Turbine Engine - Revision history

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

2026-03-05T22:34:53Z

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

CatsinHD: Adds categories and navboxes

2025-03-19T15:01:29Z

Adds categories and navboxes

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:01, 19 March 2025
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	'''Note:''' This guide does not go into the gritty details of each process and concept. The turbine is, at its essence, the combination of 2 pre-existing systems which have far more details and math present on their respective pages. For brevity purposes, those pages are linked. It is highly recommended to read the links above if you wish to know more behind the atmospheric systems.		'''Note:''' This guide does not go into the gritty details of each process and concept. The turbine is, at its essence, the combination of 2 pre-existing systems which have far more details and math present on their respective pages. For brevity purposes, those pages are linked. It is highly recommended to read the links above if you wish to know more behind the atmospheric systems.

			{{Engineering}}
			{{Guides}}
			[[Category:Engineering]]
			[[Category:Guides]]
			[[Category:Pages]]

CatsinHD: CatsinHD moved page Sandbox:CombustionEngine to Turbine Engine: Moving WIP page to live use. It WILL need to be renamed if/when we can finally rename the Turbine in-game to C-TEG

2025-03-19T15:00:41Z

CatsinHD moved page Sandbox:CombustionEngine to Turbine Engine: Moving WIP page to live use. It WILL need to be renamed if/when we can finally rename the Turbine in-game to C-TEG

← Older revision	Revision as of 15:00, 19 March 2025
(No difference)

CatsinHD: /* Turbine Design */

2025-03-19T14:58:27Z

Turbine Design

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:58, 19 March 2025
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	While the layout of the turbine may change from ship to ship, the basic concept remains the same. A turbine is made up of X parts: Burn chamber, hot loop, cold loop, cooling array, TEG, connectors.		While the layout of the turbine may change from ship to ship, the basic concept remains the same. A turbine is made up of X parts: Burn chamber, hot loop, cold loop, cooling array, TEG, connectors.

	The '''burn chamber''' is, as you might expect, where the burn mixture is ignited to produce useable fuel. This chamber can vary in size but requires a few basic elements. It needs an injector to inject the burn mixture into the chamber, a vent to bring the hot fuel into the hot loop, a second injector to cycle back the hot loop gas, and blast doors for emergency venting. Some burn chambers may have glass viewing ports, but they're not inherently required. Often times, a sensor is present to display temperature, mixture contents, and chamber pressure to a console ~~on the user~~.		The '''burn chamber''' is, as you might expect, where the burn mixture is ignited to produce useable fuel. This chamber can vary in size but requires a few basic elements. It needs an injector to inject the burn mixture into the chamber, a vent to bring the hot fuel into the hot loop, a second injector to cycle back the hot loop gas, and blast doors for emergency venting. Some burn chambers may have glass viewing ports, but they're not inherently required. Often times, a sensor is present to display temperature, mixture contents, and chamber pressure to a console.

	The '''hot loop''' is where the fuel is help from the burn chamber. This loop exits the burn chamber, enters into one of the inlet ports on the TEG, exits out the exhaust port of the TEG, and re-injects into the burn chamber. The ports on the TEG must be across from each other or else the cold and hot loops would be mixed and remove the heat imbalance that causes the TEG to function. Beware that this loop by its nature operates at much higher temperatures and pressures than any other loop and is the most likely to fail if the pressure is too high. If the temperature and pressure become too high, open the '''emergency cold loop to hot loop valves'''. This will instantly lower the temperature in the hot loop and open it to the cooling array. '''This will stop most power production from the turbine.'''		The '''hot loop''' is where the fuel is help from the burn chamber. This loop exits the burn chamber, enters into one of the inlet ports on the TEG, exits out the exhaust port of the TEG, and re-injects into the burn chamber. The ports on the TEG must be across from each other or else the cold and hot loops would be mixed and remove the heat imbalance that causes the TEG to function. Beware that this loop by its nature operates at much higher temperatures and pressures than any other loop and is the most likely to fail if the pressure is too high. If the temperature and pressure become too high, open the '''emergency cold loop to hot loop valves'''. This will instantly lower the temperature in the hot loop and open it to the cooling array. '''This will stop most power production from the turbine.'''

CatsinHD: /* Turbine Theory */

2025-03-19T14:35:57Z

Turbine Theory

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 19 March 2025
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	The simplified process is this: <code>Burn a gas mixture to produce superheated CO2 -> circulate CO2 in hot loop -> circulate cold gas in the cold loop -> temperature difference between hot/cold loops generates voltage in TEG</code>		The simplified process is this: <code>Burn a gas mixture to produce superheated CO2 -> circulate CO2 in hot loop -> circulate cold gas in the cold loop -> temperature difference between hot/cold loops generates voltage in TEG</code>

	But first, there is something key to understand. The Turbine engine is not, by technicality, a turbine generator. Turbine generators work through pushing high-pressure fluid through turbine fan blades causing rotary motion and driving a generator unit. The TEGs do not operate (entirely) off of this principle. They operate using temperature differences between two ends of the generator~~. Through the Seebeck effect (which is NOT modeled in the mechanics), voltage is generated~~. Now, the TEGs mechanically are a black box in terms of power generation~~. What this tells us~~, ~~however, is~~ how the ~~turbine works~~.		But first, there is something key to understand. The Turbine engine is not, by technicality, a turbine generator. Turbine generators work through pushing high-pressure fluid through turbine fan blades causing rotary motion and driving a generator unit. The TEGs do not operate (entirely) off of this principle. They operate using temperature differences between two ends of the generator. Now, the TEGs mechanically are a black box in terms of power generation, but thankfully we don't need the minute details to understand how the system operates. All we need to know is this: Higher temperature difference = more power.

	===The Hot Loop===		===The Hot Loop===

CatsinHD: /* The Cold Loop */

2025-03-19T14:31:53Z

The Cold Loop

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:31, 19 March 2025
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	<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>		<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>

	The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the TEG to operate, we want to minimize how much the cold loop heats up. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop ~~shares the same fuel options with the hot loop~~: Phoron and hydrogen.		The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the TEG to operate, we want to minimize how much the cold loop heats up. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop performs best utilizing one of two gases: Phoron and hydrogen.

	The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.		The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.

CatsinHD: /* The Cold Loop */

2025-03-19T14:30:42Z

The Cold Loop

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:30, 19 March 2025
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	<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>		<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>

	The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the TEG to operate, we want to ~~reduce the increases in the temperature of~~ the cold loop ~~as much as possible~~. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop shares the same fuel options with the hot loop: Phoron and hydrogen.		The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the TEG to operate, we want to minimize how much the cold loop heats up. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop shares the same fuel options with the hot loop: Phoron and hydrogen.

	The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.		The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.

CatsinHD: /* The Hot Loop */

2025-03-19T14:28:33Z

The Hot Loop

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:28, 19 March 2025
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	Oxidizers, in this case, work practically the same. There may be some minor variations in performance. Their goal is entirely to produce oxygen for the combustion process. Finally, we have the product: Carbon dioxide. Regardless of what components are used in combustion, the result is '''always''' CO2. This is a fact of the game mechanics, even if it is scientifically dubious. Thankfully, the temperature of CO2 is all that matters in this system. The hotter the combustion burned, the higher the CO2 temperature, the more performance from the TEG.		Oxidizers, in this case, work practically the same. There may be some minor variations in performance. Their goal is entirely to produce oxygen for the combustion process. Finally, we have the product: Carbon dioxide. Regardless of what components are used in combustion, the result is '''always''' CO2. This is a fact of the game mechanics, even if it is scientifically dubious. Thankfully, the temperature of CO2 is all that matters in this system. The hotter the combustion burned, the higher the CO2 temperature, the more performance from the TEG.

	Earlier in the process, a ~~ration~~ was mentioned. 40% fuel to 60% ~~Oxidant~~. This is~~, essentially,~~ the golden ratio in combustion that leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining. There is a lot of math behind this ratio, and further details on the numbers behind each ratio increment, that can be found on the [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Burn_Ratio\|Thrusters guide here]]~~. The short version is that the 40%/60% ratio maximizes the burn temperature, leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining, and is the most efficient ratio available~~. Seeing as we care mostly about the temperature of the system, this ratio is best left as it is.		Earlier in the process a ratio was mentioned. 40% fuel to 60% oxidant. This is the golden ratio in combustion that leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining while maximizing the resultant temperature. There is a lot of math behind this ratio, and further details on the numbers behind each ratio increment, that can be found on the [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Burn_Ratio\|Thrusters guide here]]. Seeing as we care mostly about the temperature of the system, this ratio is best left as it is.

	There is a safety note remember about this whole process. Walls and glass only begin to take damage and melt if there is '''heat and fire'''. If there is no fire, the walls and windows take no damage. This leaves us with two options: Burn a less efficient mixture to remain below the 6000K limit of the walls or prevent the combustion process from continuing. This is why it is mentioned to turn off the injectors before firing the combustion chamber. The burn mix will combust, all of the oxidizers and fuel will be consumed, the fire will die out, and we are left with a superheated gas as a result. In theory, a less efficient mixture can be used, and the combustion process can continue as long as desired.		There is a safety note remember about this whole process. Walls and glass only begin to take damage and melt if there is '''heat and fire'''. If there is no fire, the walls and windows take no damage. This leaves us with two options: Burn a less efficient mixture to remain below the 6000K limit of the walls or prevent the combustion process from continuing. This is why it is mentioned to turn off the injectors before firing the combustion chamber. The burn mix will combust, all of the oxidizers and fuel will be consumed, the fire will die out, and we are left with a superheated gas as a result. In theory, a less efficient mixture can be used, and the combustion process can continue as long as desired. This may be useful for long-term use, as the hot and cold loops will equalize in temperature as the system runs. However, given how long this takes, it is a non-issue.

	===The Cold Loop===		===The Cold Loop===

CatsinHD: /* Turbine Operation */

2025-01-10T22:00:51Z

Turbine Operation

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:00, 10 January 2025
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	**On off-ship vessels, some strain on the burn chamber glass at this step is expected.		**On off-ship vessels, some strain on the burn chamber glass at this step is expected.
	*Once the fire has stopped and the contents of the tank are 100% CO2, enable hot loop circulation via the Turbine Hot Loop Control console: The recommend configuration is 700L/s input and 1000kpa output.		*Once the fire has stopped and the contents of the tank are 100% CO2, enable hot loop circulation via the Turbine Hot Loop Control console: The recommend configuration is 700L/s input and 1000kpa output.
	**The higher you put the output, the more power it generates. Raise as necessary.		**The higher you put the output, the more power it generates. Raise as necessary. Keep in mind that this will also lead to the burn chamber cooling down faster.

	'''WARNING:''' If you feel the burn mixture is going to break the glass or the burn chamber walls, lower the blast doors and vent the chamber immediately! Off-ship vessels have a portable generator in the back if the turbine runs out of fuel, or another mishap occurs.		'''WARNING:''' If you feel the burn mixture is going to break the glass or the burn chamber walls, lower the blast doors and vent the chamber immediately! Off-ship vessels have a portable generator in the back if the turbine runs out of fuel, or another mishap occurs.

CatsinHD: /* Turbine Theory */ Rewrite AGAIN baby. Love this shit

2025-01-10T16:14:38Z

Turbine Theory: Rewrite AGAIN baby. Love this shit

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:14, 10 January 2025
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	==Turbine Theory==		==Turbine Theory==
	<small>''See also: ~~[[Supermatter_Reactor#The_TEGs\|Supermatter Reactor]], [[Guide to Thrusters]], and~~ [[Guide to Atmospherics]]''</small>		<small>''See also: [[Guide to Atmospherics]]''</small>

	~~There is one major point to remember before getting deep into the theory of~~ the turbine engine~~. It~~ is ~~not, in technicality, a turbine engine. It does not utilize high-pressure gas to spin~~ the ~~blades~~ of ~~a turbine generator. Rather,~~ it ~~utilizes the temperature difference between 2 gas loops~~ to ~~generate~~ a ~~voltage~~. This ~~is achieved through~~ the ~~Seebeck effect, but this is not relevant (nor simulated) to~~ the ~~mechanics~~ of the system. All that is really important is '''heat capacity''' and '''temperature difference'''. The greater the heat capacity, the greater the temperature difference. The greater the temperature difference, the more power.		At a fundamental level, the turbine engine is simply what happens when you combine the combustion chamber of the thrusters and attach it to a TEG from the Supermatter engine. This gives us a look into how it works and lessens the legwork for describing the theory of how this engine works.

	~~To achieve~~ this ~~heat~~ difference, ~~we combust~~ a ~~burn mixture within~~ the ~~burn chamber~~. At a ~~basic level~~, combustion ~~requires three components:~~ Fuel, oxygen, and heat. Heat is ~~covered by the~~ igniter~~, then by the combustion itself. After~~ the initial ~~spark~~, the ~~reaction~~ is ~~capable of sustaining~~ itself. ~~Let us look at~~ the ~~fuel~~ and ~~oxygen options~~.		The simplified process is this: <code>Burn a gas mixture to produce superheated CO2 -> circulate CO2 in hot loop -> circulate cold gas in the cold loop -> temperature difference between hot/cold loops generates voltage in TEG</code>

			But first, there is something key to understand. The Turbine engine is not, by technicality, a turbine generator. Turbine generators work through pushing high-pressure fluid through turbine fan blades causing rotary motion and driving a generator unit. The TEGs do not operate (entirely) off of this principle. They operate using temperature differences between two ends of the generator. Through the Seebeck effect (which is NOT modeled in the mechanics), voltage is generated. Now, the TEGs mechanically are a black box in terms of power generation. What this tells us, however, is how the turbine works.

			===The Hot Loop===
			<small>''See also: [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Combustion_and_Gasses\|Guide to Thrusters/Combustion and Gasses]]''</small>

			Much like the thrusters, the turbine generator operates via combustion. The thrusters use this to increase pressure to generator more force when pushed out of the thruster banks. Meanwhile, the turbine uses combustion to superheat gas for the aforementioned temperature difference. The end effect for both systems is the same. The limiting factor is the pressure chokepoints in the system, typically at vents, pumps, and valves. Given pressure is directly proportional to temperature, the turbine similarly wants higher pressures in the system.

			So, what do we need for combustion? Fuel, oxygen, and heat. Heat is easy. The igniter provides the initial heat, and the rest is maintained by the combustion itself. Below are the fuels and oxidizers available on the Horizon.

	'''Fuels'''		'''Fuels'''
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	[[File:Carbon_canister.png]] '''Carbon Dioxide (CO2)'''. Has a molar heat capacity value of 30, and a molar mass of 0.044 kg/mol.		[[File:Carbon_canister.png]] '''Carbon Dioxide (CO2)'''. Has a molar heat capacity value of 30, and a molar mass of 0.044 kg/mol.

	The ~~decision for what components to use~~ largely ~~come~~ down to ~~cost versus effectiveness~~. ~~To put~~ it ~~simply~~, hydrogen is the ~~most cost-effective~~ fuel. The oxidants ~~will both achieve~~ the ~~same effect~~, so it ~~does not matter which~~ is ~~chosen~~. The ~~final product is~~, as ~~expected~~, ~~CO2~~.		The choice in fuels and oxidizers largely boils down to choosing between phoron and hydrogen. Phoron will burn hotter than hydrogen. This is as a result of its heat capacity; how much heat energy it can store before the temperature raises. Phoron, then is a much better fuel than hydrogen. The issue, however, is phoron is rare and VERY expensive. It's recommended to stick with hydrogen for burn mixes.

			Oxidizers, in this case, work practically the same. There may be some minor variations in performance. Their goal is entirely to produce oxygen for the combustion process. Finally, we have the product: Carbon dioxide. Regardless of what components are used in combustion, the result is '''always''' CO2. This is a fact of the game mechanics, even if it is scientifically dubious. Thankfully, the temperature of CO2 is all that matters in this system. The hotter the combustion burned, the higher the CO2 temperature, the more performance from the TEG.

			Earlier in the process, a ration was mentioned. 40% fuel to 60% Oxidant. This is, essentially, the golden ratio in combustion that leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining. There is a lot of math behind this ratio, and further details on the numbers behind each ratio increment, that can be found on the [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Burn_Ratio\|Thrusters guide here]]. The short version is that the 40%/60% ratio maximizes the burn temperature, leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining, and is the most efficient ratio available. Seeing as we care mostly about the temperature of the system, this ratio is best left as it is.

			There is a safety note remember about this whole process. Walls and glass only begin to take damage and melt if there is '''heat and fire'''. If there is no fire, the walls and windows take no damage. This leaves us with two options: Burn a less efficient mixture to remain below the 6000K limit of the walls or prevent the combustion process from continuing. This is why it is mentioned to turn off the injectors before firing the combustion chamber. The burn mix will combust, all of the oxidizers and fuel will be consumed, the fire will die out, and we are left with a superheated gas as a result. In theory, a less efficient mixture can be used, and the combustion process can continue as long as desired.

			===The Cold Loop===
			<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>

			The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the TEG to operate, we want to reduce the increases in the temperature of the cold loop as much as possible. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop shares the same fuel options with the hot loop: Phoron and hydrogen.

	~~<!--~~ The ~~turbine~~ is~~, in essence, a combination of 2 systems already found on~~ the ~~Horizon: thrusters and the Supermatter engine~~. ~~Take the burn chamber of~~ the ~~thrusters and attach it~~ to the ~~hot/cold loops of~~ the ~~Supermatter engine~~. ~~This means that almost all of~~ the ~~theory behind~~ the ~~function of~~ the ~~Turbine can be found within those two systems~~. ~~The name "turbine" is actually a bit~~ of ~~a misnomer~~. ~~Unlike typical turbine generators~~, power ~~is not produced by forcing high-pressure gas through turbine fan blades~~. ~~Rather~~, ~~the heat difference between the hot~~ and ~~cold loops generates a voltage through the Seebeck effect. All~~ of ~~this is to say,~~ the ~~only thing that matters in a TEG based~~ power ~~generator is the '''heat capacity''' of~~ the ~~gases, and the '''temperature difference''' between the hot and cold loop~~.		The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.

	~~To create a temperature difference within the turbine, combustion is used. This is very similar~~ to the thrusters, however unlike the thrusters, we care less about the system pressure and more about the heat of the system. To create combustion, we need three things: oxygen, fuel, and heat. Oxygen is supplied through the oxidant gas, either O2 or N2O. These are the only two oxidants on the Horizon. The only fuels available on the Horizon are phoron and hydrogen. Phoron is notoriously expensive and seldom used beyond the thrusters. As such, we settle for hydrogen. Finally, heat is supplied through the igniter. After the initial fire is begun, the fire will spread throughout the entire chamber until all of the fuel and ~~oxidant is used up. This leaves exclusively CO2, regardless of what fuel or oxidant you use. This makes no sense scientifically, but such is the ways of the mechanics.~~		===Improvement===
			<small>''See also: [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Modifications_and_Experimentation\|Guide to Thrusters/Modifications and Experimentation]]''</small>

	The ~~ideal ratio for combustion~~ is ~~40% fuel and 60% oxidant~~. ~~This leaves no fuel or oxidant remaining~~ and is ~~thus~~ the ~~most efficient burn~~. However, this ~~perfect ratio burns at~~ the ~~hottest temperatures~~. ~~This~~ is ~~great for power generation~~, ~~but~~ the ~~temperature (>20,000K) would melt~~ the ~~burn chamber walls, which can only handle ~6000K. To prevent this, we can either use a less efficient ratio, which results in a colder burn~~, or ~~prevent further injection of~~ the ~~burn mix. Once all~~ of the ~~burn mix in the chamber has been combusted~~, ~~the fire snuffs out and all that remains~~ is ~~superheated gas. Due~~ to ~~SS13 mechanics, this gas does not damage the walls, only fire can damage the walls. This is excellent for us~~.		The turbine is a relatively limited engine model. It functions reliably, and produces consistent power, but it is limited by the same metrics as the Supermatter reactor AND the thrusters. However, this also gives us a view into where the turbine can improve. The less obvious area is cooling. The cold loop will naturally rise in temperature over time, so improving the cooling method of the system, or raising the heat capacity of the loop, is a simple method to improving engine performance.

	~~This superheated gas can now be utilized much~~ the ~~same way the hot loop gas is used in~~ a ~~Supermatter engine~~. ~~The superheated gas~~ is ~~circulated from the burn chamber~~ to the ~~TEG~~, ~~while a cold loop is circulated between the cooling array~~ on ~~the exterior of the ship and the TEG~~. ~~-->~~		The more obvious area of improvement is system pressure. Much like the thrusters, every connection and fixture on a pipe network has limiting pressure. This maximum is 15000 KPa across all fixtures, whether they be pumps or vents. Similarly to the thrusters, there are ways around these limitations. You can find more details on that [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Modifications_and_Experimentation\|here]].

	'''~~Unfinished and has dubious information in it.~~'''		'''Note:''' This guide does not go into the gritty details of each process and concept. The turbine is, at its essence, the combination of 2 pre-existing systems which have far more details and math present on their respective pages. For brevity purposes, those pages are linked. It is highly recommended to read the links above if you wish to know more behind the atmospheric systems.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:34, 5 March 2026
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	==Turbine Design==		==Turbine Design==
	While the layout of the turbine may change from ship to ship, the basic concept remains the same. A turbine is made up of X parts: Burn chamber, hot loop, cold loop, cooling array, ~~TEG~~, connectors.		While the layout of the turbine may change from ship to ship, the basic concept remains the same. A turbine is made up of X parts: Burn chamber, hot loop, cold loop, cooling array, Stirling engine, connectors.

	The '''burn chamber''' is, as you might expect, where the burn mixture is ignited to produce useable fuel. This chamber can vary in size but requires a few basic elements. It needs an injector to inject the burn mixture into the chamber, a vent to bring the hot fuel into the hot loop, a second injector to cycle back the hot loop gas, and blast doors for emergency venting. Some burn chambers may have glass viewing ports, but they're not inherently required. Often times, a sensor is present to display temperature, mixture contents, and chamber pressure to a console.		The '''burn chamber''' is, as you might expect, where the burn mixture is ignited to produce useable fuel. This chamber can vary in size but requires a few basic elements. It needs an injector to inject the burn mixture into the chamber, a vent to bring the hot fuel into the hot loop, a second injector to cycle back the hot loop gas, and blast doors for emergency venting. Some burn chambers may have glass viewing ports, but they're not inherently required. Often times, a sensor is present to display temperature, mixture contents, and chamber pressure to a console.

	The '''hot loop''' is where the fuel is help from the burn chamber. This loop exits the burn chamber, enters into one of the inlet ports on the ~~TEG~~, exits out the exhaust port of the ~~TEG~~, and re-injects into the burn chamber. The ports on the ~~TEG~~ must be across from each other or else the cold and hot loops would be mixed and remove the heat imbalance that causes the ~~TEG~~ to function. Beware that this loop by its nature operates at much higher temperatures and pressures than any other loop and is the most likely to fail if the pressure is too high. If the temperature and pressure become too high, open the '''emergency cold loop to hot loop valves'''. This will instantly lower the temperature in the hot loop and open it to the cooling array. '''This will stop most power production from the turbine.'''		The '''hot loop''' is where the fuel is help from the burn chamber. This loop exits the burn chamber, enters into one of the inlet ports on the Stirling engine, exits out the exhaust port of the Stirling engine, and re-injects into the burn chamber. The ports on the Stirling engine must be across from each other or else the cold and hot loops would be mixed and remove the heat imbalance that causes the Stirling engine to function. Beware that this loop by its nature operates at much higher temperatures and pressures than any other loop and is the most likely to fail if the pressure is too high. If the temperature and pressure become too high, open the '''emergency cold loop to hot loop valves'''. This will instantly lower the temperature in the hot loop and open it to the cooling array. '''This will stop most power production from the turbine.'''

	The '''cold loop''' is, as expected, where the cold gas is. Much like the hot loop, it connects to an inlet and exhaust port on the ~~TEG~~. They must be across from each other. Unlike the hot loop, the cold loop connects to the cooling array. This allows the heat transferred into the cold loop from the hot loop to be emitted into space, which reduces the temperature of the cold loop gas, and increases the heat transfer in the ~~TEG~~.		The '''cold loop''' is, as expected, where the cold gas is. Much like the hot loop, it connects to an inlet and exhaust port on the Stirling engine. They must be across from each other. Unlike the hot loop, the cold loop connects to the cooling array. This allows the heat transferred into the cold loop from the hot loop to be emitted into space, which reduces the temperature of the cold loop gas, and increases the heat transfer in the Stirling engine.

	The '''cooling array''' is similar to the Supermatter Reactor's cooling array. It is a loop of pipes that radiate heat into space and reduce the temperature of the gases within its pipes. Unlike normal pipes, which mechanically act like insulated piping, cooling pipes have a much higher surface area and no insulation, allowing for greater heat removal.		The '''cooling array''' is similar to the Supermatter Reactor's cooling array. It is a loop of pipes that radiate heat into space and reduce the temperature of the gases within its pipes. Unlike normal pipes, which mechanically act like insulated piping, cooling pipes have a much higher surface area and no insulation, allowing for greater heat removal.

	The '''thermoelectric generator (TEG)~~'''~~ is the machine that converts heat in gases to electricity. Rather than operating via high-pressure steam turning an internal turbine, the ~~TEG~~ works through heat transfer between two gas loops. The greater the heat difference, the more electricity produced. It is the exact same machine utilized by the Supermatter Reactor.		The '''Stirling engine''' (formally called the thermoelectric generator or TEG) is the machine that converts heat in gases to electricity. Rather than operating via high-pressure steam turning an internal turbine, the Stirling engine works through heat transfer between two gas loops. The greater the heat difference, the more electricity produced. It is the exact same machine utilized by the Supermatter Reactor.

	'''Connectors''' are the ways in which gas is introduced into the turbine system. The Horizon, uniquely, has a direct connection between the burn chamber and its gas storage, however other vessels must use gas canisters to inject fuel into the system, or gas into the cold loop. The burn chamber connectors require an omnimixer to achieve a proper ratio of oxidant to hydrogen. The cold loop, however, does not require any particular mixture.		'''Connectors''' are the ways in which gas is introduced into the turbine system. The Horizon, uniquely, has a direct connection between the burn chamber and its gas storage, however other vessels must use gas canisters to inject fuel into the system, or gas into the cold loop. The burn chamber connectors require an omnimixer to achieve a proper ratio of oxidant to hydrogen. The cold loop, however, does not require any particular mixture.
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	<small>''See also: [[Guide to Atmospherics]]''</small>		<small>''See also: [[Guide to Atmospherics]]''</small>

	At a fundamental level, the turbine engine is simply what happens when you combine the combustion chamber of the thrusters and attach it to a ~~TEG~~ from the Supermatter engine. This gives us a look into how it works and lessens the legwork for describing the theory of how this engine works.		At a fundamental level, the turbine engine is simply what happens when you combine the combustion chamber of the thrusters and attach it to a Stirling engine from the Supermatter engine. This gives us a look into how it works and lessens the legwork for describing the theory of how this engine works.

	The simplified process is this: <code>Burn a gas mixture to produce superheated CO2 -> circulate CO2 in hot loop -> circulate cold gas in the cold loop -> temperature difference between hot/cold loops generates voltage in ~~TEG~~</code>		The simplified process is this: <code>Burn a gas mixture to produce superheated CO2 -> circulate CO2 in hot loop -> circulate cold gas in the cold loop -> temperature difference between hot/cold loops generates voltage in the Stirling engine.</code>

	But first, there is something key to understand. The Turbine engine is not, by technicality, a turbine generator. Turbine generators work through pushing high-pressure fluid through turbine fan blades causing rotary motion and driving a generator unit. The ~~TEGs~~ do not operate (entirely) off of this principle. They operate using temperature differences between two ends of the generator. Now, the ~~TEGs~~ mechanically are a black box in terms of power generation, but thankfully we don't need the minute details to understand how the system operates. All we need to know is this: Higher temperature difference = more power.		But first, there is something key to understand. The Turbine engine is not, by technicality, a turbine generator. Turbine generators work through pushing high-pressure fluid through turbine fan blades causing rotary motion and driving a generator unit. The Stirling engines do not operate (entirely) off of this principle. They operate using temperature differences between two ends of the generator. Now, the Stirling engines mechanically are a black box in terms of power generation, but thankfully we don't need the minute details to understand how the system operates. All we need to know is this: Higher temperature difference = more power.

	===The Hot Loop===		===The Hot Loop===
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	The choice in fuels and oxidizers largely boils down to choosing between phoron and hydrogen. Phoron will burn hotter than hydrogen. This is as a result of its heat capacity; how much heat energy it can store before the temperature raises. Phoron, then is a much better fuel than hydrogen. The issue, however, is phoron is rare and VERY expensive. It's recommended to stick with hydrogen for burn mixes.		The choice in fuels and oxidizers largely boils down to choosing between phoron and hydrogen. Phoron will burn hotter than hydrogen. This is as a result of its heat capacity; how much heat energy it can store before the temperature raises. Phoron, then is a much better fuel than hydrogen. The issue, however, is phoron is rare and VERY expensive. It's recommended to stick with hydrogen for burn mixes.

	Oxidizers, in this case, work practically the same. There may be some minor variations in performance. Their goal is entirely to produce oxygen for the combustion process. Finally, we have the product: Carbon dioxide. Regardless of what components are used in combustion, the result is '''always''' CO2. This is a fact of the game mechanics, even if it is scientifically dubious. Thankfully, the temperature of CO2 is all that matters in this system. The hotter the combustion burned, the higher the CO2 temperature, the more performance from the ~~TEG~~.		Oxidizers, in this case, work practically the same. There may be some minor variations in performance. Their goal is entirely to produce oxygen for the combustion process. Finally, we have the product: Carbon dioxide. Regardless of what components are used in combustion, the result is '''always''' CO2. This is a fact of the game mechanics, even if it is scientifically dubious. Thankfully, the temperature of CO2 is all that matters in this system. The hotter the combustion burned, the higher the CO2 temperature, the more performance from the Stirling engine.

	Earlier in the process a ratio was mentioned. 40% fuel to 60% oxidant. This is the golden ratio in combustion that leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining while maximizing the resultant temperature. There is a lot of math behind this ratio, and further details on the numbers behind each ratio increment, that can be found on the [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Burn_Ratio\|Thrusters guide here]]. Seeing as we care mostly about the temperature of the system, this ratio is best left as it is.		Earlier in the process a ratio was mentioned. 40% fuel to 60% oxidant. This is the golden ratio in combustion that leaves no fuel or oxidants remaining while maximizing the resultant temperature. There is a lot of math behind this ratio, and further details on the numbers behind each ratio increment, that can be found on the [[Guide_to_Thrusters#Burn_Ratio\|Thrusters guide here]]. Seeing as we care mostly about the temperature of the system, this ratio is best left as it is.
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	<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>		<small>''See also: [[Supermatter_Reactor#Coolant\|Supermatter Reactor/Coolant]]''</small>

	The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the ~~TEG~~ to operate, we want to minimize how much the cold loop heats up. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop performs best utilizing one of two gases: Phoron and hydrogen.		The cold loop is a much simpler system compared to the hot loop. It is made of 2 components: coolant gas and cooling array. The only major question here, then, is the heat capacity of the gas being used. Since temperature difference is what drives the Stirling engine to operate, we want to minimize how much the cold loop heats up. The higher the heat capacity, the better the cold loop performance. This is simply due to heat capacity's function in a gas. The more capacity the gas has, the more heat energy it can absorb before raising in temperature. Once it meets its heat capacity, it rises in temperature. For this reason, the cold loop performs best utilizing one of two gases: Phoron and hydrogen.

	The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.		The only other major item of note is the cooling array. This is the best passive method to reduce the temperature in the loop. The longer the cooling array, the better the cold loop performance. There are other methods of reducing the loop's temperature, such as gas cooler. These, however, consume power. Add too many coolers, and it will consume all of the power being produced by the system.