[1.0.2] JSeebeckUtils : Electricity from heat gradients BETA v0.9 [2 May 2015]

[KwirkyJ]

General-purpose PartModule for all your heat-to-electricity needs.

DOWNLOAD HERE

With the introduction of a somewhat workable heat system, naturally comes the need to make use of it. Because it was exactly as straightforward as I expected, I present JSeebeckUtils.

IMPORTANT FEATURES:

As the name implies, approximates the Seebeck Effectâ€â€will generate ElectricCharge proportional to the greatest temperature gradient local to the part.

Can be assigned to any part (including struts)!

IS IN BETA: Balance is very much questionable at this point; feedback from play-testing is required.

Consider using this alongside Nertea's (alpha/beta) HeatControl Mod: read more here.

You might also be interested in coupling this with JDiminishinRTG.

Just launched, sitting on the pad...

Built up some heat! (overlay visible)

Installation instructions:

* download and unzip distribution

* merge GameData contents with KSP/GameData

* Requires ModuleManager for provided patches to operate.

KNOWN BUGS:

* High timewarp (warp ≥ 1000x ?) will change thermal modeling mode, possibly changing or eliminating temperature gradients.

* ADDENDUM: because the generator works on a temperature gradient, "full power" is a curious notion. Parts launch at equal temperature, so power generation at launch will start at zero.

For modders or super-users:

* Just add ModuleSeebeck to any relevant part.

CHANGELOG

*** 2 May 2015 (v0.9)
    * Beta release (for KSP v1.0.2)
    * General-purpose PartModule
    * Provided sample configs for Squad parts
    * Provided ModuleManager configuration for JDiminishingRTG

Edited May 6, 2015 by KwirkyJ

[Mecripp]

Think something like this would only work on large parts that have one side in the sunlight and one side dark and then on the darks side of a planet there wouldn't be any heat.

[KwirkyJ]

Think something like this would only work on large parts that have one side in the sunlight and one side dark and then on the darks side of a planet there wouldn't be any heat.

Due to the nature of the system, it is not a gradient on a single part; rather, it is the gradient between parts. A single-part vessel will, unfortunately, always generate zero power with this implementation. Unfortunately, calculating heat flux across a single part in isolation is a bit beyond what I intended to model

Somewhat by design, it is intended for use with other mods that generate heat (JDiminishingRTG, for example, or perhaps NearFuture Electrical or KSPI-extended) or, in stock, heat-generating parts such as LV-Ns or drills. By supporting compound parts such as struts, one can get some significant gradients indeed.

...Will see what comes of it, anyway, and thanks for the consideration.

[Mecripp]

I'm all for new things to try

[Azimech]

I love it! Finally something I can use for building a switch!

[Azimech]

It works!

I have some ideas, but will pm you.

[ToddKyle]

I will definitely give it a try....

[nikokespprfan]

Please ignore this post.

Edited April 26, 2016 by nikokespprfan