Solar Panel CFG code... whaaaat?

[Bluegobln]

So I realize there is a very handy and thorough guide on the wiki page here: http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/CFG_File_Documentation

However, the one thing that is missing that is driving me bonkers is this little bit that is part of every single solar panel array of any type.

MODULE
{
	name = ModuleDeployableSolarPanel

	animationName = bigsolarpanel

	raycastTransformName = suncatcher

	resourceName = ElectricCharge

	chargeRate = 14

	powerCurve
 	{
		key = 206000000000 0 0 0
		key = 13599840256 1 0 0
		key = 68773560320 0.5 0 0
		key = 0 10 0 0
 	}
}

Specifically, I want to know what the non-obvious stuff does. I assume it has to do with which angles the sun is caught by the array, and to what degree that affects the power output of the array, but nobody seems to have or be willing to share if they do on what specifically these numbers represent. The big number eludes me completely:

key =       13599840256                       1                                                         0   0
key =       68773560320                      0.5                                                        0   0
key = [what does this mean?] [I think the amount of power the array receives for this given sun angle] [?] [?]

Now.... assuming someone does have this information, I'd love if they pointed out where I can get it, or just tell me here (which would be fine of course but then we'd have to be sure to go about getting it on the wiki as well). If nobody has this information, then I'd like to propose we experiment and figure it out if possible. Seems like a useful thing to know how to do.

Ty for your time.

[EndlessWaves]

It's a FloatCurve so the data structure is documented in the sticky in the plugins forum.

As to what it's used for, from the values I'd assume it's distance from the sun and power produced (possibly a multiplier for charge rate).

[nyrath]

I have no idea.

I do know that in the real world the available power produced by a solar cell array decreases in proportion to the cosine of the angle the array is off from face-on to the sun. So if the array was 75 degrees (1.30899694 radians) off from face on, it would produce Cos(75°) = 0.2588 or 26% of maximum.

[hoojiwana]

	chargeRate = 14

	powerCurve
 	{
		key = 206000000000 0 0 0
		key = 13599840256 1 0 0
		key = 68773560320 0.5 0 0
		key = 0 10 0 0
 	}

I've done some experimentation with it already, and EndlessWaves is right. The really large number is altitude from the sun, and the small number immediately after that is a multiplier for the chargeRate. 13599840256 is Kerbins semi-major axis, and 68773560320 is Jool's. So your solar panels will produce half of the ElectricCharge that they are capable of when at Kerbin.

It does not follow the inverse square law and C7 mentioned that he would like to get around to fixing that at some point. He says that in the Scott Manley video when they were in a diner at GDC.

[Bluegobln]

It's a FloatCurve so the data structure is documented in the sticky in the plugins forum.

As to what it's used for, from the values I'd assume it's distance from the sun and power produced (possibly a multiplier for charge rate).

Link? I'm looking and I don't see what you're referring to, bud. It is chin deep in the complex stuff, I'm guessing, and I just can't be bothered with reading all that when I have no intention of doing more than modifying CFG files. :(

As far as the distance thing, that makes sense. I'd like to know what the other values are for or if they even do anything, but that alone is good enough. Thanks!

Also, 10x multiplier when you're on the surface of the sun eh? lol

I am actually flying a Sun mission soon, so I will share data on whether the solar panels perform... above expected. (Or perhaps they will melt).

[EndlessWaves]

Link?

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/10296-0-15-code-update-PartModule-KSPField-KSPEvent-ConfigNode-and-PartResource?p=156431&viewfull=1#post156431

I'd like to know what the other values are for or if they even do anything, but that alone is good enough. Thanks!

Distance, power multiplier and optionally incoming tangent, outgoing tangent (or possibly vice versa on the last two)

[Bluegobln]

Thanks mate. Appreciate it.