is. Put simply, anything shot/thrown at the SM will energize it, producing heat and lethal amounts of radiation, and probably hallucinations.

Pocheto at 06:11, 11 August 2024

2024-08-11T06:11:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:11, 11 August 2024
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	=The Actual Guide=		=The Actual Guide=
	Now, assuming you aren't new and actually know a bit of what you're doing, then this guide will attempt to accurately describe the intricacies and in-depth mechanics of most of the systems related to the SM engine, from the SM itself to the SMES units connected to it at the end of the line. An informed mind is one that can potentially save the ~~station~~ from disaster!		Now, assuming you aren't new and actually know a bit of what you're doing, then this guide will attempt to accurately describe the intricacies and in-depth mechanics of most of the systems related to the SM engine, from the SM itself to the SMES units connected to it at the end of the line. An informed mind is one that can potentially save the ship from disaster!

	==How It Works==		==How It Works==
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	==[[File:SMES.gif]]SMES Configuration==		==[[File:SMES.gif]]SMES Configuration==
	There are two SMES units that are immediately relevant to the engine: the '''engine SMES''' and the '''main distribution SMES'''. The former is what receives power from the TEGs and powers the engine room APC directly as well as the emitter. If the output is not high enough, the emitter may not fire, or the APC may not have enough power to allow the pumps to operate. The other SMES also receives power from the TEGs, but it outputs to the rest of the ~~station~~. It should have its input maximized, since every kilowatt not used is another kilowatt wasted. The output can be adjusted as needed, of course, but one should take into account how populated the departments are and how much power the ~~station~~ will need in general.		There are two SMES units that are immediately relevant to the engine: the '''engine SMES''' and the '''main distribution SMES'''. The former is what receives power from the TEGs and powers the engine room APC directly as well as the emitter. If the output is not high enough, the emitter may not fire, or the APC may not have enough power to allow the pumps to operate. The other SMES also receives power from the TEGs, but it outputs to the rest of the ship. It should have its input maximized, since every kilowatt not used is another kilowatt wasted. The output can be adjusted as needed, of course, but one should take into account how populated the departments are and how much power the ship will need in general.

	==Coolant==		==Coolant==

La Villa Strangiato at 08:11, 15 October 2023

2023-10-15T08:11:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:11, 15 October 2023
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	{{Engineering}}		{{Engineering}}
	{{~~Gameplay~~ Guides}}		{{Guides}}
	[[Category:Engineering]]		[[Category:Engineering]]
	[[Category:Guides]]		[[Category:Guides]]
	[[Category:Pages]]		[[Category:Pages]]

La Villa Strangiato at 01:45, 28 September 2023

2023-09-28T01:45:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:45, 28 September 2023
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	~~{{Substandard}}~~
	=HELP IM THE ONLY ENGINEER=		=HELP IM THE ONLY ENGINEER=
	[[File:Engineroomhorizon.png\|thumb\|The engine room on the Horizon. Middle click to open the picture in a new tab.]]{{toc_right}}So you're new and no one else has joined engineering and you have no idea how to setup the engine? Well first things first: '''don't panic!''' You could try waiting for an engineer to join and teach you... unless you've joined during deadpop hours, in which case, the following steps (color-coded for your convenience) will get the engine rolling quickly with minimal explanation. You should probably read the rest of this guide to understand how it works in greater detail once you're done:		[[File:Engineroomhorizon.png\|thumb\|The engine room on the Horizon. Middle click to open the picture in a new tab.]]{{toc_right}}So you're new and no one else has joined engineering and you have no idea how to setup the engine? Well first things first: '''don't panic!''' You could try waiting for an engineer to join and teach you... unless you've joined during deadpop hours, in which case, the following steps (color-coded for your convenience) will get the engine rolling quickly with minimal explanation. You should probably read the rest of this guide to understand how it works in greater detail once you're done:
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	As for walls, well... if they're breached then something's gone very wrong. Regardless, you should always build '''reinforced''' walls with plasteel, otherwise you'll have a wall with a very low melting point!		As for walls, well... if they're breached then something's gone very wrong. Regardless, you should always build '''reinforced''' walls with plasteel, otherwise you'll have a wall with a very low melting point!

	~~=Upgrades=~~
	~~WIP~~

	{{Engineering}}		{{Engineering}}

La Villa Strangiato: adds 50 shot mention

2023-09-28T01:44:53Z

adds 50 shot mention

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:44, 28 September 2023
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	#You should see the canisters beginning to empty. The indicator lights should begin to turn yellow, then red. All four TEG turbines are probably also spinning. You don't need to wait for them to be empty for the Supermatter to start properly, but there should be some gas in the pipes first.		#You should see the canisters beginning to empty. The indicator lights should begin to turn yellow, then red. All four TEG turbines are probably also spinning. You don't need to wait for them to be empty for the Supermatter to start properly, but there should be some gas in the pipes first.
	#Move over to <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span>, the giant laser facing the crystal, and click on it to turn it on. Do not stand in front of the emitter. Keep track of how many times it has fired; you can shift-click to examine the emitter to see how many shots it has fired.		#Move over to <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span>, the giant laser facing the crystal, and click on it to turn it on. Do not stand in front of the emitter. Keep track of how many times it has fired; you can shift-click to examine the emitter to see how many shots it has fired.
	#After at least thirty-five (35) shots, turn <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span> back off by clicking on it.		#After at least thirty-five (35) shots, turn <span style="color:#ff00ff">'''the emitter'''</span> back off by clicking on it. This set-up, with no other upgrades performed, can have up to fifty (50) shots in the core at a time.
	#Close the <span style="color:#0000ff">'''SM core blast doors'''</span> so that radiation doesn't spread to the rest of the engineering hallway.		#Close the <span style="color:#0000ff">'''SM core blast doors'''</span> so that radiation doesn't spread to the rest of the engineering hallway.
	Congratulations, you have successfully set up the engine, and everyone can enjoy their round on a powered ship! You're a hero! Unless you set something up wrong and now everything is either still out of power ''or'' in the process of exploding. For the former's case, refer to the [[#Maintenance and Repairs\|quick diagnostic list]]. In the latter's case, head to [[#Emergency!\|this section]].		Congratulations, you have successfully set up the engine, and everyone can enjoy their round on a powered ship! You're a hero! Unless you set something up wrong and now everything is either still out of power ''or'' in the process of exploding. For the former's case, refer to the [[#Maintenance and Repairs\|quick diagnostic list]]. In the latter's case, head to [[#Emergency!\|this section]].

La Villa Strangiato: Fixes some formatting. Tidies up some wording and makes a few lists.

2023-09-28T01:42:39Z

Fixes some formatting. Tidies up some wording and makes a few lists.

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:44, 16 March 2026
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	#Before you start, go inside the room labelled Supermatter Reactor SMES. There should be a power storage unit inside the room; click on it and MAX the input and output on the power storage popup.		#Before you start, go inside the room labelled Supermatter Reactor SMES. There should be a power storage unit inside the room; click on it and MAX the input and output on the power storage popup.
	#Open a radiation PPE locker (found inside the airlock to the engine room) and retrieve a radiation suit, radiation hood, and safety goggles. The safety goggles are very important, as they will protect you from hallucinations from looking at the Supermatter Core.		#Open a radiation PPE locker (found inside the airlock to the engine room) and retrieve a radiation suit, radiation hood, and safety goggles. The safety goggles are very important, as they will protect you from hallucinations from looking at the Supermatter Core.
	#Retrieve four [[File:~~Hydrogen_canister~~.png]]~~hydrogen~~ canisters from hard storage (the room with a big garage door perpendicular to the locker room) and move them to the engine room.		#Retrieve four [[File:Helium_canister.png]]helium canisters from hard storage (the room with a big garage door perpendicular to the locker room) and move them to the engine room.
	#Wrench all four of the canisters into the <span style="color:#e61b1b">'''connectors'''</span> near the door. There should be two canisters connected to the green pipes, and two canisters connected to the blue pipes. Turn on all four pumps; they should be MAXed by default, but in case they aren't, MAX them out.		#Wrench all four of the canisters into the <span style="color:#e61b1b">'''connectors'''</span> near the door. There should be two canisters connected to the green pipes, and two canisters connected to the blue pipes. Turn on all four pumps; they should be MAXed by default, but in case they aren't, MAX them out.
	#Directly to the left of the four connectors is a <span style="color:#550c9e">'''pump'''</span> that is labelled Cooling Array to Generators. Turn it on and make sure it's MAXed out.		#Directly to the left of the four connectors is a <span style="color:#550c9e">'''pump'''</span> that is labelled Cooling Array to Generators. Turn it on and make sure it's MAXed out.
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	An intrinsic property of matter - particularly gas, in SS13's case - is something called '''heat capacity''', a variable that determines how much energy it takes to increase the temperature of a substance. In the context of setting up the SM: how energized the SM needs to be in order for the gases in the hot/cold loops to actually rise in temperature. Heat capacity also factors into how power is generated with the Stirling engines; higher heat capacity allows a gas to hold more thermal energy, which means more energy can be transferred between the turbines, allowing more energy to be produced.		An intrinsic property of matter - particularly gas, in SS13's case - is something called '''heat capacity''', a variable that determines how much energy it takes to increase the temperature of a substance. In the context of setting up the SM: how energized the SM needs to be in order for the gases in the hot/cold loops to actually rise in temperature. Heat capacity also factors into how power is generated with the Stirling engines; higher heat capacity allows a gas to hold more thermal energy, which means more energy can be transferred between the turbines, allowing more energy to be produced.
	*[[File:Phoron_canister.png]]'''Phoron''': Arguably the most stable and safe gas to use, Phoron carries with it a stupidly high heat capacity, at least compared to most other available gases. There is a lot of leeway with this particular gas, making it easy to train new apprentices with. It's worth noting, though, that '''phoron is a fuel''', and can start fires. It is also '''a very scarce resource''', and its use should be rationed out carefully if it is actually used. The SM will generate Phoron passively as long as it is energized. This gas is viable for either the hot loop or the cold loop.		*[[File:Phoron_canister.png]]'''Phoron''': Arguably the most stable and safe gas to use, Phoron carries with it a stupidly high heat capacity, at least compared to most other available gases. There is a lot of leeway with this particular gas, making it easy to train new apprentices with. It's worth noting, though, that '''phoron is a fuel''', and can start fires. It is also '''a very scarce resource''', and its use should be rationed out carefully if it is actually used. The SM will generate Phoron passively as long as it is energized. This gas is viable for either the hot loop or the cold loop.
	*[[File:Hydrogen_canister.png]]'''Hydrogen''': Second best gas to use with the second highest heat capacity, and it compares pretty well to Phoron, at least compared to the other gases. Like Phoron (sans all the wacky space magic that comes with it), Hydrogen '''is a fuel''', and can start fires. It is otherwise inert and safe to breathe as long as you don't light a match. This gas is viable for either the hot loop or the cold loop.		*[[File:Hydrogen_canister.png]]'''Hydrogen''': Second best gas to use with the second highest heat capacity, and it compares pretty well to Phoron, at least compared to the other gases. Like Phoron (sans all the wacky space magic that comes with it), Hydrogen '''is a fuel''', and can start fires. It is otherwise inert and safe to breathe as long as you don't light a match. This gas is viable for the cold loop, but in the hot loop it will ignite and slowly begin to burn off. This can be dangerous if the round lasts for more than 2.5-3 hours.
			*[[File:Helium_canister.png]]'''Helium''': Almost as good as hydrogen, and without the risk of burnoff. This gas is viable for either the hot loop or the cold loop.
	*[[File:Nitrous_canister.png]]'''Nitrous Oxide''': Not nearly as good as Phoron or H2 (in fact it's leagues below these two), it's still a respectable gas nonetheless. Its only caveat is that '''it is an oxidizer''', and it will start a continuous fire if used in the hot loop, though the heat generated from such isn't as bad as one might think. It can also knock people out if exposed to the atmosphere, but almost all of these gases are dangerous in high quantities anyway. This gas is viable for the cold loop, but less so for the hot loop unless it is monitored.		*[[File:Nitrous_canister.png]]'''Nitrous Oxide''': Not nearly as good as Phoron or H2 (in fact it's leagues below these two), it's still a respectable gas nonetheless. Its only caveat is that '''it is an oxidizer''', and it will start a continuous fire if used in the hot loop, though the heat generated from such isn't as bad as one might think. It can also knock people out if exposed to the atmosphere, but almost all of these gases are dangerous in high quantities anyway. This gas is viable for the cold loop, but less so for the hot loop unless it is monitored.
	*[[File:Carbon_canister.png]]'''Carbon Dioxide''': ''Just'' under N2O in terms of heat capacity is CO2. This gas pretty much has nothing going for it other than that, but it's still way better than N2. You'll probably see this in the chamber anyway as a result of the SM producing Phoron and oxygen passively (which almost immediately burns up into CO2). This gas is viable for either the hot loop or the cold loop.		*[[File:Carbon_canister.png]]'''Carbon Dioxide''': ''Just'' under N2O in terms of heat capacity is CO2. This gas pretty much has nothing going for it other than that, but it's still way better than N2. You'll probably see this in the chamber anyway as a result of the SM producing Phoron and oxygen passively (which almost immediately burns up into CO2). This gas is viable for either the hot loop or the cold loop.
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	[[File:Waste room.png\|thumb\|The Reactor Waste Management Room.]]		[[File:Waste room.png\|thumb\|The Reactor Waste Management Room.]]

	While this area and machinery doesn't impact SM performance ''too much'', it's a good idea to set it up anyway, otherwise Stirling engine performance might be negatively impacted, or worse. The filters up north are what will keep the coolant gas in the loop and the byproducts/gases you don't want out, pushing them towards the room to the north. By default, the filters are set to allow '''~~hydrogen~~''' through, so you don't need to change them at all unless you're doing a very strange setup. Incorrectly setting these filters will most likely result in the SM chamber slowly depressurizing until there is no gas left, or the gas leftover is so minuscule that it heats up to dangerous values instantly.		While this area and machinery doesn't impact SM performance ''too much'', it's a good idea to set it up anyway, otherwise Stirling engine performance might be negatively impacted, or worse. The filters up north are what will keep the coolant gas in the loop and the byproducts/gases you don't want out, pushing them towards the room to the north. By default, the filters are set to allow '''helium''' through, so you don't need to change them at all unless you're doing a very strange setup. Incorrectly setting these filters will most likely result in the SM chamber slowly depressurizing until there is no gas left, or the gas leftover is so minuscule that it heats up to dangerous values instantly.

	The room beyond these filters has a black pipe network known as the waste line. Inside are three pumps and two gas coolers. As it turns out, siphoning gas from the inferno of an engine chamber gives you '''very hot gas''' which has expanded considerably. This makes most atmospheric devices function slowly, particularly the devices in Atmospherics, assuming you turn on the Reactor to Mix pump.		The room beyond these filters has a black pipe network known as the waste line. Inside are three pumps and two gas coolers. As it turns out, siphoning gas from the inferno of an engine chamber gives you '''very hot gas''' which has expanded considerably. This makes most atmospheric devices function slowly, particularly the devices in Atmospherics, assuming you turn on the Reactor to Mix pump.