Question about fuel cells

[Rylant]

So I have never used fuel cells as delta v is precious to me lol, and I waste it, a lot. 
 

So if I have a ship with some fuel cells and some solar or RTG, will the ship prioritize using solar or RTG power and only use fuel in a fuel cell if necessary? Or will it constantly burn fuel to help with energy even if the solar capability is enough to keep up?

 Rylant

[Guest]

I don’t think it can prioritise but I think you can switch it on or off? It’s like a generator really. Also from the wiki:

“Leaving the fuel cells in activated mode is not so dangerous as it seems - they will suspend the conversion as the batteries are filled up to 95%.”

The Wiki

Edited May 28, 2021 by Guest
Link

[Snark]

18 hours ago, Rylant said:

So if I have a ship with some fuel cells and some solar or RTG, will the ship prioritize using solar or RTG power and only use fuel in a fuel cell if necessary? Or will it constantly burn fuel to help with energy even if the solar capability is enough to keep up?

The fuel cells only run when the ship's overall battery charge is below 95%. So as long as the solar panels are generating more power than the ship needs and keep the charge topped up, then the fuel cells will never run. They only kick in when the solar power drops off and the battery charge drains below 95%.

Also, as FruitGoose points out, you can turn the fuel cells off if you want to force them not to run.

[Max von Kerman]

You have to manually start fuel cells and solar panes only run when you extend them. RTG's are unstoppable.

[18Watt]

It is indeed normally safe to leave fuel cells on, if your ship has enough solar or RTG power to keep the batteries topped off under normal circumstances.  I normally turn mine off, just in case, but even when I forget it is not really a problem.  The fuel cells do indeed only run (consume fuel) when the batteries are below 95%.