Difference between revisions of "Battery"

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{{itembox
+
{{SimpleItembox
−
| item = Battery
+
|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockBatteryBlock
−
| description = Stores and discharges power. 
+
|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|MaxPowerOutput|RequiredPowerInput|MaxStoredPower|InitialStoredPowerRatio#%|ResourceSinkGroup|ResourceSourceGroup|PCU|IsAirTight
−
| tool = no
+
}}{{SimpleItembox
−
| largeship = yes
+
|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallBlockBatteryBlock
−
| smallship = yes
+
|Size|Mass|Integrity|BuildTimeSeconds|MaxPowerOutput|RequiredPowerInput|MaxStoredPower|InitialStoredPowerRatio#%|ResourceSinkGroup|ResourceSourceGroup|PCU|IsAirTight
−
| component = no
+
}}{{CategorizeComponents|Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockBatteryBlock}}
−
| rawmaterial = no
 
−
| material = no
 
  
−
| lbuildtime = 45
+
== Overview ==
−
| lpowerconsumption = 4
+
The '''battery''' is a single block that has a similar function to the [[Small Reactor|reactors]] in that it will power blocks on a [[grid]]. It does not require any materials to be powered, and does come with a small intial charge but beyond this it must collect energy either from [[Solar Panel|Solar panels]], [[Large Reactor|Large Reactors]], and/or [[Small Reactor|Small Reactors]] before it can be put to use (or even other batteries).
−
| lmaxpoweroutput = 4
 
−
| lmaxstoredenergy = 1
 
−
| lcomponentstructure = 2
 
−
| lcomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
−
| lcomponent1amt = 60
 
−
| lcomponent2 = Construction Component
 
−
| lcomponent2amt = 20
 
−
| lcomponent3 = Computer
 
−
| lcomponent3amt = 25
 
−
| lcomponent4 = Power Cell
 
−
| lcomponent4amt = 120
 
−
| lcomponent5 = Metal Grid
 
−
| lcomponent5amt = 5
 
−
| lcomponent6 = Construction Component
 
−
| lcomponent6amt = 10
 
−
| lcomponent7 = Steel Plate
 
−
| lcomponent7amt = 20
 
−
| lwidth = 1
 
−
| lheight = 1
 
−
| ldepth = 1
 
  
−
| sbuildtime = 30
+
With [[Update 01.105]], a battery, once built, already has a 30% charge, meaning it can be used immediately. However, it is now no longer possible to salvage [[Power Cell|Power Cells]] from a battery, any power cells will be recovered as [[Scrap Metal]], losing a significant amount of [[Nickel Ingot|Nickel]] and [[Silicon Wafer|Silicon]].
−
| spowerconsumption = 1.44
 
−
| smaxpoweroutput = 1.44
 
−
| smaxstoredenergy = 0.36
 
−
| scomponentstructure = 3
 
−
| scomponent1 = Steel Plate
 
−
| scomponent1amt = 20
 
−
| scomponent2 = Construction Component
 
−
| scomponent2amt = 3
 
−
| scomponent3 = Computer
 
−
| scomponent3amt = 10
 
−
| scomponent4 = Power Cell
 
−
| scomponent4amt = 20
 
−
| scomponent5 = Metal Grid
 
−
| scomponent5amt = 2
 
−
| scomponent6 = Construction Component
 
−
| scomponent6amt = 2
 
−
| scomponent7 = Steel Plate
 
−
| scomponent7amt = 5
 
−
| swidth = 3
 
−
| sheight = 2
 
−
| sdepth = 3
 
−
 
 
−
| version = {{subst:currrentversion}}
 
−
}}
 
−
== Overview ==
 
−
Introduced in update [[Update 01.039.010]], the battery is a single block that has a similar function to the reactors in that it will power blocks on a grid. It does not require any materials to be powered, however, it must first recharge and collect energy either from [[Solar Panel|Solar panels]], [[Large Reactor|Large Reactors]], and/or [[Small Reactor|Small Reactors]] before it can be put to use. It may be placed on all grids (small ship, large ship, and stations).
 
  
 
== Usage ==
 
== Usage ==
−
The battery is a convenient solution to saving/reserving power, and using no material resources that reactors for example would otherwise require. Or in the case of an incident, provide emergency power while repairs are made.
+
The battery is a convenient solution to saving/reserving power, and using no fuel that reactors for example would otherwise require. Or in the case of an incident, provide emergency power while repairs are made.
  
−
The battery block may be placed anywhere. It also does not require that it be next to the object(s) that it is powering. Batteries can be used on small ships, large ships, and stations.
+
The battery block may be placed anywhere and unlike Reactors does not need to connected to a [[Conveyor]] network for refueling.  
−
;Note
 
−
:*Batteries on a small ship take up 2x3x3 block space, opposed to 1 block on large ships/stations.
 
  
 
=== Control Panel ===
 
=== Control Panel ===
 +
* '''Max Output''' - Maximum amount of power the battery can output to the grid
 +
* '''Max Required Input''' - Maximum amount of power the battery can receive when in recharge state
 +
* '''Max Stored Power''' - Maximum amount of power that can be stored on battery
 +
* '''Current Input''' - The amount of power that the battery is currently drawing from the grid
 +
* '''Current Output''' - The amount of power that the battery is currently providing to the grid
 +
* '''Stored Power''' - The remaining amount of power that is stored within the battery
 +
* '''Fully Depleted In''' - Time remaining till the battery is depleted of stored power
 +
* '''Fully Charged In''' -  Time remaining till the battery is fully charged.
 +
=== Indicators ===
 +
{{#vardefine:GREEN|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Green.png]]}}
 +
{{#vardefine:BLUE|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Blue.png]]}}
 +
{{#vardefine:YELLOW|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Yellow.png]]}}
 +
{{#vardefine:RED|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Red.png]]}}
 +
{{#vardefine:BLACK|[[File:Air_Vent_Front_Indicator_Black.png]]}}
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | Interface Definitions
+
!
 +
!colspan="3" | Charge Mode
 +
! Toggle Block
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Max Output
+
! Charged %
−
|Maximum amount of power the battery can output to the grid
+
! Auto
 +
! Recharge
 +
! Discharge
 +
! Off
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Max Required Input
+
! 100%
−
|Maximum amount of power the battery can receive when in recharge state
+
| {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:GREEN}}
 +
| {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:YELLOW}}
 +
| {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLUE}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Max Stored Power
+
! ≥75%
−
|Maximum amount of power that can be stored on battery
+
| {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Current Input
+
! ≥50%
−
|The amount of power that the battery is currently drawing from the grid
+
| {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Current Output
+
! ≥25%
−
|The amount of power that the battery is currently providing to the grid
+
| {{#var:GREEN}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:YELLOW}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:BLUE}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Stored Power
+
! >0%
−
|The remaining amount of power that is stored within the battery
+
| {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Fully Depleted In
+
! 0%
−
|Time remaining till the battery is depleted of stored power
+
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}} {{#var:BLACK}}
 +
| {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}} {{#var:RED}}
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
  
 
=== Recharging ===
 
=== Recharging ===
−
Unlike reactors and solar panels, batteries must be recharged beforehand in order to be used as a power source. A ship may also recharge its battery through [[Connector|Connectors]] by drawing power from the other side while docked. This does not cost extra power.
+
Although a newly constructed battery will have some charge already available, providing power instantly once complete, the main purpose of the battery is to store and discharge power as needed. A ship may also recharge its battery through [[Connector]]s by drawing power from the other side while docked. This does not cost extra power. However, recharging from any source will only work at 80% efficiency rate which incurs a 20% penalty on recharging, meaning the block needs 20% more power for the amount of power returned to the grid.
  
−
:*Indicators on the battery itself inform the player its status of stored power.
 
−
{|
 
−
|
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
 
−
!colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | Charging State
 
−
|-
 
−
!Indicator Amount
 
−
!Power
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |0 Bars
 
−
|Charging from 0%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |1 Blue
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |25%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |2 Blue
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |50%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |3 Blue
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |75%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |4 Blue
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |100%
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | In-Use State
 
−
|-
 
−
!Indicator Amount
 
−
!Power
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |4 Green
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |Below 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |3 Green
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |Below 75%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |2 Green
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |Below 50%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |1 Green
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |Below 25%
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |1 Red
 
−
| style="text-align:center;" |0%
 
−
|}
 
−
|}
 
 
==== Recharge Toggle ====
 
==== Recharge Toggle ====
−
To charge a battery, the player must go into the battery control interface, then check "recharge". During this state, the battery will draw power from the surrounding grid to store in its reserves. It may not power anything during this state. Un-checking this option will cause the battery to provide power till it runs out. It will not recharge again till the player toggles "recharge" once again.
+
A Battery can recharge regardless of whether its Recharge setting is toggled or not, but if it's set to Recharge it will ONLY recharge and will not discharge or provide power. During this state, the battery will only draw power from the surrounding grid to store in its reserves. It will not discharge again till the player toggles "recharge" once again.  Be aware that the charging process is not 100% efficient.  Regardless of where the energy is coming from, only about 83.33% of the energy will actually be stored in the battery, the remainder being wasted due to an inherent inefficiency.
−
==== Semi-Auto Toggle ====
+
 
 +
==== Discharge Toggle ====
 +
Once a battery has enough charge in it it may be set to only discharge it's stored power into the grid, the battery ''should'' take priority over reactors (using fuel) but not active solar panels - this may vary due to subgrids and etc. A battery can discharge its stored power whether the it's discharge setting is toggled or not, but toggling the discharge means it will ONLY discharge and not at all draw power from other power sources such as other batteries or reactors.
 +
 
 +
==== When neither Discharge or Recharge is toggled ====
 +
During this state which is the default state of a newly built battery, it will recharge automatically if there is any surplus power it can draw from and discharge automatically if there is a shortfall in power supply that is if there is more power being drawn that otherwise available without the battery's reserves. This is unwise as it may if [[Large Reactor|Reactors]] are present quickly recharge and then discharge this stored energy, since the battery's charging is inefficient you essentially lose fuel in the process.
 +
 
 +
==== Auto Toggle ====
 
This mode will enable the battery to automatically recharge when at 0%, and then discharge when at 100%. In other words, it will automatically recharge and power the grid without player intervention.
 
This mode will enable the battery to automatically recharge when at 0%, and then discharge when at 100%. In other words, it will automatically recharge and power the grid without player intervention.
  
 
=== Charging with Reactors ===
 
=== Charging with Reactors ===
−
While reactors can recharge batteries, its efficiency is decreased by 80%; In effect, this causes reactors to drain far more power just to charge the battery. Reactors can recharge the battery quickly, however, this is considered very inefficient, and causes reactors to use far more fuel than is necessary.
+
While reactors can recharge batteries, the efficiency is only about 80%, as noted above. Reactors due to high output can recharge the battery quickly, however this is considered very inefficient. Merely converting the stored energy in [[Uranium Ingot]]s, to stored energy in batteries - which is not 1:1 conversion. Resulting in essentially losing 20% of the fuel in the process with inefficiency [3.60 MWh of Reactor output -> 3.00 MWh of Battery output after being fully charged].
  
 
=== Charging with Solar panels ===
 
=== Charging with Solar panels ===
−
Solar panels recharge batteries at 100% efficiency. While a single solar panel does not have the same power output as reactors, it is considered "free" energy since no materials are lost for the energy gained. It should be noted that while solar panels draw power and recharge the battery at no cost, it does so at a much lower rate. A single solar panel will recharge a battery from 0-100% in 9 hours on a large ship; small ship batteries will recharge in 18hrs. To recharge a battery using only solar power (at maximum output), it requires 36 panels, or 54 panels on a small ship.
+
While a single [[Solar Panel]] does not have the same power output as reactors, it is considered "free" energy since no fuel is spent to generate power. It will however be painfully slow with a single or a few panels being used and suffers the same efficiency penalty as do [[Reactor]]s, a single large [[Solar Panel]] operating at peak effectiveness ({{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockSolarPanel|?MaxPowerOutput#kW}}) will take upwards of ''{{timespan|{{#expr: {{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockBatteryBlock|?MaxStoredPower#-n}} / ({{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockSolarPanel|?MaxPowerOutput#-n}} * 0.8)  * 3600}}}}'' to fully charge a large ship battery and ''{{timespan|{{#expr: {{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallBlockBatteryBlock|?MaxStoredPower#-n}} / ({{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallBlockSolarPanel|?MaxPowerOutput#-n}} * 0.8) * 3600}}}}'' for a small ship battery - so ideally a large array of solar panels should be used.  
  
−
While 30+ panels appears impractical for a shorter recharge, its more logical to create such things as recharge satellites that your ships can dock with to recharge their batteries.
+
While 30+ panels appears impractical to be built on a ship for a shorter recharge, its more logical to create such things as recharge satellites that your ships can dock with to recharge their batteries.
 
[[File:Battery02.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Example of a solar recharge station. A small ship is docked and recharging its battery]]
 
[[File:Battery02.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Example of a solar recharge station. A small ship is docked and recharging its battery]]
  
 
=== Power Output ===
 
=== Power Output ===
−
Once charged, the battery can begin to power the grid it is placed on. It has nearly the same output capabilities as a small reactor with an output of 4MW on large ships/stations, and 1.44MW on small ships. The battery life can vary depending on power usage. On a typical small ship can last anywhere from 2-4 hours while in constant use (moving, mining, etc). Large ships will use far more power, and a single battery will only sustain a default red ship for 2 hours while idling, or 15 minutes of constant movement.
+
Once charged, the battery can begin to power the grid it is placed on. It has nearly the same output capabilities as a small reactor with an output of {{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/LargeBlockBatteryBlock|?MaxPowerOutput#MW}} on large ships/stations, and {{#show:Mod:Vanilla/CubeBlock/SmallBlockBatteryBlock|?MaxPowerOutput#MW}} on small ships. The battery life can vary depending on power usage. On a typical small ship can last anywhere from 2-4 hours while in constant use (moving, mining, etc). Large ships will use far more power, and a single battery will only sustain a default red ship for 2 hours while idling, or 15 minutes of constant movement.
 
[[File:Battery06.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Example of a battery providing power to a small construction ship]]
 
[[File:Battery06.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Example of a battery providing power to a small construction ship]]
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
|[[File:Battery05.jpg|center|thumb|400px|Small ship battery block]]
+
|[[File:Battery Small new.jpg|center|thumb|250px|Small ship battery block (design used in 2022)]]
−
|[[File:Battery01.jpg|center|thumb|400px|Large ship/station battery block]]
+
 
 +
|[[File:Large battery new.jpeg|center|thumb|250px|Large ship or station battery block (design used in 2022)]]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|[[File:Battery03.jpg|center|thumb|400px|Battery block interface on a small ship]]
+
|[[File:Battery UI new.jpeg|center|thumb|250px|Battery block control interface]]
−
|[[File:Battery04.jpg|center|thumb|400px|Battery block interface on a large ship/station]]
 
−
|}
 
  
 
== Tips ==
 
== Tips ==
 +
 +
* See [[Electricity]] for more information.
  
 
== Known Issues ==
 
== Known Issues ==
 +
 +
* Reactors charging a battery will not calculate their remaining fuel time correctly and will cause no fuel warnings.
 +
 +
* While the [[grid]] does correctly prioritize power sources for everything directly connected to it, once sub-grids (such as grids accessed through [[rotor|rotors]], [[piston|pistons]], [[connector|connectors]], etc) also supply or draw power the battery can become confused. Such issues include:
 +
 +
* Batteries will charge and discharge at the same time as they attempt to run all system energy through them. This will lead to an automatic loss of fuel through inefficiency.
 +
 +
* Battery energy is not calculated as a part of a ship's energy output nor as part of its energy reserves.
 +
 +
* If energy use exceeds the output of solar panels, solar power will shut down entirely and all energy will be drawn from the battery.
  
 
== Programming ==
 
== Programming ==
−
(IMyBatteryBlock)<br>
+
Implements [[Implements::IMyBatteryBlock]]
−
Actions: 4
+
* [[Programming_Guide/Action_List#Battery|Action List - Battery]]
−
Toggle block On/Off
 
−
Toggle block On
 
−
Toggle block Off
 
−
Recharge On/Off
 
  
−
Properties: 0
+
== Design ==
 +
The Warfare II DLC adds a "Warfare battery" with a different model. This is only cosmetic and has the same energy capacity and output as a regular battery.
  
 
== Update History ==
 
== Update History ==
 
<div style="-webkit-border-image: none;-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 1px 1px 0px inset;background-color: #eeeeee;border-bottom-color: #AFAFAF;border-bottom-left-radius: 3px;border-bottom-right-radius: 3px;border-bottom-style: solid;border-bottom-width: 1px;border-left-color: #AFAFAF;border-left-style: solid;border-left-width: 1px;border-right-color: #AFAFAF;border-right-style: solid;border-right-width: 1px;border-top-color: #AFAFAF;border-top-left-radius: 3px;border-top-right-radius: 3px;border-top-style: solid;border-top-width: 1px;box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 1px 1px 0px inset;color: #333;display: block;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 1em;height: auto;line-height: 20px;margin-bottom: 5px;margin-left: 8px;margin-right: 8px;margin-top: 0px;min-height: 20px;padding-bottom: 4px;padding-left: 4px;padding-right: 4px;padding-top: 4px;width: auto;">
 
<div style="-webkit-border-image: none;-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 1px 1px 0px inset;background-color: #eeeeee;border-bottom-color: #AFAFAF;border-bottom-left-radius: 3px;border-bottom-right-radius: 3px;border-bottom-style: solid;border-bottom-width: 1px;border-left-color: #AFAFAF;border-left-style: solid;border-left-width: 1px;border-right-color: #AFAFAF;border-right-style: solid;border-right-width: 1px;border-top-color: #AFAFAF;border-top-left-radius: 3px;border-top-right-radius: 3px;border-top-style: solid;border-top-width: 1px;box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.046875) 0px 1px 1px 0px inset;color: #333;display: block;font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size: 1em;height: auto;line-height: 20px;margin-bottom: 5px;margin-left: 8px;margin-right: 8px;margin-top: 0px;min-height: 20px;padding-bottom: 4px;padding-left: 4px;padding-right: 4px;padding-top: 4px;width: auto;">
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.105]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 +
*Battery block's behavior changed
 +
*Battery block's Power cell component is no longer recoverable.
 +
|+
 +
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.096]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 +
*Battery capacity and output increased
 +
|+
 +
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.041]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 +
*Fixed cost of recharging battery is called "Sprint"
 +
*Fixed full batteries still using energy
 +
|+
 +
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.040]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 +
*Semi-auto mode introduced
 +
*Fixed lags with batteries turned to charging mode
 +
|+
 
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.039.010]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 
|style="text-align: center;width: 8%"| [[Update 01.039.010]] ||style="padding-left: 10px;padding-right: 10px;"|
 
*Battery block introduced
 
*Battery block introduced
Line 193: Line 166:
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
[[Category:Power Blocks]]
 
[[Category:Power Blocks]]
 +
[[Category:Functional_Blocks]]

Latest revision as of 06:23, 27 June 2022

Battery Icon.png
Large Ship / Station
Battery
Large Ship Icon.png
ComponentsRequired
 Functional 
Dimensions (W,H,L)1,1,1
Mass3,845 kg
3,845,000 g
3,845,000,000 mg
3.845 t
Integrity12,925
Build time40 s
Max Power Output12 MW
12,000 kW
12,000,000 W
Max Required Input12 MW
12,000 kW
12,000,000 W
Max Stored Power3 MWh
3,000 kWh
3,000,000 Wh
10,800 MJ
10,800,000 kJ
10,800,000,000 J
Initial Stored Power30 %
Power Consumer GroupBatteryBlock
Power Source GroupBattery
PCU Cost15
Is AirtightYes
BrowseLast edit: 2020-04-11
Battery Icon.png
Small Ship
Battery
Small Ship Icon.png
ComponentsRequired
 Functional 
Dimensions (W,H,L)3,2,3
Mass1,040.4 kg
1,040,400 g
1,040,400,000 mg
1.04 t
Integrity3,652
Build time20 s
Max Power Output4 MW
4,000 kW
4,000,000 W
Max Required Input4 MW
4,000 kW
4,000,000 W
Max Stored Power1 MWh
1,000 kWh
1,000,000 Wh
3,600 MJ
3,600,000 kJ
3,600,000,000 J
Initial Stored Power30 %
Power Consumer GroupBatteryBlock
Power Source GroupBattery
PCU Cost15
Is AirtightNo
BrowseLast edit: 2020-04-11

Overview

The battery is a single block that has a similar function to the reactors in that it will power blocks on a grid. It does not require any materials to be powered, and does come with a small intial charge but beyond this it must collect energy either from Solar panels, Large Reactors, and/or Small Reactors before it can be put to use (or even other batteries).

With Update 01.105, a battery, once built, already has a 30% charge, meaning it can be used immediately. However, it is now no longer possible to salvage Power Cells from a battery, any power cells will be recovered as Scrap Metal, losing a significant amount of Nickel and Silicon.

Usage

The battery is a convenient solution to saving/reserving power, and using no fuel that reactors for example would otherwise require. Or in the case of an incident, provide emergency power while repairs are made.

The battery block may be placed anywhere and unlike Reactors does not need to connected to a Conveyor network for refueling.

Control Panel

  • Max Output - Maximum amount of power the battery can output to the grid
  • Max Required Input - Maximum amount of power the battery can receive when in recharge state
  • Max Stored Power - Maximum amount of power that can be stored on battery
  • Current Input - The amount of power that the battery is currently drawing from the grid
  • Current Output - The amount of power that the battery is currently providing to the grid
  • Stored Power - The remaining amount of power that is stored within the battery
  • Fully Depleted In - Time remaining till the battery is depleted of stored power
  • Fully Charged In - Time remaining till the battery is fully charged.

Indicators

Charge Mode Toggle Block
Charged % Auto Recharge Discharge Off
100% Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png
≥75% Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png
≥50% Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png
≥25% Air Vent Front Indicator Green.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Yellow.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Blue.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png
>0% Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png
0% Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Black.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png Air Vent Front Indicator Red.png

Recharging

Although a newly constructed battery will have some charge already available, providing power instantly once complete, the main purpose of the battery is to store and discharge power as needed. A ship may also recharge its battery through Connectors by drawing power from the other side while docked. This does not cost extra power. However, recharging from any source will only work at 80% efficiency rate which incurs a 20% penalty on recharging, meaning the block needs 20% more power for the amount of power returned to the grid.

Recharge Toggle

A Battery can recharge regardless of whether its Recharge setting is toggled or not, but if it's set to Recharge it will ONLY recharge and will not discharge or provide power. During this state, the battery will only draw power from the surrounding grid to store in its reserves. It will not discharge again till the player toggles "recharge" once again. Be aware that the charging process is not 100% efficient. Regardless of where the energy is coming from, only about 83.33% of the energy will actually be stored in the battery, the remainder being wasted due to an inherent inefficiency.

Discharge Toggle

Once a battery has enough charge in it it may be set to only discharge it's stored power into the grid, the battery should take priority over reactors (using fuel) but not active solar panels - this may vary due to subgrids and etc. A battery can discharge its stored power whether the it's discharge setting is toggled or not, but toggling the discharge means it will ONLY discharge and not at all draw power from other power sources such as other batteries or reactors.

When neither Discharge or Recharge is toggled

During this state which is the default state of a newly built battery, it will recharge automatically if there is any surplus power it can draw from and discharge automatically if there is a shortfall in power supply that is if there is more power being drawn that otherwise available without the battery's reserves. This is unwise as it may if Reactors are present quickly recharge and then discharge this stored energy, since the battery's charging is inefficient you essentially lose fuel in the process.

Auto Toggle

This mode will enable the battery to automatically recharge when at 0%, and then discharge when at 100%. In other words, it will automatically recharge and power the grid without player intervention.

Charging with Reactors

While reactors can recharge batteries, the efficiency is only about 80%, as noted above. Reactors due to high output can recharge the battery quickly, however this is considered very inefficient. Merely converting the stored energy in Uranium Ingots, to stored energy in batteries - which is not 1:1 conversion. Resulting in essentially losing 20% of the fuel in the process with inefficiency [3.60 MWh of Reactor output -> 3.00 MWh of Battery output after being fully charged].

Charging with Solar panels

While a single Solar Panel does not have the same power output as reactors, it is considered "free" energy since no fuel is spent to generate power. It will however be painfully slow with a single or a few panels being used and suffers the same efficiency penalty as do Reactors, a single large Solar Panel operating at peak effectiveness (160 kW
0.16 MW
160,000 W
) will take upwards of 23 hours, 26 minutes and 15 seconds to fully charge a large ship battery and 1 day, 7 hours, 15 minutes and 0 seconds for a small ship battery - so ideally a large array of solar panels should be used.

While 30+ panels appears impractical to be built on a ship for a shorter recharge, its more logical to create such things as recharge satellites that your ships can dock with to recharge their batteries.

Example of a solar recharge station. A small ship is docked and recharging its battery

Power Output

Once charged, the battery can begin to power the grid it is placed on. It has nearly the same output capabilities as a small reactor with an output of 12 MW
12,000 kW
12,000,000 W
 on large ships/stations, and 4 MW
4,000 kW
4,000,000 W
 on small ships. The battery life can vary depending on power usage. On a typical small ship can last anywhere from 2-4 hours while in constant use (moving, mining, etc). Large ships will use far more power, and a single battery will only sustain a default red ship for 2 hours while idling, or 15 minutes of constant movement.
Example of a battery providing power to a small construction ship

Media

Small ship battery block (design used in 2022)
Large ship or station battery block (design used in 2022)


Battery block control interface

Tips

Known Issues

  • Reactors charging a battery will not calculate their remaining fuel time correctly and will cause no fuel warnings.
  • While the grid does correctly prioritize power sources for everything directly connected to it, once sub-grids (such as grids accessed through rotors, pistons, connectors, etc) also supply or draw power the battery can become confused. Such issues include:
  • Batteries will charge and discharge at the same time as they attempt to run all system energy through them. This will lead to an automatic loss of fuel through inefficiency.
  • Battery energy is not calculated as a part of a ship's energy output nor as part of its energy reserves.
  • If energy use exceeds the output of solar panels, solar power will shut down entirely and all energy will be drawn from the battery.

Programming

Implements IMyBatteryBlock

Design

The Warfare II DLC adds a "Warfare battery" with a different model. This is only cosmetic and has the same energy capacity and output as a regular battery.

Update History

Update 01.105
  • Battery block's behavior changed
  • Battery block's Power cell component is no longer recoverable.
Update 01.096
  • Battery capacity and output increased
Update 01.041
  • Fixed cost of recharging battery is called "Sprint"
  • Fixed full batteries still using energy
Update 01.040
  • Semi-auto mode introduced
  • Fixed lags with batteries turned to charging mode
Update 01.039.010
  • Battery block introduced
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