Solaris Core
| Solaris Core | |
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| Technology | |
| Invented by | Alda Engen, Elena |
| Used by | Private |
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History
In light of the recent (if limited) arrival of Hextech in Galudon, Alda Engen and Elena delved into planning possible alternatives to the mysterious Cymrinite Reactor that could integrate with conventional electrical systems, while still retaining both high performance and fuel-independence. At the same time, an exceedingly large-scale engine was being conceptualised by Elena, leading to significant cross-pollination between the nascent projects. As components and concepts were exchanged by the engineers, the Solaris Core started to take clearer shape, many of its core elements being completely redrafted multiple times over.
Although the earliest designs favoured simply improving fuel economy rather than fully eliminating conventional fuel usage, the integration of an oversized helio-vault in its heart allowed the luminarite-powered system to continue operating smoothly even through adverse or outright dangerous conditions, finally enabling drafting a completed model capable of not only bridging Soltech and traditional electrical power without relying on low-voltage photovoltaic crystals, but also providing a powerful and scalable source of solar energy for Soltech of greater scale and demand than otherwise possible, both contained within the same unit.
Construction
The Solaris Core leverages a set of several disparate systems integrated into its full form, beginning with the luminarite collector array. Dozens of individual luminarite cores are assembled and housed in parabolic dishes to maximise solar collection. From here, each dish is planted in specially-constructed petals which are assembled into a large interlocking dome, opening and closing together in a fashion reminiscent of a flowerbud. Power transfer continues with the cores’ energy being delivered to an oversized helio-vault that is mounted in a reinforced and heat-resistant nickel-iron frame at the heart of the collector array, serving to normalise output throughout all hours and conditions. From this helio-vault, a series of heavy lenses are attached and mounted into optical tubes that direct its energy into the second half: the generator itself.
Situated in a reinforced, steel-framed brass sphere for safety, the generator elements are affixed and the brass shell sealed with removable rivets, before emergency vents with sacrificial valves are added for controlled pressure release, and the copper-cored nickel radiator rods are inserted to manage heat dispersal. The highly concentrated solar energy coming in is used in heating a high-pressure steam boiler and superheater coils, which. While the steam power system pipes the pressurised and superheated steam through a series of turbo-alternator assemblies, followed by a simple water condenser for reuse and comparatively primitive external capacitor banks for storage, the main focal lens can be shifted to disengage the entire steam power element and instead direct output down an alternative routing, redirecting the helio-vault’s terrible energies for direct application in other Soltech.
When not encased in surrounding equipment, the Solaris Core appears as a brass sphere connected to a heavy dome, lined with seams from its hidden vents. Their radii vary from 2m on the smaller end, up to 4m for the largest variations. While the collector is deployed, the dome is open in a flowering shape, revealing the parabolic dishes and collector luminarite crystals mounted on the interior of the petals, though this can be closed into its tightly-packed default formation to protect the relatively sensitive collector array from damage. During the latter state, regulation of heat buildup demands the opening of its exterior vents, using a separate open-cycle water coolant system that pours out thick gouts of steam while active.
With its housing opened for maintenance, the sequenced turbines may be safely removed from their own housing and replaced, requiring the boiler system to be fully spun down. The capacitor fluid may also be replaced during this state if required, though this is a much less frequent and more technically intensive process, requiring highly specialised equipment rarely available in the field.
Application
The actual function of the Solaris Core is twofold. While engaged in its electrical generation mode, it is able to serve as a primary generator with high concentrated power output and no fuel requirements, bridging Soltech with conventional electrical systems; conversely, during its solar redirection mode it provides extremely high-density solar energy for use in other high-demand Soltech equipment directly. However, its high output and mixed-use design come at a cost: not only are its turbines prone to suffering from greater creep than traditional coal-fueled Steamtech, requiring regular replacement by trained personnel, but during the solar redirection mode as well as maintenance the turbo-alternator is entirely disengaged. This forces the electrical output to rely on the comparatively primitive capacitor banks, which can only supply a limited period of backup power before the boiler needs to be spun up once more.
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