Difference between revisions of "Solars"

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The '''Solar Arrays''' are backup power source. They are very useful if the [[Engine]] is nonfunctional for [[Traitor|some reason]]. As name suggests, solar arrays generate electrical power from sun. While they won't generate as much as other power sources, they are reliable and don't require maintenance if properly set up.
<sup>'''The SCCV Horizon, unlike the NSS Aurora, does not possess pre-prepared solar arrays. Solars have not been removed from the game, however, and so this guide is preserved as it was to provide information about how solars function.'''</sup>


== Locations ==
The solar panels, for the [[SCCV Horizon]], are a secondary power source, and rapidly made redundant by the [[INDRA]] and [[Supermatter Engine]]. For locations such as sensor relays and derelict stations, they quickly become a primary power source. Wherever they are installed, they can be very useful if the [[Supermatter_Engine|engine]] is nonfunctional for [[Traitor|some reason]]. While they won't generate as much as other power sources, they are reliable and don't require extensive maintenance if properly set up.
[[File:Solarexamples.png|thumb|300px|An example solar array.]]
[[File:Solar array example 2.png|thumb|Partially-constructed solar arrays.]]


There are four total solar arrays on the Aurora:
==Required Supplies==
* On the main level, South of the Engine Rooms, past the maintenance door, take the left and up two ladders to access three telecommunication solar arrays.
* On surface level, South of the bathrooms/dormitories, past the maintenance door, take immediate left and up one ladder to access surface solar arrays.


== Setting up ==
To start, you will need:
Setup of solar arrays is very simple, as they already start pre-wired. The machinery has to be properly configured in order to function.
* [[File:Beltengineer.png]] A toolbelt, with requisite tools
You will also need to wire the solars together and link them to the console located within.
* [[File:Gloves_insulated.png]] A set of insulated gloves (unless you are a [[Vaurca]])
''' PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT LEAVE KNOTS EVERYWHERE'''
* [[File:CableCoils.png]] Several bundles of cable coil
* [[File:Metal.png]] Steel sheets
* [[File:Glass.png]] Glass sheets
* [[File:Circuit_board.png]] A circuit board for a superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES)
* A few superconductive magnetic coils
* [[File:Circuit_board.png]] A circuit board for a solar control console (can be found in a solar panel crate)
* [[File:Solar-tracker.png]] Electronics for a tracker (can be found in a solar panel crate)
* [[File:Solar_assembly.png]] Solar panel assemblies (can be found in a solar panel crate)


=== Calibration ===
==Building Solars==
As station is orbiting local sun, solar arrays have to be calibrated properly. Usually, the easiest way is simply opening the solar array control console, and pressing the "Auto" button. If the wiring isn't damaged, solars should automatically calibrate themselves. Also, please note that station blocks sunlight. This means output of solar array is fluctuating between 0 and 90 000 Watts. To compensate, the SMES power storage units are used.
''See also: [[Guide to Construction]]''


=== SMES Setup ===
On most away sites, an SMES to take in power from the solars and a solar control console will typically already be set up. This guide is going to assume you are assembling everything from scratch. This guide also assumes you understand the basics of construction and wiring.
[[File:SMES.png]] SMES units store power generated by solar array and send it to the main grid. As solar arrays are often used as backup power source it is reccomended to leave the SMES output offline, until they are needed. Optimal SMES settings are:
* 90 000W Input, charging mode Auto.
* 50 000W Output, charging mode Offline.


This will ensure the SMESs charge as backup power source, which will be ready should [[Engine]] failure occur. If this happens, simply turn the SMES outputs to Online. Alternatively the station [[AI]] may do this, if your station is equipped with one. With all five solar arrays online station should have at least 250 000 Watts of power, which is enough to operate life support, AI and other important systems, as long as power saving measures are utilised (aka: turning off unnecessary lights, and limiting usage of high powered machinery)
# Locate an area in EVA that has enough space to secure multiple solar panels. You should find a spot that is near an airlock, as so to use less wire on connecting SMES, solar tracking consoles, and panels.
 
# Once you've located your area, build an SMES [[file:SMES.gif]]. Be sure to place a wire node not just underneath the power terminal of the SMES, but beneath the SMES itself. To be able to access this easier, alt-click on the tile.
Important note: Setting the SMES below 90 000W input is not reccommended, it will result in wasted power. If the input wire doesn't have enough energy available, the SMES will input at least as much as possible. The same applies for outputs, with an extra note that outputs of all SMESes on a single power grid will try to balance themselves. See the page [[SMES]] for more information on how this works.
# Build a solar control console. Place a wire node underneath the console, and ensure the wires of the console and SMES power terminal dovetail.
# Begin placing a wire length leading from the console and SMES out through the airlock towards the area you plan to assemble your solar panels. Create branches that end in wire nodes for every intended solar panel. '''If you're at an away site that already has solar assemblies secured to the floor, simply connect all unconnected wires.''' Be sure not to leave wire nodes everywhere.
# Use steel to construct solar panel assemblies. Place them on each wire node.
# Secure each assembly with a wrench.
# Apply glass to each secured assembly.
# Preferably at the tail end of your panel farm, create a wire that ends in a node. Take a solar panel assembly, wrench it in place, add the tracker circuits to it, and add glass.
# Return to your solar tracker console and SMES. Turn on and preferably maximize the SMES's input and output.
# Check the solar tracker console. Click <code>Search for Assemblies</code>. Then, set the tracking to <code>Auto</code>. After a moment, you should see that the watts that the solar panels generate increase exponentially.
# Congratulations! You've just generated power!


== Solar Maintenance ==
== Solar Maintenance ==
Space is full of dangers. While solar arrays provide reliable power source, they may be easily damaged by meteors or [[Traitor|other dangers]]. This section will explain how to repair the array.
Space is full of dangers. While solar arrays provide reliable power source, without active shields they may be easily damaged by meteors, space dust, or [[Traitor|other dangers]]. This section will explain how to repair the array.
 
=== Wiring Damage ===
This problem may be easily fixed by replacing damaged/missing wiring.
 
=== Solar Panel(s) Damage ===
Each solar panel is covered by double glass sheet. If this sheet was damaged it has to be replaced. Crowbar the broken glass out and replace it. If the panel was completely destroyed obtain replacement solar panel assembly. Few assemblies should be in Engineering Storage, alternatively contact [[Cargo]] department to order more. Wrench the assembly in place and add protective glass sheets.


=== Solar Tracker Damage ===
* '''Wiring damage:''' Easily fixed by replacing damaged/missing wiring.
Solar tracker is special piece of machinery which ensures the solar array is properly aligned. If it's destroyed it has to be replaced. Obtain new solar panel assembly, wrench it in place and then insert solar tracker circuit board. Then add two glass sheets and your new tracker is finished.<br>
* '''Panel damage:''' Each solar panel is covered by double glass sheet. If this sheet is damaged, it has to be replaced. Use a crowbar to remove the glass, and replace it. If the panel was completely destroyed, you'll need a replacement solar panel assembly. You can order more from Operations.
''Please note that it is not recommended to have more than one tracker for each solar array.''
* '''Solar tracker damage:''' The solar tracker is special piece of machinery which ensures the solar array is properly aligned. If it's destroyed, it has to be replaced; see above for instructions on how to make a new one. ''It is not recommended to have more than one tracker for each solar array.''
* '''SMES damage:''' SMES units are quite simple to replace, with the only expensive component being magnetic coils for their power storage. Most of the time, more coils can be found in [[Engineering]] storage, or ordered from Operations.


=== SMES Damage ===
SMES units are very expensive to replace. For more information on this complex piece of machinery refer to [[SMES|SMES Manual]].<br>
Please note that solar arrays should '''NEVER''' be wired into the main grid. If there are two or more arrays in same grid, controllers conflict which usually results in both arrays ceasing to function. If you want the array to output all available power to the grid directly, set SMES output to maximum.
Please note that solar arrays should '''NEVER''' be wired into the main grid. If there are two or more arrays in same grid, controllers conflict which usually results in both arrays ceasing to function. If you want the array to output all available power to the grid directly, set SMES output to maximum.


[[File:Example.jpg]]
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Latest revision as of 02:14, 17 October 2023

The SCCV Horizon, unlike the NSS Aurora, does not possess pre-prepared solar arrays. Solars have not been removed from the game, however, and so this guide is preserved as it was to provide information about how solars function.

The solar panels, for the SCCV Horizon, are a secondary power source, and rapidly made redundant by the INDRA and Supermatter Engine. For locations such as sensor relays and derelict stations, they quickly become a primary power source. Wherever they are installed, they can be very useful if the engine is nonfunctional for some reason. While they won't generate as much as other power sources, they are reliable and don't require extensive maintenance if properly set up.

Partially-constructed solar arrays.

Required Supplies

To start, you will need:

  • Beltengineer.png A toolbelt, with requisite tools
  • Gloves insulated.png A set of insulated gloves (unless you are a Vaurca)
  • CableCoils.png Several bundles of cable coil
  • Metal.png Steel sheets
  • Glass.png Glass sheets
  • Circuit board.png A circuit board for a superconductive magnetic energy storage (SMES)
  • A few superconductive magnetic coils
  • Circuit board.png A circuit board for a solar control console (can be found in a solar panel crate)
  • Solar-tracker.png Electronics for a tracker (can be found in a solar panel crate)
  • Solar assembly.png Solar panel assemblies (can be found in a solar panel crate)

Building Solars

See also: Guide to Construction

On most away sites, an SMES to take in power from the solars and a solar control console will typically already be set up. This guide is going to assume you are assembling everything from scratch. This guide also assumes you understand the basics of construction and wiring.

  1. Locate an area in EVA that has enough space to secure multiple solar panels. You should find a spot that is near an airlock, as so to use less wire on connecting SMES, solar tracking consoles, and panels.
  2. Once you've located your area, build an SMES SMES.gif. Be sure to place a wire node not just underneath the power terminal of the SMES, but beneath the SMES itself. To be able to access this easier, alt-click on the tile.
  3. Build a solar control console. Place a wire node underneath the console, and ensure the wires of the console and SMES power terminal dovetail.
  4. Begin placing a wire length leading from the console and SMES out through the airlock towards the area you plan to assemble your solar panels. Create branches that end in wire nodes for every intended solar panel. If you're at an away site that already has solar assemblies secured to the floor, simply connect all unconnected wires. Be sure not to leave wire nodes everywhere.
  5. Use steel to construct solar panel assemblies. Place them on each wire node.
  6. Secure each assembly with a wrench.
  7. Apply glass to each secured assembly.
  8. Preferably at the tail end of your panel farm, create a wire that ends in a node. Take a solar panel assembly, wrench it in place, add the tracker circuits to it, and add glass.
  9. Return to your solar tracker console and SMES. Turn on and preferably maximize the SMES's input and output.
  10. Check the solar tracker console. Click Search for Assemblies. Then, set the tracking to Auto. After a moment, you should see that the watts that the solar panels generate increase exponentially.
  11. Congratulations! You've just generated power!

Solar Maintenance

Space is full of dangers. While solar arrays provide reliable power source, without active shields they may be easily damaged by meteors, space dust, or other dangers. This section will explain how to repair the array.

  • Wiring damage: Easily fixed by replacing damaged/missing wiring.
  • Panel damage: Each solar panel is covered by double glass sheet. If this sheet is damaged, it has to be replaced. Use a crowbar to remove the glass, and replace it. If the panel was completely destroyed, you'll need a replacement solar panel assembly. You can order more from Operations.
  • Solar tracker damage: The solar tracker is special piece of machinery which ensures the solar array is properly aligned. If it's destroyed, it has to be replaced; see above for instructions on how to make a new one. It is not recommended to have more than one tracker for each solar array.
  • SMES damage: SMES units are quite simple to replace, with the only expensive component being magnetic coils for their power storage. Most of the time, more coils can be found in Engineering storage, or ordered from Operations.

Please note that solar arrays should NEVER be wired into the main grid. If there are two or more arrays in same grid, controllers conflict which usually results in both arrays ceasing to function. If you want the array to output all available power to the grid directly, set SMES output to maximum.

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